Smokin’ Fried Mozzarella Balls

A pile of fried mozzarella balls on a plate next to a bowl of marinara sauce.

Smokin’ Fried Mozzarella Balls

These are an easy game day appetizer made with cheesy mozzarella balls rolled in a spicy adobo coating and breadcrumbs, then fried to crispy perfection!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword fried mozzarella, game day food, mozzarella cheese balls

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Servings

Calories 319kcal

Author Jenny

Ingredients

Vegetable oil for frying
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls “Ciliegine” (cherry tomato size)
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 egg
2 tsp adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers (add more if you like it spicy)
1/2 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
1/4 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
1 cup marinara or pasta sauce, warmed

Instructions

Pour a couple inches of oil into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to 350 degrees F with an appropriate thermometer.
Drain liquid from mozzarella balls and pat dry with paper towels. Place flour, salt and pepper into medium size bowl. Place egg and adobo sauce into a second bowl; whisk to combine. Place bread crumbs and parmesan cheese into a 3rd bowl; mix to combine. Roll mozzarella into flour, then into eggs, then press into bread crumb mixture.
Carefully place 4-5 coated balls at a time into hot oil. Use a “spider” to constantly move them around in oil. Cook for 30-60 seconds or until golden. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Continue until all have been fried.
Place all balls onto a serving plate along with a bowl of marinara sauce. Serve warm.

Nutrition