These crispy cheesy Parmesan mozzarella bites are one of my favorite go-to snacks when I’m craving something melty, golden, and absolutely irresistible. With a gooey mozzarella center and a crispy, cheesy Parmesan coating, they’re perfect for dipping, sharing, or serving as a quick appetizer everyone will devour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it brings together the best of both worlds: stretchy, melted mozzarella on the inside and a crisp, savory coating on the outside. They’re easy to prep, quick to cook, and make a great party snack, game-day bite, or even a fun side to soup or salad. Plus, the Parmesan adds an extra punch of flavor that takes these little bites over the top.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Mozzarella cheese, cut into bite-sized cubes or use mozzarella string cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Breadcrumbs or almond flour (for low-carb option)
- Eggs
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Oil for frying or cooking spray (if baking or air frying)
- Marinara or ranch (for dipping, optional)
directions
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I cut the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and freeze them for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape while cooking.
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In one bowl, I beat the eggs. In another, I combine breadcrumbs (or almond flour), Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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I dip each mozzarella piece into the egg, then coat it fully in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
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I repeat the dip and coat step a second time for an extra crispy layer.
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I either fry the bites in hot oil until golden brown (about 1–2 minutes per side), bake them at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, or air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes until crispy.
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I serve them hot with marinara, ranch, or my favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20–24 bites and takes 10 minutes to prep, 30 minutes for freezing, and 10 minutes to cook. It’s ready in under an hour and perfect for a last-minute snack or appetizer.
Variations
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I use pepper jack or cheddar cheese cubes for a different flavor and a spicy kick.
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For a low-carb version, I use almond flour mixed with Parmesan instead of breadcrumbs.
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I add chili flakes to the coating for extra heat.
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Sometimes I serve them with a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-savory twist.
storage/reheating
I store leftover bites in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake or air fry them at 350°F for a few minutes until warm and crispy again. I avoid the microwave, as it makes the coating soft.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I prep and freeze the bites, then store them in a sealed bag until I’m ready to cook. They can go straight from freezer to fryer, oven, or air fryer.
Do I have to freeze the cheese first?
Freezing helps keep the mozzarella from melting too quickly and oozing out while cooking. I always do it for best results.
What kind of Parmesan works best?
I use finely grated Parmesan for best coating coverage—it helps the crust stick and crisp up.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Absolutely. I bake them at 400°F with a light coating of spray oil for a golden finish. They don’t get quite as crispy as frying but still taste amazing.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
I love marinara for a classic combo, but ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo are great too.
Conclusion
These cheesy Parmesan mozzarella bites are everything I want in a snack—crispy, gooey, and packed with flavor. Whether I’m serving them at a party or enjoying them straight from the air fryer, they’re always a hit. Easy to make and fun to eat, they never last long once they hit the table.
Print
Crispy Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites – The Ultimate Snack or Appetizer
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: (à minutes
- Yield: 20–24 bites
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Party Food
- Method: Frying, Baking, or Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These Crispy Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites are golden on the outside and melty on the inside—made with bite-sized mozzarella, coated in seasoned Parmesan and breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb!), and cooked until perfectly crisp. Whether baked, fried, or air-fried, they’re the ultimate snack or appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes (or use mozzarella string cheese, cut into pieces)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs or almond flour (for low-carb)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying, or cooking spray for baking/air frying
- Optional: marinara sauce, ranch, or dipping sauce of choice
Instructions
- Cut mozzarella into bite-sized cubes and freeze for 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, beat eggs. In another, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs or almond flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each frozen cheese cube into the egg, then coat in the Parmesan mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and coating step.
- To cook:
- Fry: Heat oil and fry bites for 1–2 minutes per side until golden.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake for 8–10 minutes on a parchment-lined tray, spraying with oil.
- Air Fry: Cook at 375°F for 6–8 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Serve hot with dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use cheddar or pepper jack for different flavors.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Drizzle with hot honey for a sweet-savory twist.
- Freezer-friendly: Prep and freeze before cooking. Cook straight from frozen.
- Use finely grated Parmesan for best coating and crispiness.
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