Description
These Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, packed with melty mozzarella and Parmesan flavor. Perfect as a party appetizer or snack, these bite-sized delights are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2️⃣ Mix the filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, flour, beaten egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it forms a thick, sticky mixture.
3️⃣ Form the bites:
Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the cheese mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). You should get around 12-16 bites depending on size.
4️⃣ Coat with breadcrumbs:
Roll each cheese ball in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere and fully coat the bites.
5️⃣ Bake the bites:
Place the coated cheese bites on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6️⃣ Serve and enjoy:
Once done, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Air fryer option: You can also cook these in an air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Frying option: For a crispier texture, you can deep fry the bites in hot oil until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Cheese variety: You can substitute mozzarella with a blend of other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or fontina for a different flavor.