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. Oh boy this is one delicious cheese sandwich that got its star debut in Naples, Italy from using day old bread and transforming it (with a slice of mozzarella) into a golden brown crispy sandwich. It’s Italian street food at its best!
Growing up, our mom made these mozzarella in carrozzas often, it was her Italian version of the American grilled cheese sandwiches.
It’s not often we get to make these, but when we do it’s a real treat in our house. I was craving them the other day, and decided to only make one sandwich and cut it into 4 mini cheese sandwiches just like mom used to do.
Fried crispy bread on the outside with gooey-melted mozzarella on the inside, it’s so tasty and so delicious with every bite! Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t know about it sooner.
Mozzarella in carrozza brings back wonderful memories for us. My husband and I can remember traveling many times through Naples and seeing mozzarella e carrozza on every menu. It is still a staple appetizer dish in many restaurants today.
In carrozza means “in the carriage.” Back in the day in Italy, they would serve mozzarella in carrozza in paper baskets that looked like a little baby carriage and the name stuck!
This happens to be one of those Italian ideas born in Naples from the simplest ingredients but have a huge impact on flavor with every bite. So yummy, so good, they’re addicting!
I know everyone will enjoy these simple cheese sandwiches whether you make them mini sizes or larger – half size portions. From kids to adults, when frying these mini mozzarella sandwiches in the kitchen, the delicious aroma will fill your home.
Enjoy!!
- 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
- ¼ cup of all purpose flour
- olive oil, for frying
- 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 ¼-inch thick) and place each slice into each quarter of the bread.
- In a small frying pan, add about ¼-inch olive oil. Preheat on medium-low heat.
- When 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
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12 Comments
Abbe@This is How I Cook
March 13, 2017 at 6:23 pmI would eat a ton of these! What's funny is that during Passover I actually make something like this but with matzoh! Love them!
annaliz
March 13, 2017 at 6:33 pmAbbe,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!
Sandra
March 14, 2017 at 10:21 amGosh! 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!
annaliz
March 14, 2017 at 6:51 pmThank you Sandra! Hope you love the Italian version of grilled cheese sandwiches!
Tricia Buice
March 14, 2017 at 11:58 amOh 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!
annaliz
March 14, 2017 at 6:53 pmThe marinara sauce for dipping sounds wonderful Tricia! I'm sure kids will enjoy that.
SavoringTime in the Kitchen
March 14, 2017 at 5:15 pmTalk above Pavlov's response 🙂 They look so tasty and what a delicious meatless meal these would make!
annaliz
March 14, 2017 at 6:54 pmThank you Sue! Hope you'll try them soon!
Sue/the view from great island
March 15, 2017 at 2:57 amMy mom never made these for me, I feel totally deprived!!
annaliz
March 15, 2017 at 2:02 pmOh 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!
Kitchen Riffs
March 15, 2017 at 4:41 pmWhat a terrific recipe! I love grilled cheese sandwiches, and these are grilled cheese on steroids! Really nice — thanks.
annaliz
March 15, 2017 at 4:58 pmYOu're welcome! ..haha and thank you John!