Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites
These crispy and gooey mozzarella bites, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan, are an irresistible snack perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cheese Bites
- 12–15 cubes mozzarella cheese cubes (about 1-inch pieces)
Coating Mixture
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko for extra crunch)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 piece egg, beaten
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Cooking
- Oil for frying or spraying (if baking or air frying)
Instructions
Preparation
- Set up your coating station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten egg in another, and mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a third bowl.
- Coat the mozzarella cubes: Roll each cube first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more.
- Freeze the coated bites: Arrange the coated mozzarella cubes on a tray and freeze for 20–30 minutes to help them hold their shape while cooking.
Cooking
- To fry: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the bites in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- To bake: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- To air fry: Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Serve immediately: Drain on paper towels and serve hot with marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic dip.
Notes
Pro Tips: Freeze before cooking to prevent cheese from melting too fast. For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. Prepare and freeze the coated bites ahead of time, then cook straight from frozen. For flavor boost, add chili flakes or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture.