Category: Italian

Fried Mozzarella

Four Fried Mozzarella patties, plated with a ramekin of pizza sauce.

The BEST Fried Mozzarella

Everyone claims to have the “best” recipe for what ever they’re advertising but I’m telling you right now that nobody makes they’re Fried Mozzarella like this because they’re not using the right cheese. And, once I show you what I’m talking about, you’ll be convinced that I’m right and that this is, without a doubt, the best Fried Cheese.

Layered pieces of Low Moisture Mozzarella cheese laid down like dominoes on a plate.

The Perfect Cheese

I have memories of ordering Cheese sticks at Denny’s after the local bars would send us home for the night. I thought that they were amazing but, the truth was, I was just drunk because those Mozzarella sticks were crap as soon as they went cold. The batter sucked and the cheese got hard and rubber. Well, no more I say.

The secret to my Fried Mozzarella is Low Moisture Mozzarella. You’ve probably seen it at your grocery store or even had it melted on a Margherita Pizza. I serve it up sometimes with Cured meats like Prosciutto and Dry Copa or Genoa, sliced fruit and crackers. It’s a little bit saltier than regular Mozzarella, so there’s more flavor, and it’s got a lot more elasticity to it when it’s melted, because of the low moisture content; which is generally about 45 to 52% compared to the regular, as high as 60%.

A plate of breaded and battered Mozzarella ready for the to be fried.

Fried Cheese Breading and Batter

In this recipe, I don’t use a batter to coat the Mozzarella Cheese before frying. Instead, I use a basic seasoned flour, egg wash and seasoned bread crumbs breading or, in this case, Panko.

In the video tutorial, I instruct you to add a double layer of this coating. This is very important because it will create a wall around the cheese, as it melts in the frying oil, and it will prevent the melted cheese from leaking out into the pan or fryer which, in turn, creates a huge mess.

I fry these in hot oil, for just a few minutes, until they turn golden brown, let them cool on paper towels and serve with Pizza Sauce.

Fried Mozzarella video tutorial by PoorMansGourmet.
Fried Mozzarella Ingredients: Makes 12

1 pckg Mozzarella, low moisture
1/4 cup Flour, all purpose
1/4 tsp, Old Bay
4 eggs, for egg wash
1/4 cup Water, for egg wash
1 1/2 cup Bread Crumbs, Seasoned
1 cup Vegetable Oil, for frying

Fry for 2 minutes at 350° Fahrenheit.

Follow the instructions in the short video tutorial and I’ll show you exactly how to make the best Fried Mozzarella.

Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala: 3 chicken breast cutlets with Marsala wine sauce, sautéed mushrooms and bacon.

The Best Chicken Marsala

I can’t say enough about this recipe. Braised Chicken never tasted better than with this Mushroom, Marsala and cream wine sauce. It’s very easy to make but the complexity of the sauce is derived from specific ingredients that change the flavor of the dish, if they’re not fresh and/or dried. The taste of dried Thyme or Oregano is a complete game changer if they’re not added fresh. Both still taste great, in my opinion, but change the flavor drastically, none the less. You might want to experiment with both to find where your tastes lie.

One Chicken cutlet and Mushroom and Marsal Wine Sauce served over Shell pasta.

Deepen and Enrich the Flavor

Season everything from the start. After I butterfly the chicken breast, I season with Kosher salt and pepper. I salt the sautéed mushrooms. I salt the water my pasta cooks in. I even add cooked bacon, which is salty. This may sound like a lot of salt but a little goes a long way.

I also add Spaghetti Sauce (Prego) and Lemon Juice. The tomato, from the sauce deepens the flavor and darkens the tone. Alternatives could be tomato paste or plain tomato sauce if you’d like. I’m betting that it could even be done with a squeeze of Ketchup. I add the lemon to the sauce while it’s cooking but, I find that it’s even more refreshing, adding a fresh squeeze of lemon juice, over the top of each serving, even more satisfying.

The wine I use in this dish is what gives this recipe its name, Marsala. It can be dry or sweet and most recipes call for dry Marsala wine but, I prefer mine sweet. Again, that’s just a personal preference so you decide what’s best for you.

Chicken Marsala “How to” video tutorial by PoorMansGourmet.

Chicken Marsala Ingredients: Serves 2 to 3

1 Chicken Breast, Halved, Butterflied & Tenderized with a Mallet, then seasoned with Kosher Salt and Pepper and dredged in flour
1/4 cup All Purpose Flour
3 tbsp Butter, add 2 for chicken and 1 for Mushrooms
1 tbsp Olive Oil
2 Garlic Cloves, chopped
5 oz Mushrooms
1 cup Marsala Cooking Wine, Dry is recommended but I used Sweet and loved it!
1/2 cup Whipping Cream/Half and Half
1/3 cup Marinara or Spaghetti Sauce
1 pinch Fresh Parsley, chopped
1 Green Onion, chopped (optional)

Kosher Salt and Pepper to taste

This recipe can be served over your favorite pasta, rice, bread etc. and is often garnished with Scallions over the top. Just follow the instructions in the short video tutorial and I’ll show you exactly how to make this Chicken Marsala recipe.

Easy 14-Inch Ham and Cheese Calzone Recipe

Golden-brown baked calzone with ham and cheese filling, fresh out of the oven.
14″ Calzone with Ham and Cheese with fresh grated Parmesan and chopped Parsley.

The Best Calzone

Make no mistake about it, I have cracked the code to making the most amazing Calzones and it all starts with this Pizza Dough Recipe. Anyone that has used this dough has raved about it so, you should definitely start with that. This Calzone recipe, however, is a basic guide to teach you how to make the best Calzone through and through. Feel free to add or substitute anything you want for the filling but, I highly recommend that you stick with the Ricotta, the Mozzarella and EVERYTHING else about this recipe, so your Calzone will be amazing, too.

Sliced portions of a large calzone, showing melted cheese and ham.
14-inch Calzone filled with Ham and Mozzarella cheese, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh Parsley.

Calzone Related Recipes & Appetizers

Be sure to check out my Stromboli Supreme and some of my Pizza recipes including: Nacho Pizza, Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza and my famous Margherita Pizza. I’ve even got recipes for Ramen Pizza , Pizza Tacos and Italian Cheese Bread.

If you like Chicken Wings with your Pizza, check out my classic Buffalo Chicken Wings, Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings, Wasabi Chicken Wings and/or my Ranch Chicken Wings. These recipes are easy and they’re the best!

YouTube video for a Large 14″ Calzone with Ham and Cheese by PoorMansGourmet.

Ham and Cheese Calzone Ingredients:

Egg Wash:

  • 1 Egg (beaten): For a golden crust.
  • Kosher Salt & Pepper: Sprinkle on the calzone before baking.

Topping:

Bake: Follow the video tutorial. Bake at 475°F for 7-10 minutes or until golden brown. Slice and serve!

Instructions:

  1. Roll Out Dough: Shape dough into a large 14-inch circle.
  2. Add Fillings: Layer Ricotta, ham and cheese on one side, leaving edges clear.
  3. Fold and Seal: Fold dough over fillings, pinching edges tightly.
  4. Brush with Egg Wash: For a shiny, golden crust.
  5. Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake until golden-brown and cooked through.

Tips for Best Results

  • Crust Perfection: Bake on the Bottom Rack or on a Pizza stone to brown the bottom. Brush with garlic butter after baking for extra flavor.
  • Cheese Choices: Mix mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for unique flavor.
  • Prevent Soggy Dough: Don’t overload with wet fillings.