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Copycat Olive Garden's Fried Mozzarella
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If you love Mozzarella cheese, then you'll go crazy for this copycat recipe from the Olive Garden. Slices of Mozzarella cheese are breaded and fried to perfection, creating a cheesy and crunchy treat.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
1 review
1 comment
ingredients
1 package (16 ounce size) Mozzarella cheese block
2 eggs beaten
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup corn starch
oil, as needed for deep frying
directions
Slice the Mozzarella into thick (1/2 to 3/4-inch thick) triangles. Alternately you can slice the cheese into sticks.
Whisk together the eggs and water in a shallow dish. Combine the bread crumbs, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning in another shallow dish. Mix the flour and cornstarch and place in a third shallow dish.
Heat oil in a deep fryer to 360 degrees F. You can also use a heavy, deep skillet to fry the cheese.
Dip the cheese triangles first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next coat them in the egg wash making sure to coat all sides. Let any excess egg drip off. Finally, press the cheese in the bread crumb mixture, patting gently so the crumb mixture adheres on all sides.
Place the coated cheese slices in the hot oil and fry for 15-20 seconds or until the crumb coating is golden brown. Remove the fried Mozzarella from the oil and let drain on paper toweling.
Serve the fried Mozzarella with marinara sauce, for dipping.
recipe tips
Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (360 degrees F) before frying so the breading doesn't become greasy.
Pat the bread crumbs onto the cheese slices gently to make sure they adhere properly.
Do not overcrowd the frying pan to allow the Mozzarella slices to cook evenly and prevent them from sticking together.
Serve the fried Mozzarella immediately after frying so it's still gooey. As it cools the cheese will start to firm up again.
You can season the breadcrumbs with additional herbs or spices like paprika or cayenne for a different flavor.
common recipe questions
Can I use pre-sliced Mozzarella cheese?
Pre-sliced cheese isn't usually thick enough. You'll want the slices to be at least 1/2-inch thick (3/4-inch is best).
What oil is best for frying the cheese?
Neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil are best for frying due to their high smoke points.
Can I bake the Mozzarella instead of frying it?
You can bake the breaded Mozzarella slices in a preheated oven at 425 degrees F for about 10-12 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
How do I know when the cheese is ready?
The cheese is done frying when the breadcrumb coating is golden brown and crispy, which should take about 15-20 seconds.
What can I serve with the fried cheese?
Fried Mozzarella is commonly served with marinara sauce for dipping, but you can also pair it with pesto, salsa, or a garlic aioli.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it's best served fresh, you can bread the Mozzarella slices ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to fry for up to a few hours.
How can I prevent the cheese from melting too quickly?
Chill the breaded Mozzarella in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying to help the cheese retain its shape and prevent it from melting too quickly.
nutrition data
741 calories, 39 grams fat, 61 grams carbohydrates, 36 grams protein per serving.
Please note:
This is a copy cat recipe submitted to CDKitchen by a third-party. This recipe is not an original recipe unless specifically stated and is considered only to be an acceptable "clone" to the original for the home cook to attempt to duplicate. Please also note that many nationwide restaurant chains vary their menus and ingredients by region so the version provided may not be similar to what you may have tried before. All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.
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reviews & comments
December 12, 2016
I used string cheese instead of cutting up a block of mozz. I liked the seasonings a lot in the coating!