Before Covid struck, traffic on the highway from Rome heading to the south was a tell that summer was here. It was the perfect excuse to laze around as the scorching heat can surely take its toll. Jump on the back of your lover’s scooter and drive off to the beach. Enjoy the calming scenery as you cruise through Positano on your way to Sorrento. Or maybe further down to the Amalfi coast- the choice is yours.
And once you get there, drench yourself in the healing Mediterranean sea salt. Then come out for some gelato or famous lemon granita. Bum around a little more; now head home and eat mozzarella in Carrozza followed by that much-deserved afternoon snooze. Then wake up, have a coffee and start it all over again.
” It’s a perfect marriage between french toast and cheese melt.“
I know I know. For most, summer is not the time to have anything fried. However, for me, it calls for whipping up something quick and spending the rest of your time doing the other important stuff. You know, like hanging out with friends and family. Or losing yourself in that book you cannot seem to put down. Maybe even just fall asleep listening to the radio as you busk in the sun at a picnic.
So What IS Mozzarella in Carrozza?
Mozzarella in carrozza is the next best-fried snack after arancini or croquette. Here is a hint: it’s a perfect marriage between French toast and cheese melt. It’s a sandwich with a mozzarella filling (many use mozzarella), sealed in with an egg wash which is then breaded and shallow fried to a perfect golden brown.
If you like mozzarella sticks, fried bread, or super cheesy fried foods then this is definitely worth a try.
Want to spice your mozzarella in carrozza up a notch? Sprinkle in a pinch of freshly ground black pepper- yes I have an inexplicable obsession with this spice. You could alternatively use other spices and herbs you like on the breading.
‘Secretsโ to a Banginโ Mozzarella in Carrozza
Bread: Do not use thickly sliced bread, a good ol stale sandwich bread works best.
Cheese: If you absolutely cannot find simple fresh mozzarella, you can use smoked mozzarella. However, don’t use buffalo mozzarella as this is way too wet (unless you drain it, but this is such a waste of good cheese) and will sog up your bread.
Fresh plain mozzarella may be a little plain for some, so sprinkle in some salt and pepper or even parmesan to ‘bring it to life’.
Thinly slice the mozzarella to half the thickness of the slice of bread, then lay them on kitchen paper and fold over the mozzarella to soak up the excess milky juiciness. This will keep the bread from being soggy.
Seasoning: While the ham (if used) is a little salty, it may not be enough. So season the egg with salt, and if you want some black pepper, sprinkle some freshly ground onto the toppings then seal it with the bread.
Less is more: Keep it simple, and do not overfill the bread otherwise, you risk it ripping or pockets forming on the side leading to leaks and fillings pouring out.
Press: Once you have ‘sandwiched’ the mozzarella and ham in between the slices of bread, you need to gently press on it. This will keep it all in place.
Breading: Keep it light, place the mozzarella in carrozza on the breadcrumbs (preferably natural) then sprinkle some crumbs on top of it and make sure the edges and sides are breaded. Hold the bread and gently tap to seal.
Frying: This is crucial, the oil needs to be hot and at least 180ยฐ C/350ยฐ F. If the oil is not hot enough, you will end up with a sad oil-drenched sandwich.
So make this addictive mozzarella in carroza and let me know your thoughts. Please give it a thumbs up below.
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Need Bread for Your Mozzarella in Carrozza?
Sandwich Bread, An Ode to Love
Simple sandwich bread using white flour.
Mozzarella in Carrozza
(+5 rating, 1 votes)
Loading...Mozzarella in carrozza or fried bread cheese sandwich is the perfect way to use up old bread, leftover ham, and mozzarella cheese. Need a new comfort snack?
Ingredients
- 4 slices of white bread
- 125g fresh mozzarella
- 2 slices cooked ham (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons full-fat milk
- Salt and black pepper
- Parmigiano Reggiano (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups Bread crumbs
- Frying oil (enough to deep fry the mozzarella in carrozza)
Instructions
PREPARE
Slice the bread into about 1cm width if it's not already sliced
Slice mozzarella into thin slices, drain by layering them between kitchen paper towels, and gently pressing to soak up excess milk
Add the salt, freshly ground black pepper, and milk to the eggs and whisk. Prepare a plate with the plain flour and another with breadcrumbs
ASSEMBLE
Make a sandwich by laying the mozzarella in one layer over the bread, topping with the ham, and a sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano (if using) add another layer of mozzarella then cover with the other slice. Gently press on the sandwich to seal
Coat the sandwich with a thin even layer of plain flour, then dip into the egg mixture and finally the breadcrumbs
FRY
Heat the oil to 180ยฐC/350ยฐF on a wide pan over medium heat, and fry the sandwich turning after about 1 minute on each side or until a nice golden brown.
Lay the mozzarella in carrozza on a kitchen paper towel to soak up excess oil
Best served fresh off the fryer
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