Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites Recipe

Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites Recipe for Snack Lovers

Crispy golden parmesan mozzarella bites bring serious snack excitement to your kitchen adventure.

Little cheese bombs pack incredible flavor into every delightful morsel.

Small appetizers work magic for casual gatherings and spontaneous cravings.

Melted cheese centers create irresistible texture that makes people smile.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of salty, rich goodness.

You’ll want to whip up a batch and watch everyone devour them in seconds.

Why Parmesan Mozzarella Bites Are a Snack Favorite

  • Perfect for pulling together a delicious appetizer in under 30 minutes with minimal kitchen skills.
  • Choose between frying or baking based on your preference, making these cheese bites adaptable to different cooking styles and kitchen setups.
  • Irresistible bite-sized snacks that appeal to both children and adults, ideal for game nights, potlucks, and casual gatherings.
  • Easily modify the breading with different seasonings or cheese types to create unique variations that match your taste preferences.

Ingredients List for Parmesan Mozzarella Bites

Cheese Ingredients:
  • Mozzarella Sticks: Soft cheese that becomes gooey and stretchy when heated, key component of the bites.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps create a crispy coating, best when freshly grated.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Flour: Creates a dry base for egg and breadcrumb adherence, helps prevent cheese from leaking.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps breadcrumbs stick to cheese, provides golden color when cooked.
  • Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy exterior, traditional Italian-style breadcrumbs work best.
  • Italian Seasoning: Adds herbal flavor profile, blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • Garlic Powder: Introduces mild garlic flavor without moisture, enhances overall seasoning.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste, balances the cheese's richness.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for deep frying, neutral flavor that withstands high temperatures.
  • Cooking Spray: Helps create crispy exterior when baking, prevents sticking to baking sheet.
  • Marinara Sauce: Classic dipping sauce with tomato base, optional serving suggestion.
  • Ranch Dressing: Creamy alternative dipping sauce, tangy and cool complement to hot cheese bites.

How to Cook Parmesan Mozzarella Bites in Minutes

Step 1: Slice and Chill Cheese

Cut mozzarella sticks into three equal pieces. Freeze for 30 minutes to help maintain shape during cooking.

Step 2: Create Coating Stations

Set up three separate bowls:

First Bowl: Flour

Second Bowl: Whisked Eggs

Third Bowl: Seasoned Breading Mix

  • Breadcrumbs
  • Grated Parmesan
  • Italian Seasoning
  • Garlic Powder
  • Salt

Step 3: Coat Cheese Pieces

Dunk each frozen cheese piece through coating stations:
  • First, roll in flour, shake off excess
  • Next, dip in egg wash
  • Finally, coat thoroughly in seasoned breadcrumb mixture

Repeat egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crunch

Place coated cheese bites on baking sheet

Freeze additional 15-20 minutes to prevent melting

Step 4: Cook Cheese Bites

Frying Method:

Heat vegetable oil to 350F in deep pan

Fry cheese pieces in small batches

Cook 1-2 minutes until golden brown

Remove with slotted spoon

Drain on paper towels

Baking Method:

Preheat oven to 400F

Arrange cheese bites on parchment-lined baking sheet

Lightly spray with cooking spray

Bake 8-10 minutes until crispy and golden

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate hot cheese bites

Serve with marinara sauce, ranch, or preferred dipping sauce

Smart Tips for Parmesan Mozzarella Bites Perfection

  • Freeze Thoroughly: Ensure mozzarella pieces are completely frozen before breading to prevent cheese from melting during cooking.
  • Double Coat for Crispiness: Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating to create an extra-thick, crunchy exterior that seals in melted cheese.
  • Control Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent 350F oil heat to achieve golden-brown color without burning or undercooking the cheese bites.
  • Drain Excess Oil: Use paper towels to absorb extra oil, keeping the cheese bites crisp and preventing greasiness.
  • Customize Seasonings: Experiment with different herbs and spices in the breadcrumb mixture to personalize flavor profiles, such as adding red pepper flakes or dried basil.

Reheating Parmesan Mozzarella Bites Without Losing Texture

  • Store leftover cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Restore crispiness by baking at 375F for 8-10 minutes, ensuring they're heated through without becoming soggy.
  • Warm bites at 350F for 3-4 minutes, which helps maintain their crunchy exterior and melty interior.
  • Skip microwaving, as it will make the breading soft and compromise the delightful crispy texture of these cheesy treats.

Best Pairings for Parmesan Mozzarella Bites

  • Crisp Pinot Grigio cuts through the rich, cheesy flavor and complements the crispy texture, creating a delightful Italian-inspired pairing.
  • Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the deep-fried cheese bites, adding refreshing brightness and cutting through the heaviness.
  • Homemade marinara sauce with fresh basil elevates the cheese bites, providing a classic Italian-style condiment that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Hoppy IPA with citrus notes creates a bold contrast to the cheesy bites, cleansing the palate and adding an exciting flavor dimension.

Fun Ways to Switch Up Parmesan Mozzarella Bites

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free panko crumbs for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds and use a low-carb flour substitute like coconut flour to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use plant-based mozzarella and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to accommodate dairy-free diets while maintaining a cheesy flavor profile.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment with different herb blends like rosemary, thyme, or za'atar in the breading mixture to create unique flavor combinations and add complexity to the cheese bites.
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Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites Recipe

Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites deliver irresistible Italian-style appetizer magic in one perfect golden morsel. Melted cheese and crunchy exterior create a delightful snack that will make you crave more with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) seasoned breadcrumbs

Cheese and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Cooking Ingredient:

  • Vegetable oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking)

Instructions

  1. Meticulously slice each mozzarella stick into three uniform segments, then swiftly transfer to the freezer for a robust 30-minute chilling period to guarantee structural integrity.
  2. Establish a comprehensive breading workflow by arranging three distinct shallow containers: the first filled with pristine flour, the second housing whisked eggs, and the third blending breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan, aromatic Italian seasoning, pungent garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Methodically coat each frozen cheese segment by first dusting with flour, ensuring excess is gently shaken off, then immersing in beaten eggs before rolling thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, applying gentle pressure to create a robust crust.
  4. For enhanced crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process, creating a doubly textured exterior.
  5. Strategically arrange the breaded cheese morsels on a chilled baking sheet, returning them to the freezer for an additional 15-20 minutes to prevent catastrophic melting during cooking.
  6. For frying enthusiasts, heat vegetable oil to a precise 350F in a deep pan, carefully submerging cheese bites in small batches and frying until achieving a golden-brown perfection, approximately 1-2 minutes.
  7. Alternatively, baking aficionados should preheat the oven to 400F, positioning cheese bites on a parchment-lined tray, lightly misting with cooking spray, and baking until achieving a crisp, golden exterior.
  8. Present these molten cheese delicacies immediately, accompanied by vibrant marinara sauce, creamy ranch, or your preferred dipping companion, ensuring maximum flavor and temperature enjoyment.

Notes

  • Freeze mozzarella sticks thoroughly to prevent cheese from melting too quickly during cooking and ensure a crispy exterior with a gooey inside.
  • Double-coat the cheese bites in breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy and more substantial breading that locks in the melty cheese.
  • Pat cheese pieces completely dry before coating to help breading adhere better and create a more even, crisp exterior.
  • For gluten-free option, swap regular flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free panko crumbs to maintain the same delicious texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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