Mozzarella Carrozza is a tasty Italian treat, like a cheesy, crispy sandwich! It’s made with soft mozzarella cheese, nestled between slices of bread and then fried to golden perfection.
Every bite is warm and gooey, perfect for sharing (or not!). I love serving it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping—so delightful that it quickly disappears at any gathering! 🍞🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Mozzarella: This cheese is the highlight, giving a delightful stretch. If it’s not available, you can use low-moisture mozzarella or provolone. Just know that the texture might change slightly!
White Sandwich Bread: Classic options here work best, but if you want to switch it up, sourdough or ciabatta adds great flavor. Just ensure it’s not too crusty, or it may be hard to fry crisp.
Eggs and Milk: These help bind the coating. For a vegan option, try a mixture of mashed bananas or silken tofu blended with a splash of plant-based milk. Your carrozza will still be delicious!
Breadcrumbs: Fresh or panko breadcrumbs will give your carrozza a crispy outer layer. If you’re in a pinch, crushed crackers or cornflakes can work too. Just pulse them to your desired texture!
How Do You Get the Perfect Crispy Coating?
The coating is crucial to achieving that crispy texture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- After you dip the sandwich in flour, make sure to shake off the excess. It helps the egg wash cling better.
- Coat the sandwich thoroughly in the egg mixture to ensure a good hold. Don’t forget to cover all edges!
- When pressing into breadcrumbs, use your hands to press down slightly. This helps them stick well. A double coating with egg and breadcrumbs will give it that extra crunch!
- Heat your oil until it’s shimmering but not smoking—this means it’s hot enough to fry without absorbing too much oil.
- Fry in batches, leaving some space between sandwiches to avoid steaming them. Don’t overcrowd!
With these tips, your Mozzarella Carrozza will be crispy outside and wonderfully stretchy inside. Enjoy every bite!
How to Make Mozzarella Carrozza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwiches:
- 8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
For the Coating:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups fine breadcrumbs (preferably fresh or panko)
For Frying and Serving:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
- Marinara sauce, for serving
Time Needed:
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and around 10-15 minutes for frying, depending on your stove. Make sure to serve your delicious Mozzarella Carrozza right after frying for the best gooey texture!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Start by placing the mozzarella slices evenly on 4 slices of the bread. Once that’s done, top each with the remaining slices of bread to create sandwiches. Gently press down on each sandwich to seal them well.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, combine the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Whisk them together until they’re nice and smooth—this will be your binding mixture!
3. Set Up the Coating Stations:
Get your flour ready by spreading it out on a plate. Do the same with the breadcrumbs on another plate. This organization will make the coating process a breeze!
4. Coat the Sandwiches:
Dust each sandwich lightly with flour on both sides. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. This step is important for the crispy coating!
5. Breadcrumb Coating:
After the egg dunk, press each sandwich into the breadcrumbs on both sides so they’re well coated. For a crunchier texture, repeat the process—go back to the egg mixture and then again to the breadcrumbs.
6. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or frying pan, pour in enough vegetable oil to cover about 1/2 inch of the bottom. Heat it over medium until it’s hot but not smoking. You can test the oil by dropping in a breadcrumb; if it sizzles, it’s ready!
7. Fry the Sandwiches:
Carefully add the sandwiches to the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them; you want them perfectly toasted!
8. Drain and Serve:
Once they’re done frying, remove the mozzarella carrozza from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
9. Slice and Garnish:
Cut each sandwich into halves or quarters for easy eating. Drizzle with marinara sauce, sprinkle grated Parmesan, and finish off with fresh basil for a beautiful presentation.
10. Enjoy!
Serve your Mozzarella Carrozza immediately while it’s warm and stretchy. It’s the perfect cheesy treat for any occasion!
Enjoy your crispy, gooey Mozzarella Carrozza with the vibrant marinara sauce on the side!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella is traditional for its stretchiness, you can experiment with cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a blend of them. Just keep in mind that some cheeses might melt differently!
Can I Make These Sandwiches Without Eggs?
Yes! For an egg-free option, you can use a mixture of mashed bananas, silken tofu, or a commercial egg replacer blend with a little splash of milk. Each will help bind the breadcrumbs while keeping it moist.
What Can I Serve with Mozzarella Carrozza?
Pairing them with marinara sauce is a classic choice, but you can also serve them with pesto, garlic aioli, or a fresh salad for some crunch. They also complement a light soup beautifully!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet to regain that crispy texture, or use a toaster oven for best results!
