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Mozzarella in Carrozza

Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside, this classic Italian street food transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible treat. A perfect blend of golden-fried bread embracing melted mozzarella that stretches with each bite.  
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Sandwich Assembly
  • 4 slices white bread crusts removed
  • 5 oz firm fresh low-moisture mozzarella cheese sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 5 tsp mayonnaise optional
  • Coating and Frying
  • 2 large eggs room temperature and lightly beaten
  • 2/3 cup whole milk room temperature
  • 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs optional
  • 1/2 cup neutral vegetable oil for frying
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Sandwiches
  2. Working with the bread slices, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each slice if using. This optional step adds extra richness to the final dish. Arrange the mozzarella slices evenly between two bread slices to create 2 complete sandwiches, being careful to ensure the cheese doesn't extend beyond the edges of the bread.
  3. Create the Coating Mixture
  4. In a shallow bowl, thoroughly whisk together the eggs and milk, then season with salt and pepper to taste. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the flour with the panko breadcrumbs (if using) and season with additional salt and pepper. Prepare a small tray lined with parchment paper to hold your coated sandwiches.
  5. Coat the Sandwiches
  6. Take each sandwich and dip it completely in the egg-milk mixture, ensuring all surfaces are well coated. Transfer the wet sandwich to the flour mixture, gently pressing to adhere the coating evenly on all sides. Place the coated sandwich on your parchment-lined tray and repeat the process with the second sandwich.
  7. Chill and Heat Oil
  8. Refrigerate the coated sandwiches for 20 minutes to allow the coating to set properly, which prevents it from falling off during the frying process. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy pot to approximately 350°F, creating an oil depth of about 1 inch.
  9. Fry the Sandwiches
  10. Using a spatula, carefully lower each chilled sandwich into the hot oil. Fry for approximately 2 minutes until the bottom side turns a beautiful golden brown, then gently flip and fry the other side for an additional 2 minutes. The ideal result features a crispy exterior coating while ensuring the cheese inside melts to perfection.
  11. Rest and Serve
  12. Transfer the fried sandwiches to a cutting board and allow them to cool briefly for about a minute. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut each sandwich with care - first cutting halfway through from one side, then flipping and cutting from the opposite side, stopping before cutting completely through the melted cheese center. This technique preserves the gooey cheese interior. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the cheesy stretch with each bite.

Notes

  • Mozzarella in Carrozza (meaning "mozzarella in a carriage") originated in Naples, Italy, as a clever way to use leftover bread and cheese. For the best results, use day-old bread as it absorbs less oil during frying. Some regional variations include adding anchovy fillets or ham inside the sandwich. In Rome, it's sometimes served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, while in Venice, it might be made with a local bread called "rosetta."