Mozzarella In Carrozza is a popular Italian fried mozzarella sandwich - Golden crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside.
Mozzarella in carrozza is a crispy sandwich loaded with cheesy, gooey, mozzarella- Basically the Italian answer to the American grilled cheese sandwich.
The name mozzarella in carrozza in Italian means "mozzarella in a carriage", and it's a fried sandwich filled with delicious mozzarella.
It was first created in the Naples area about 200 years ago, and it's still one of the most popular comfort foods in Italy.
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The most popular versions
The most popular mozzarella in carrozza recipes come from Rome, Naples, and Messina (Sicily).
Naples
In the original and 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 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 richer and definitely bold in flavour.
Messina
In the Sicilian version, the mozzarella is trapped between two slices of bread gently brushed with béchamel sauce.
The lightly spiced white sauce gives a uniquely complex flavor and extra creaminess, delivering a sandwich that literally melts in your mouth.
As you can see there are many ways to enjoy this classic Italian recipe and each one tastes amazingly delicious.
Whether you choose to go basic, add béchamel sauce or any other favorite ingredient, I promise this mozzarella sandwich will become your new favorite comfort food.
Fried mozzarella sandwich Ingredients
The classic fried mozzarella sandwich is made with 6 simple everyday ingredients:
- Sandwich bread: I used white bread here, but wholemeal, multi-grain or gluten-free bread would most surely work just as great.
- Eggs: together with milk they help secure your sandwich.
- Flour: you can use all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour if needed.
- Milk: a little milk is mixed with the eggs to create an egg wash that secures your sandwich.
- Mozzarella: you can use homemade mozzarella, store-bought mozzarella, or buffalo mozzarella. Make sure you pat the slices dry so that it's not too watery.
- Breadcrumbs: you can use regular breadcrumbs, homemade italian breadcrumbs, or panko breadcrumbs, which is my favourite option.
Then you can add one of the fillings mentioned above, such as bechamel sauce, ham, anchovies, or any other filling you like.
How to make mozzarella in carrozza
This Italian mozzarella sandwich is super easy to prepare at home with the most basic ingredients.
Here below you can find the recipe overview with step-by-step pictures.
Scroll down until the end of the post for the full printable recipe.
Step 1. Start by slicing off the crust from two slices of classic sandwich bread.
Step 2. Add 2 thick mozzarella slices (about 1-inch wide) and close the sandwich.
Step 3. Coat the mozzarella sandwich in flour.
Step 4. Coat the sandwich on all sides with egg wash until fully covered.
Step 5. Coat the sandwich with breadcrumbs on all sides.
Step 6. Dip the mozzarella in carrozza in hot oil and deep-fry until crispy and golden on both sides.
Transfer to a plate covered with kitchen paper, then serve nice and hot!
Storage tips
It's best to eat this crispy cheese sandwich straight away, whilst it's nice and hot.
However, you can place the prepared sandwiches (after you have fried them) in an airtight container, and store them in the freezer for up to one month.
Then, place them in a pre-heated oven and warm them up for about 10 minutes.
More traditional Italian recipes
If you liked this classic Italian recipe, here are more traditional dishes I recommend you give it a go!
- Mafaldine with Napoletana Sauce
- Ricotta Meatballs - Italian Recipe
- Bucatini Pomodoro
- Pasta alla Norcina
- Taralli Pugliesi
- Pasta alla Norma
- Calamarata Pasta
- Panelle
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Recipe
Mozzarella In Carrozza (Fried Mozzarella Sandwich)
Ingredients
- 4 white sandwich bread slices
- 120 g fresh mozzarella or buffalo mozzarella, sliced
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 80 g flour
- 80 g panko breadcrumbs
- 250 ml vegetable frying oil
- salt & pepper to taste
Fillings (optional):
- 2 tablespoon bechamel sauce
- 2 ham slices
Instructions
- Cut the crust off from the white sandwich bread slices.
- 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 the flour in a bowl or plate, and dredge the mozzarella sandwich in until fully coated.
- Beat the 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 the breadcrumbs on a plate and coat the sandwich to fully seal the mozzarella inside and avoid leaks during frying process. Repeat the breading process if necessary.
- Heat the oil a in a deep heavy sauce-pan. 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°F/ 170°C.
- Gently fold the sandwich in and deep-fry 2 mins on each side, or until crispy and golden on both sides.
- Transfer the sandwich on a plate covered with kitchen paper, allow to cool slightly and serve.
Video
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Beki Kendrick Katzman says
This will be my new Channukah fried treat go to!!!
salvo says
Finally a Mozzarella in Carrozza made as it should be.
Congratulations!
May I give you a Italian chef tip? Try to add mozzarella, a slice of sundried tomatoes and a fresh basil leaf.
You'll see what a delight!
Chris says
I just made this with sundried tomatoes and basil. It was perfection.
Andrea says
Thank you so much Chris, so happy to hear that!
Andrei Rusu says
I tried. Is so good 🙂
Chloe Edges says
I make this all the time but have never added the last layer of breadcrumbs.. I'll def have to try it!
Andrea says
Definitely give it a try Chloe, I promise you won't be disappointed :)!
Eva says
Mamma mia quant'è che non mangio una mozzarella in carrozza! Mi ero quasi scordata che bontà che è!
Andrea says
E' una delle cose piu' buone al mondo! YUMMM!
Dane says
Thanks to my father who told me about this weblog, this blog is truly remarkable.
Food Lover says
Nice post. thank you for sharing 🙂 Keep it up 🙂
Andrea says
Thank you, glad you liked it 🙂