Name: Fried Mozzarella Balls with Cherry Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: serves 4 people (appetizer)
Cuisine: Slovenska
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 onion; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 3 garlic cloves; 1 tbsp chopped basil; 1 tsp chopped oregano; 400 g (1 pound) cherry tomatoes; 120 ml (1/2 cup) water; 100 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour; 2 eggs; 150 g (1 cup) dry breadcrumbs; 250 g (9 oz) mini mozzarella; 500 ml (2 cups) oil, for frying; parsley and basil, to serve

Fried Mozzarella Balls with Cherry Tomato Sauce

This is one of our all-time favorite snacks or appetizers. We usually make these fried cheese balls over the weekend when we want something comforting and delicious yet quick to whip up at home. The prep is simple, and the ingredients are easily accessible all around the globe. We recommend using mini mozzarella - but make sure you pat dry it with paper towels before using. Feel free to use Provolone, Edam cheese, or other cheese that melts well.

The most amazing fried mozzarella balls

Mmm, that melted cheese is giving me life! This is one of the most amazing appetizers ever. These are the top reasons why we adore this recipe:

these fried mozzarella balls have a thick coating that holds the cheese while frying and prevent the leaking
the tomato sauce is made with LUŠT cherry tomatoes making it naturally sweet and delicious
perfect as an appetizer or snack
perfect for celebrations and weekends
fresh is the best when it comes to this dish
vegetarian-friendly recipe

LUŠT Tomatoes

We partnered with a local Slovenian tomato producer called Lušt for this recipe. They prepared a fantastic giveaway for their Slovenian fans. That's why the following text is in Slovene.

Za ta recept sva uporabila vsem dobro poznan paradižnik LUŠT. Poznamo jih po čudoviti barvi, mamljivem izgledu in božanskem okusu. Letos so pripravili odlično nagradno igro, v kateri lahko sodelujete tudi vi in osvojite LUŠTne bogate nagrade, med drugim tudi dve nočitvi za tri osebe na gradu Grad v Prekmurju in bon v vrednosti 100 € za obisk LUŠTne domačije. Vse kar morate narediti najdete na tej povezavi ali kliknite na fotografijo spodaj, ki vas bo popeljala do nagradne igre. Nagradna igra traja do 19.6.2023.

Storing

We don't recommend storing these Fried Mozzarella Balls with Cherry Tomato Sauce; actually, we recommend serving them as soon as possible.

How to make Fried Mozzarella Balls with Cherry Tomato Sauce at home (video)

Check this quick video to master making Fried Mozzarella Balls with Cherry Tomato Sauce at home.

Next, try these appetizers and starters

METHOD

tomato sauce

First, make the sauce. Add oil to a pan and place over medium heat. Add diced onion and oregano. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic, and cook for another minute. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 - 8 minutes or until the cherry tomatoes are soft. Add the fresh herbs and water, stir to combine, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook for 6 - 8 minutes for the sauce to thicken and for the tomatoes to soften even more.

Tip

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frying

Pat dry the mozzarella with paper towels. Prepare three different plates. Add flour to one plate, eggs to a second plate, and whisk well, then add the breadcrumbs to a third plate. Roll the mozzarella in flour, dip in eggs, and roll in breadcrumbs. Then repeat the process by dipping into eggs and rolling in breadcrumbs to get a thicker coating.

Tip

Make sure to coat the balls evenly and generously to prevent the cheese from melting away.
frying

Pour the oil into a large pan. Heat the oil to 180 °C / 350 °F. Gently drop the mozzarella balls in hot oil and deep fry for 1 - 2 minutes or until golden outside. Shake the pan from time to time.
serve

Transfer the deep-fried balls to the tomato sauce. Before serving, sprinkle with parsley and basil.

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Fried Mozzarella Balls with Cherry Tomato Sauce