Mozzarella in Carrozza (Italian Fried Cheese Sandwich)
Mozzarella in Carrozza is a classic Italian cheese sandwich that is quickly dipped in flour, then in an egg wash, and quickly fried (or baked). There’s something irresistible about a crunchy, crispy bread with melted mozzarella sandwiched in between, and this is it!
Mozzarella in Carrozza
Growing up, our mom made these mozzarella in carrozza often. It was her “Italian version” of the American grilled cheese sandwiches.
So yummy and so good, everyone loved them!
So today, I decided to only make one sandwich and cut it into 4 mini cheese sandwiches, just like our mom did.
Delicious little crispy sandwiches with melted mozzarella in between… who can resist?
Serve them as an appetizer or as a side with any of our 10+ vegetable soups, or with our classic Italian minestrone soup, and you’ll have a simple and delicious lunch or dinner.
What does “Mozzarella in Carrozza” mean?
This is a classic fried cheese sandwich that originated in Naples, Italy. The term “in Carrozza” actually means in Italian, “in the carriage.”
Many decades ago, and especially in Southern Italy, they would serve mozzarella sandwiches in paper baskets, and these paper baskets resembled a baby carriage (in carrozza), and from that, the name stuck!
Mozzarella in Carrozza happens to be one of those Italian ideas born in Naples, using the simplest ingredients, with a huge impact on flavor with every bite.
Crispy, crunchy bread on the outside with gooey-melted mozzarella on the inside, it’s no wonder why everyone loves them!
Who can resist?
SO tasty and so delicious with every bite! Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t hear about these sandwiches sooner.
Mozzarella in Carrozza brings back wonderful memories for us.
My husband and I can remember traveling through Naples, Italy, and couldn’t help notice that “Mozzarella in Carrozza” appeared on every menu in practically every trattoria.
Still today, it’s a staple dish in many restaurants throughout the city of Naples.
Recipe Notes and Tips…
- Each sandwich will make 4 little mozzarella in carrozza.
- Like most grilled cheese sandwiches, these Italian cheese sandwiches are best consumed minutes after they are fried.
- Make ahead and reheat! You can make ahead a few hours, and reheat them on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F (176.7 C), for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then serve.
- If you plan to double the recipe, you will need to add one egg for every 2 slices of bread.
- Plus, you can make them into normal-sized sandwiches and cut them in half.
- The mini sizes are wonderful to serve as a quick appetizer while the family is waiting for dinner. And, they reheat in the oven, perfectly.
Ingredients You Will Need:
For our mozzarella in Carrozza recipe, you will need the following 6 main ingredients, plus olive oil for frying:
- 2 slices of white bread, or Gluten-Free white bread
- 1 package of mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 Tbsp. of half and half or milk
- pinch of salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- olive oil, for frying
How To Make Mozzarella in Carrozza?
Today, we’ll show you how to make mozzarella in carrozza the way it originally was prepared. With 4 staple ingredients, these little fried cheese sandwiches are ready to serve in no time!
First, slice the mozzarella into 1/4 or 1/2-inch slices. Then slice 2 pieces of bread into 4 equal squares.
2. Place one slice of mozzarella between two slices of bread.
3. In a small bowl, lightly beat one egg with half and half, and in a second bowl, add some flour for dredging.
4. Heat about 1/4 -inch of oil in a small frying pan. Take one sandwich at a time, dredge it in flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
5. When the oil is hot, fry each one for about 1 minute per side, or until they are golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels. Then serve! 🙂
Can we Bake Mozzarella in Carrozza?
At times, our mom would bake them. For a lighter, less oily alternative to frying. Simply, omit the flour and egg, then bread the mozzarella-stuffed sandwiches, brush them with olive oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and crispy.
How to Reheat Mozzarella in Carrozza?
You can reheat leftovers in the oven or in a toaster oven, and bake at 350F (180 °C) for a few minutes, until warm. A microwave can do it, but it will make the sandwiches a little too soft, not crispy.
A Delicious Lunch or Side for Dinner
Your family will enjoy these simple cheese sandwiches! Whether you make them into mini sizes or larger – or cut them into half-size portions, everyone will go bonkers after their first bite!
From kids to adults, when frying these mini mozzarella sandwiches in the kitchen, the delicious aroma will fill your home, calling everyone to the table! Take our word for it. 😉
Enjoy!!
Hello friends! Are you cooking or baking with us? If you make our Mozzarella in Carrozza, let us know and leave a comment and a star rating below! Sharing your experience and insights will not only help those who read them but will help us, too!
MORE TASTY SANDWICHES!
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- Italian Muffuletta Sandwich
- Grilled Cheese and Pear Sandwich
- Grilled Cheese & Apple Sandwich
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Mozzarella in Carrozza (Italian Fried Cheese Sandwich)
Mozzarella in Carrozza ~ is a classic Italian cheese sandwich made with a slice of mozzarella between 2 slices of bread, dipped into flour and egg, and quickly fried. Classic Italian street food at its best!
Ingredients
- 2 slices of white bread, or Gluten-Free white bread
- 1 package of mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 Tbsp. of half and half or milk
- pinch of salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- Grab a small bowl and beat 1 egg, add 1 tablespoon of half and half (or milk), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside. In a second small bowl, add the flour.
- Cut the bread into quarters. Slice 4 pieces of the mozzarella (about 1/4-inch thick) and place each slice into each quarter of the bread.
- In a small frying pan, add about 1/4-inch olive oil. Preheat on medium-low heat.
- When the oil is hot, dip each mini sandwich into the flour and dredge all sides. Then dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, coating all sides. Add it to the hot oil and lightly fry until golden brown, about 1 minute per side, turning them over once, or until the mozzarella is melted.
- Drain on paper towels. Optional: Sprinkle with some fresh cracked pepper on top. Serve warm.
- Yields: 4 mini Mozzarella in Carrozza
Notes
Cook's Notes:
- If you plan to double the recipe, you will need to add one egg for every 2 slices of bread.
- Plus, you can make them into normal-sized sandwiches and cut them in half.
- The mini sizes are wonderful to serve as a quick appetizer while the family is waiting for dinner. And, they reheat in the oven, perfectly.
- Each sandwich will make 4 little mozzarella in carrozza.
- Like most grilled cheese sandwiches, these fried cheese sandwiches are best consumed minutes after they are fried.
- Make ahead and reheat! You can make ahead a few hours, and reheat them on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F (176.7 C), for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 servings Serving Size: 1 servingAmount Per Serving: Calories: 110Total Fat: 6.3gCarbohydrates: 8.8gFiber: .3gSugar: .5gProtein: 4.8g
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Happy Cooking! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!
xo Anna and Liz
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Lovely recipe!
Thank you, Sonia! Incredibly easy too! I hope you’ll try them. 🙂
What a terrific recipe! I love grilled cheese sandwiches, and these are grilled cheese on steroids! Really nice — thanks.
YOu're welcome! ..haha and thank you John!
Oh no! 🙁 , well Sue its never too late! You and your daughter can enjoy them as soon as you make them!
Have a great week! Ciao!
My mom never made these for me, I feel totally deprived!!
Talk above Pavlov's response 🙂 They look so tasty and what a delicious meatless meal these would make!
Thank you Sue! Hope you'll try them soon!
Oh my goodness I bet this is delicious! I real treat indeed and I would like mine served with a little side of marinara for dipping please! If I ever get to Naples I will have to order this … as an appetizer of course. Thanks Anna & Liz!
The marinara sauce for dipping sounds wonderful Tricia! I'm sure kids will enjoy that.
Gosh! This makes my mouth water it looks so delicious! A very delicious melting scrumptiousness!
I got that last word underlined, but I'm going to leave it because it explains it so well!
Thank you Sandra! Hope you love the Italian version of grilled cheese sandwiches!
I would eat a ton of these! What's funny is that during Passover I actually make something like this but with matzoh! Love them!
Abbe,I believe it! There are so many dishes that are similar to our cultures, dating far back as BC. Your version with matzoh sounds delicious too;I bet they are! I hope you'll try our version. Have a great day!