These Fried Mozzarella Cheese Balls are bite-sized, irresistibly cheesy, and easy to make with just a few ingredients. They fry up crisp and golden with a soft, gooey center—perfect for parties or game day.
As a kid I loved mozzarella sticks with marinara, but these little fried mozzarella balls are even better. A crunchy Italian breadcrumb crust gives way to warm, melty mozzarella—dipped in marinara, they’re downright addictive.
These are ideal as a finger food for game day or holiday gatherings. They’re quick to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and simple enough that guests will keep asking for more.
Why You’ll Love This Appetizer:
- Quick: Deep frying is fast—these take about 60–90 seconds per batch.
- Simple ingredients: No long shopping list required.
- Big on flavor: The Italian breadcrumbs and garlic powder pack flavor; the sauce is optional but recommended.
- Perfect for entertaining: Bite-sized and easy to serve for groups.
Ingredients:
Mozzarella: I use Galbani string cheese cut into 6 pieces each; it melts well without becoming overly runny.
All-purpose flour: A light dredge helps the egg adhere.
Eggs: Whisked to make the breadcrumbs stick.
Italian breadcrumbs: Seasoned crumbs create a golden, flavorful crust when fried.
Oil: Neutral high-smoke-point oils like vegetable or canola are best.
Tip: A candy thermometer helps monitor oil temperature so the cheese melts without leaking.
Substitutions and Variations:
- If you prefer a different dip, try a simple ranch or another creamy sauce.
- Don’t have Italian breadcrumbs? Season plain breadcrumbs with dried oregano, parsley, and basil—about 1 teaspoon of each.
- I recommend frying for the best texture. Reheating in the oven is possible but won’t be quite the same.
How to Make Fried Mozzarella Cheese Balls:
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, oregano, parsley, and garlic powder. If your breadcrumbs are already seasoned, the extra herbs are optional but add more flavor.
Step 2: Prepare three bowls: flour in bowl 1, whisked eggs in bowl 2, and the breadcrumb mixture in bowl 3.
Step 3: Slice each cheese stick into six pieces. Dredge each piece in flour, dip fully in egg, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs. Make sure no cheese is exposed—any exposed cheese can leak during frying. Place the coated balls on a plate while you finish the rest.
Step 4: Warm marinara sauce on low heat so it’s ready when the cheese balls come out of the oil.
Step 5: Fill a large pot with about 3 cups of oil and heat to roughly 340°F (about 170°C). Working in batches (2–3), carefully add the cheese balls, spacing them so they don’t touch. Fry 60–90 seconds until golden, then remove.
Step 6: Drain on a wire rack and repeat with remaining batches. Keep an eye on the oil temperature so the cheese melts inside without breaking the crust.
Step 7: Serve the fried cheese bites immediately with warm marinara and enjoy while they’re hot and gooey.
Expert Tips:
- Make sure no cheese is visible after breading; any exposed area will leak during frying.
- Keep oil between 330–350°F and fry for only 60–90 seconds to avoid bursting the crust.
- Fry in small batches so the balls don’t stick together and the oil temperature remains steady.
- These are best served fresh; reheating can cause the cheese to leak quickly, so enjoy them right away.
Recipe FAQs:
Marinara is a classic choice, warm and slightly tangy. A creamy ranch also pairs well if you prefer a milder dip.
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as canola or vegetable oil.
Store leftover cheese balls in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a 350°F oven and watch carefully to avoid melting through the crust.
More Game Day Recipes You’ll Love:
Bacon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Pinwheels (4 Ingredients)-
Buffalo Chicken Wontons
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Dutch Oven Chili
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Loaded Tater Tots (Totchos)
If you tried this Fried Cheese Ball Recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment to let us know how it turned out—we love hearing from you!
Recipe
Fried Mozzarella Cheese Balls
5 from 1 review
- Author: Tara Smithson
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 bite sized cheese balls
Description
These Fried Mozzarella Cheese Balls are small, crispy, and packed with melty cheese. They’re easy to make and a fantastic appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 6 Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (part skim), unwrapped
- 1.5 cups Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 3 cups canola or vegetable oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Whisk together the Italian breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, oregano, parsley, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
- Set up three bowls: flour, whisked eggs, and the breadcrumb mixture.
- Slice each cheese stick into 6 pieces. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat completely with breadcrumbs. Ensure no cheese is exposed.
- Warm marinara sauce on low heat so it’s ready to serve.
- Heat about 3 cups of oil in a large pot to 340°F. Fry the cheese balls in batches, 60–90 seconds each, until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Drain on a wire rack and repeat with remaining batches.
- Serve immediately with warm marinara.
Equipment
Candy thermometer (recommended)
Notes
- Make sure no cheese is visible after breading to prevent leaking.
- Maintain oil between 330–350°F; fry only 60–90 seconds.
- Fry in small batches to avoid sticking and temperature drops.
- Best enjoyed fresh; leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated briefly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: deep fried
- Cuisine: American