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Mozzarella Tots Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 61 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/mozzarella-tots-recipe/