Crispy Mozzarella Triangles with Italian Dipping Sauce
Indulge in these crispy and gooey mozzarella triangles, inspired by Olive Garden's famous appetizer. This budget-friendly recipe allows you to recreate that delightful restaurant experience right in your kitchen. With a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb coating and mouthwatering melted cheese inside, these fried mozzarella triangles are perfect for parties, game days, or simply snacking. Serve them hot with your favorite Italian spaghetti sauce for dipping, and watch everyone come back for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mozzarella Cheese
16 ounces (Cut into thick triangles)
Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Water
1/4 cup (Mixed with eggs)
Italian Breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups (Seasoned with garlic salt and spices)
Garlic Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Combined with breadcrumbs)
Italian Seasoning
1 teaspoon (Combined with breadcrumbs)
All-Purpose Flour
2/3 cup (Mixed with cornstarch)
Cornstarch
1/3 cup (Mixed with flour)
Vegetable Oil
For deep frying (Heated to 360 degrees Fahrenheit)
Instructions
1
If using block mozzarella cheese, slice it into thick pieces, then cut each piece diagonally to form triangles.
2
In a medium bowl, beat together the eggs and water until well combined. Set aside.
3
In another bowl, mix together the Italian breadcrumbs, garlic salt, and Italian spices, ensuring a consistent seasoning distribution. Set aside.
4
In a separate bowl, blend the flour and cornstarch together, creating a light coating for the cheese.
5
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 180 degrees Celsius). Make sure there is enough oil to submerge the cheese triangles fully.
6
Dredge each cheese triangle first in the flour-cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess.
7
Next, dip the floured cheese into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
8
Finally, coat the cheese triangle with the seasoned breadcrumbs, ensuring an even and thorough coverage.
9
Carefully place the coated cheese triangles into the hot oil, frying them in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, turning occasionally for even browning.
10
Once golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
11
Serve hot with your favorite Italian spaghetti sauce for dipping, and enjoy your homemade mozzarella delights!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crispy Mozzarella Triangles recipe?
This is a budget-friendly recipe inspired by Olive Garden's appetizer, featuring gooey mozzarella coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried until crispy.
What kind of cheese should I use for this recipe?
You should use 16 ounces of block mozzarella cheese, which is then sliced and cut into thick triangles.
How do I cut the mozzarella into triangles?
Slice the block of mozzarella into thick pieces, then cut each piece diagonally to create the triangle shapes.
What is in the egg wash?
The egg wash is made by beating together 2 eggs and 1/4 cup of water until well combined.
How do I season the breadcrumbs?
Mix 1 1/2 cups of Italian breadcrumbs with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
What is the purpose of the flour and cornstarch mixture?
Blending 2/3 cup of flour with 1/3 cup of cornstarch creates a light base coating that helps the egg wash and breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese.
What is the correct oil temperature for frying?
The vegetable oil should be heated to 360 degrees Fahrenheit or approximately 180 degrees Celsius before frying.
What type of oil is best for deep frying these?
Vegetable oil is recommended for deep frying because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
How much oil is needed for frying?
You should use enough vegetable oil to fully submerge the mozzarella triangles in your deep frying pan.
What is the step-by-step dredging process?
First, dredge the cheese in the flour-cornstarch mix, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally coat it thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs.
How long do the mozzarella triangles need to fry?
They fry very quickly, taking only about 30 seconds to 1 minute until they are golden brown.
How do I ensure the cheese fries evenly?
Turn the triangles occasionally during the frying process to ensure even browning on all sides.
Why should I fry the triangles in small batches?
Frying in small batches avoids overcrowding the pan, which helps maintain the oil temperature and prevents the triangles from sticking together.
How should I drain the excess oil after frying?
Once golden and crispy, remove the triangles from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels.
What is the best dipping sauce for these mozzarella triangles?
They are traditionally served hot with your favorite Italian spaghetti sauce or marinara for dipping.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, these crispy mozzarella triangles are perfect for parties, game days, or as a general snack.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 9 main ingredients: mozzarella cheese, eggs, water, Italian breadcrumbs, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, flour, cornstarch, and vegetable oil.
Can I make these mozzarella triangles ahead of time?
While they are best served fresh and hot, you can prepare the breaded triangles and keep them chilled before frying.
What makes the coating extra crispy?
The combination of cornstarch in the flour and the use of seasoned Italian breadcrumbs creates a specifically crispy texture.
How do I stop the cheese from leaking out while frying?
Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (360°F) and that the triangles are fully and evenly coated in breadcrumbs to seal the cheese.
Are these similar to the mozzarella sticks at Olive Garden?
Yes, these are inspired by Olive Garden's famous appetizer and aim to recreate that restaurant experience at home.
Can I use plain breadcrumbs instead?
Yes, but you would need to add extra Italian spices and salt to achieve the same flavor profile as Italian breadcrumbs.
What should I do if the coating is falling off?
Make sure to shake off excess flour before the egg wash and allow excess egg wash to drip off before the breadcrumbs for the best adhesion.
What categories does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as an appetizer, snack, party food, and comfort food.
How thick should the mozzarella pieces be sliced?
The mozzarella should be sliced into thick pieces to ensure a good cheese-to-crust ratio and to prevent the cheese from melting too fast.
What is the total preparation time for the coating?
The preparation involves three quick steps: mixing the eggs, mixing the breadcrumbs, and blending the flour and cornstarch.
Does the recipe use garlic?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt mixed into the breadcrumbs for flavor.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While mozzarella is traditional for its meltability, other firm cheeses can be used, though the flavor and stretch will change.
Is the oil temperature important?
Yes, maintaining 360°F is crucial; if it's too low, the cheese will be greasy, and if it's too high, the outside will burn before the cheese melts.
How do I serve these for a crowd?
Serve them immediately on a platter with a bowl of warm Italian dipping sauce in the center for an easy-to-share appetizer.