Mozzarella In Carrozza is an Italian deep-fried mozzarella sandwich – Golden crisp on the outside and creamy melt-in-your-mouth on the inside.
Mozzarella in carrozza literally means “mozzarella in a carriage”, and it’s a deep-fried bread sandwich filled with delicious molten mozzarella cheese. This poor meal was originally made with leftover bread and mozzarella bits. It was first created in Naples area about 200 years ago, and it’s still one of the most popular comfort food in Italy.
The 3 most popular Mozzarella in Carrozza versions come from Rome, Naples and Messina.
Naples: The very basic version, the only ingredient between the two slices of crispy bread is pure buffalo mozzarella. It’s incredibly creamy inside and the mozzarella is the one and only star.
Rome: The roman version adds two extra ingredients and uses fior di latte instead of buffalo mozzarella. Either anchovies or cooked ham are added. It’s more rich and definitely bold in flavors.
Messina: In this Sicilian version, the mozzarella is trapped between two slices of bread gently brushed with béchamel sauce. The lightly spiced sauce gives a unique complex flavor and extra creaminess, delivering a mozzarella in carrozza that literally melts in your mouth.
As you can see there are many ways to enjoy Italian mozzarella in carrozza and each one tastes amazingly delicious. Whether you choose to go basic, add béchamel sauce or any other favorite ingredient, I promise these will be your new favorite comfort food.
How To Make A Deep-fried Mozzarella Sandwich
To make this deep-fried mozzarella sandwich all you need is very basic ingredients, a fresh beautiful mozzarella ball, plus one of the fillings above ( or whatever you like, your sandwich your rules).
Ingredients
4 white sandwich bread slices
150gr fresh buffalo mozzarella (or regular organic mozzarella), sliced
2 eggs,
1 tbsp milk,
1 cup flour,
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 cups peanut/vegetable frying oil
salt & pepper
With the help of a sharp knife cut the crust off two slices of white sandwich bread.
Brush the bread with béchamel sauce for the Sicilian version, add a slice of ham for the roman way or leave it plain for the Neapolitan. Add 2 thick mozzarella slices (about 1-inch wide) and close the sandwich.
Arrange flour in a bowl or plate, and dredge the mozzarella sandwich in until fully coated.
Beat eggs and milk in another bowl, season to taste with salt and pepper. Coat the sandwich on all sides with the egg-wash until fully covered.
Arrange breadcrumbs on a plate and coat the sandwich to fully seal the mozzarella inside and avoid leaks during frying process.
Heat the oil a in a deep heavy sauce-pan or a wok. Add more oil if needed until is enough to deep-fry the sandwich. Heat over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer reads 350°. Gently fold the sandwich in and deep-fry 2 mins on each side, or until crispy and golden on both sides. Drain on kitchen paper and serve nice and hot. Enjoy!
Don’t be shy and play with the ingredients as much as with the sizes. Choose a toast-size mozzarella in carrozza for a fulfilling meal, sandwich-size for a tasty happy hour snack or make cube-sized bites for pretty finger food.
This Italian fried mozzarella sandwich is a FANTASTIC way to surprise all your friends, vegetarians included. Be careful, they’re dangerously addicting!
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