Name: Mozzarella in Carrozza (Italian Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 5 teaspoons mayonnaise (optional); 4 slices white bread, crust removed; 5 ounces firm fresh low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices; 2 large eggs, room temperature and lightly beaten; 2/3 cup whole milk, room temperature; 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs (optional); Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup neutral vegetable oil, for frying

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 23 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted to treat yourself to a gooey, crunchy, and utterly comforting snack, then this Mozzarella in Carrozza (Italian Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches) recipe is exactly what you need. I can’t tell you how many times this delightful dish has saved my day – whether it’s a quick lunch or an indulgent snack when guests drop by unexpectedly. It’s like a crispy hug of melty mozzarella wrapped in golden-fried bread, and honestly, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it sooner.

What makes this Mozzarella in Carrozza (Italian Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches) recipe so special is its simplicity and the way it reminds me of those cozy Italian kitchens I visited as a kid. It’s quick to whip up but delivers so much flavor and nostalgia. Plus, it’s perfect when you’re craving something indulgently crispy on the outside and delightfully soft on the inside. You’ll love how versatile it is, too – easy to tweak with your favorite cheeses or spices.

❤️

Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Just a few everyday items come together for a crunchy, cheesy treat that feels fancy but isn’t.
Perfect Texture Contrast: Crispy fried bread on the outside with melty mozzarella inside creates an addictive bite.
Easy to Customize: You can swap cheeses, breads, or add seasonings to make the sandwich your own.
Great for Quick Meals or Entertaining: Ready in under an hour, this recipe impresses without stress.

A crispy golden brown square sandwich with a rough crunchy texture on the outside is held by a woman's hand from the bottom and side. Inside, you can see a thick layer of smooth, creamy white filling slightly peeking out from the edges. The sandwich is in front of a white marbled surface with a blurred white plate in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Mozzarella in Carrozza (Italian Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches) recipe plays a part in creating that perfect combination of texture and flavor. Let’s break down what you need and why it’s essential.

Mayonnaise: Optional, but it adds a subtle tang and helps bread stick to cheese better for a seal that prevents leaks.
White Bread: Soft and neutral; crust removed to avoid toughness and help with even frying.
Fresh Low-Moisture Mozzarella: The star of the show – melts beautifully without turning watery.
Eggs and Whole Milk: The dipping bath that helps the flour and crumbs stick, and gives a rich, golden crust.
All-Purpose Flour & Panko Bread Crumbs: Flour seals the sandwich while panko adds extra crunch and crunchiness, though it’s optional.
Neutral Vegetable Oil: For frying – choose one with a high smoke point like canola or grapeseed oil.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasoning that balances the mildness of bread and cheese.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to keep this Mozzarella in Carrozza (Italian Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches) recipe classic, but sometimes I play around with flavor by adding fresh herbs or swapping the mayonnaise for a spread of pesto. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your preferences—it’s a forgiving dish!

Herb Boost: Adding fresh basil or oregano inside the sandwich gives it a fresh, aromatic twist that reminds me of springtime in Italy.
If You’re Gluten-Free: Swap the bread and flour with your favorite gluten-free alternatives; just be gentle when frying.
Cheese Variations: Try provolone or fontina for a richer flavor profile, which I have done and really enjoyed.
Spicy Kick: A sprinkle of chili flakes in the egg wash or a drizzle of hot honey on top amps up the flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mozzarella in Carrozza (Italian Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches) Recipe

Step 1: Spread and Build the Sandwich

If you’re using mayonnaise, spread a thin layer on one side of each bread slice. This might feel a little quirky, but trust me, it helps seal everything in so your mozzarella doesn’t ooze out during frying. Then layer the mozzarella evenly on two slices and sandwich them with the remaining bread slices.

Step 2: Prepare Your Dipping Stations

Whisk together the eggs and milk with a good pinch of salt and pepper in one shallow bowl. In another bowl, mix the flour with some salt, pepper, and panko if you’re using it. These are your stations – one to soak the sandwich, one to coat it. Having them ready keeps things moving efficiently.

Step 3: Dip and Coat Each Sandwich

Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure you cover all sides—front, back, and edges. Then immediately press it into the flour mixture until fully coated. This double coating ensures the sandwich fries up golden and crispy. Place them on parchment paper and pop them in the fridge for 20 minutes—this resting step keeps everything firm while frying.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden Perfection

Heat about an inch of your neutral oil in a sturdy skillet over medium heat. When it’s hot but not smoking, carefully add the sandwiches. Fry for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden and crisp. Flipping carefully is key here—use a spatula to avoid cheese leaks!

Step 5: Cut and Serve Warm

Transfer the fried sandwiches to a cutting board. I find that a serrated knife works best for cutting through the crust without squishing the melty inside. Cut carefully, stopping before you fully slice through the cheese center, then flip and finish the cut. Serve immediately — once it starts cooling, the magic starts to fade!

💡

Pro Tips for Making Mozzarella in Carrozza (Italian Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches) Recipe

Chill Before Frying: That 20-minute fridge rest really keeps the sandwich from falling apart and helps the coating stick better.
Watch Your Oil Temperature: Too hot and the crust burns before the cheese melts; too cool and it’ll absorb too much oil. Aim for medium heat.
Use a Serrated Knife: It makes slicing through crispy bread and gooey cheese easier without squishing the sandwich.
Don’t Skip Removing Crusts: It helps the sandwich stay sealed and avoids hard bites that contrast awkwardly with the soft interior.

How to Serve Mozzarella in Carrozza (Italian Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches) Recipe

The image shows two golden brown fried sandwich pieces stacked on a white plate with crispy, textured, and crunchy crust layers on the outside. The inside of the sandwich has melted white cheese that stretches as a woman's hand lifts the top piece, revealing soft, creamy layers with gooey cheese strands connecting the two pieces. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a cloth napkin in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve these cheesy sandwiches, I usually sprinkle a little flaky sea salt and finely chopped fresh basil on top. It adds a lovely fresh note and a bit of visual charm. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up beautifully.

Side Dishes

I love pairing Mozzarella in Carrozza sandwiches with a simple arugula salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil, or a vibrant tomato salad for a pop of acidity. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or a classic minestrone soup make great companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve cut the sandwiches into smaller squares and served them on a platter with toothpicks for easy tapping and sharing. Another fun idea is serving alongside a variety of dipping sauces – marinara, pesto, or even a spicy aioli – to turn it into a party appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers — though that hardly ever happens! — wrap the sandwiches tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 2 days, but best eaten soon to keep them tasty.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing these sandwiches after the dipping stage but before frying. Freeze them on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then wrap individually and store in a freezer bag. When ready, fry straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to cook time. It’s a great time-saver!

Reheating

To reheat while keeping the crispiness, I pop leftovers into a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Microwaving leads to sogginess, so avoid that if you can. The oven brings back the crunch and melts the cheese just right.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for Mozzarella in Carrozza?

Absolutely! While fresh low-moisture mozzarella is traditional for its perfect melt and firmness, you can experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a mix of mozzarella and cheddar. Just ensure the cheese melts well without releasing too much moisture to keep your sandwich from getting soggy.
Why do I need to remove the crust from the bread?

Removing the crust helps the sandwich seal better and fry evenly. Crusts don’t hold the egg and flour coating as well and can become overly tough or burn during frying. Plus, it makes the sandwich beautifully soft and consistent all around.
Is mayonnaise necessary in this recipe?

Mayonnaise is optional but recommended because it creates a protective layer that helps keep the bread from getting soggy and the cheese from leaking during frying. If you prefer to skip it, make sure to seal the sandwiches tightly when pressing the slices together.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

The oil should be around medium heat — if you drop a small bit of the flour mixture in, it should sizzle immediately but not burn to black quickly. Using a thermometer and aiming for about 350°F is ideal. If you don’t have one, watch for steady bubbles around the dipping mixture when frying.

Final Thoughts

This Mozzarella in Carrozza (Italian Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches) recipe is one of those simple pleasures that bring comfort and joy in every bite. It’s a dish I keep coming back to because it’s quick, satisfying, and always impresses without fussing over complicated ingredients or equipment. If you want to treat yourself or wow friends with a nostalgic Italian snack, give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite go-to!