Mozzarella Tots Recipe

Introduction

Mozz Tots are a crispy, cheesy snack that’s perfect for any occasion. These bite-sized treats combine gooey mozzarella with a crunchy Parmesan-panko crust, fried to golden perfection. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

• 12 (1-oz.) mozzarella sticks
• 1/3 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 cup)
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4 cups)
• Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and pat them dry. Cut each stick into thirds crosswise.
2. Step 2: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with lightly beaten eggs mixed with a pinch of kosher salt, and one with a mixture of panko and grated Parmesan.
3. Step 3: Working in small batches of 2 to 3, dredge each mozzarella piece in flour, coating evenly. Dip in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Place the breaded pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Freeze the coated mozz tots until the cheese is just frozen, about 90 minutes to 2 hours. If frozen longer, thaw completely and refreeze before frying to avoid hard cheese inside.
5. Step 5: Set a wire rack over a baking sheet or line a large plate with paper towels. Heat vegetable oil in a medium pot to a depth of 2 inches over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
6. Step 6: Fry the mozz tots in batches of 5 to 6, lowering them gently with a slotted spoon. Fry until golden brown, about 1 minute. Use the slotted spoon to transfer them to the wire rack. Adjust heat as needed to maintain temperature.
7. Step 7: Arrange the fried mozz tots on a platter and serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Pat mozzarella sticks dry to prevent excess moisture and improve coating adherence.
• For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the panko mixture.
• If you prefer baking, bake frozen tots at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway for crispiness.
• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage

Store any leftover mozz tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of mozzarella sticks?

Shredded mozzarella may not hold its shape when frying, so mozzarella sticks cut into thirds work best to keep a tasty, melty center.

Why do I need to freeze the coated mozz tots before frying?

Freezing firms up the cheese, preventing it from melting too quickly and leaking out during frying. This helps maintain a crispy crust and gooey center.

Mozzarella Tots Recipe

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Mozz Tots are crispy, golden-fried mozzarella cheese bites that are breaded with a mixture of panko and Parmesan for an extra crunchy coating. These delicious snacks are perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, making a satisfying appetizer or party treat.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes 30 seconds
• Yield: 36 mozzarella tots (12 sticks cut into thirds) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Cheese and Coating

• 12 (1-oz.) mozzarella sticks
• 1/3 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• Kosher salt, a pinch
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 oz Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 cup)

Frying

• Vegetable oil, about 4 cups (for frying)

Serving

• Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese: Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture. Cut each stick crosswise into thirds to form bite-sized pieces.
2. Set Up Breading Stations: Place the flour in a small shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a pinch of kosher salt until smooth. In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and finely grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well.
3. Bread the Mozz Tots: Working with 2 to 3 pieces at a time, dredge each mozzarella piece in the flour, ensuring it is evenly coated. Next, dip it into the beaten egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the piece thoroughly with the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing firmly so the coating adheres well. Place the breaded tots in a single layer on a small baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Freeze the Tots: Freeze the breaded mozzarella pieces until the cheese inside is just frozen, which takes at least 90 minutes and up to 2 hours. If frozen longer, the cheese inside will remain hard after frying. If accidentally frozen longer than 2 hours, thaw completely and refreeze for 90 minutes before frying.
5. Heat the Oil: Set a large wire rack inside a baking sheet to drain excess oil after frying. Pour vegetable oil into a medium pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C), using a deep-fry or instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
6. Fry the Mozz Tots: Fry 5 to 6 tots at a time until they are golden brown, approximately 1 minute. To prevent sticking, lower each piece gently and individually into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Avoid dropping multiple pieces together or too close to one another. Transfer the fried tots to the wire rack to drain excess oil. Adjust heat as needed to keep the oil temperature consistent at 375°F.
7. Serve: Arrange the hot, crispy mozz tots on a serving platter and serve immediately. Offer marinara sauce alongside for dipping, if desired.

Notes

• Make sure the mozzarella sticks are very dry before breading to ensure the coating adheres properly.
• Freezing the breaded tots before frying helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out.
• Maintain a consistent oil temperature to achieve perfectly crispy tots without absorbing excess oil.
• If you want to make these ahead, you can freeze them after breading and fry straight from frozen.
• Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to carefully lower and remove tots from the hot oil safely.
• Serving with marinara sauce adds a tasty, classic pairing for a delicious cheesy appetizer.

Keywords: mozzarella tots, fried cheese bites, appetizer, panko Parmesan coating, mozzarella sticks, marinara dipping sauce