🇮🇹 Italian · Appetizer
🧀 Mozzarella in Carrozza
Mozzarella in Carrozza
Naples' beloved fried mozzarella sandwich, its name meaning 'mozzarella in a carriage,' bread encasing molten cheese, dipped in egg and fried until deeply golden and crisp.
The 'carriage' in the name refers to the bread slices carrying the cheese, and the technique of sealing the edges firmly before frying is essential to keeping the molten mozzarella from escaping into the hot oil.
Ingredients
Equipment: Shallow dishes for breading, Deep frying pan
- 8 slices soft white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 300 g (10.5 oz) fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 3 eggs
- 80 g (⅔ cup) 00 flour
- 100 g (1 cup) breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Salt, to taste
- 4 anchovy fillets (optional)
Method
- Layer mozzarella slices, and an anchovy fillet if using, between two slices of bread, pressing the edges together firmly to seal.
- Trim the edges neatly and press again to ensure a tight seal, so the cheese won't escape during frying.
- Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt.
- Dredge each sandwich in flour, then dip thoroughly in the beaten egg, letting it soak in for a few minutes to help seal the edges further.
- Coat in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat vegetable oil to 175°C (345°F).
- Fry the sandwiches for 2–3 minutes per side until deeply golden and the cheese inside is molten.
- Drain briefly on paper towels and serve immediately while hot.
Chef Tips
- Sealing the edges firmly, pressing them together well before frying, is essential to prevent the cheese from leaking out.
- Letting the sandwiches sit in the egg for a few extra minutes helps further seal the edges.
- These are best eaten immediately while the cheese is still molten and stretchy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not sealing the edges well enough, causing the cheese to leak into the frying oil.
- Using mozzarella with too much moisture, which can make the sandwich soggy — pat it dry before assembling.
- Frying at too low a temperature, resulting in greasy rather than crisp results.
Nutrition (per serving)
Health Benefits
- A good source of calcium and protein from the mozzarella, best enjoyed as an occasional treat given the frying.
Cultural Note
Mozzarella in carrozza is a beloved Neapolitan street food and trattoria appetizer, its playful name and satisfying molten center making it an enduring favorite.
Storage & Serving
Storage: Best eaten immediately; does not hold or reheat well.
Reheating: Not recommended; best enjoyed fresh and hot.
Serve with: A simple side salad