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Two golden mozzarella in carrozza sandwiches on a white plate, one sliced open showing melted mozzarella, lemon wedge alongside

Mozzarella in Carrozza (Italian Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches)

Classic Neapolitan fried mozzarella sandwiches with a sealed breadcrumb crust and a molten cheese center, ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed day-old preferred
  • 250 g fresh fior di latte mozzarella, sliced 1 cm thick patted dry with paper towels
  • 2 large eggs beaten with a pinch of salt
  • 60 g all-purpose flour for dusting
  • 100 g fine dried breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 500 ml neutral oil for frying (sunflower or vegetable) enough for 3 to 4 cm depth in the pan

Method
 

Assemble the sandwiches
  1. Pat the mozzarella slices thoroughly dry with paper towels. Any surface moisture will cause the coating to slip during frying.
  2. Lay the bread slices flat and distribute the mozzarella evenly across 4 slices, leaving a clear 1 cm border around the edges.
  3. Place the remaining 4 bread slices on top and press the edges firmly together with your fingertips to form a tight seal around the cheese.
  4. Arrange the assembled sandwiches on a tray and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help the seal hold.
Coat the sandwiches
  1. Set up three shallow bowls in a line: flour in the first, beaten egg in the second, breadcrumbs in the third.
  2. Dust each sandwich lightly in flour on both sides and all four edges, shaking off any excess.
  3. Dip in the beaten egg, making sure all surfaces including the edges are coated evenly.
  4. Press gently into the breadcrumbs, coating all surfaces. Press the edges firmly into the crumbs to reinforce the seal.
  5. Return the coated sandwiches to the tray. If time allows, refrigerate for another 10 minutes before frying.
Fry
  1. Pour oil into a wide heavy-based pan to a depth of about 3 to 4 cm. Heat over medium-high to 175 C / 350 F.
  2. Lower 2 sandwiches into the oil using a slotted spatula. Fry for 2 to 2.5 minutes on the first side until deep golden.
  3. Flip carefully and fry for another 2 to 2.5 minutes until the second side is golden and the mozzarella inside is fully melted.
  4. Lift onto a wire rack. Season immediately with a pinch of sea salt. Repeat with the remaining 2 sandwiches.
  5. Serve within 2 minutes while the crust is still crisp and the cheese is molten.

Notes

Nutrition is estimated per sandwich and includes absorbed frying oil. Actual oil absorption varies depending on frying temperature and time.