Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites

These irresistible Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites are the perfect appetizer for any occasion - crispy on the outside with a gooey, stretchy center that will delight cheese lovers. Each golden-brown bite combines the rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of mozzarella. The Italian herb-infused coating adds a savory depth that complements the cheese perfectly. Whether served at a party, game day gathering, or as a family snack, these cheese bites are guaranteed to disappear quickly. They're surprisingly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them ideal for entertaining. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for an appetizer that will have everyone reaching for more.

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Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites - main view
Chef profile

JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Chef's Essential Tips

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites - secondary view

Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

Base Preparation:
Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.
Flavor Infusion:
Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.
Base Preparation:
Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.
Flavor Infusion:
Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.
Base Preparation:
Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.
Baking Tips
Make sure all cheese is very cold before coating and cooking to prevent excessive melting
If the cheese mixture becomes too soft while working with it, return it to the refrigerator to firm up
Double-coating with the breading mixture creates an extra crispy exterior that helps contain the melting cheese
For extra flavor, add 1 tablespoon of pesto or sun-dried tomato paste to the cheese mixture
Use a thermometer when frying to maintain the correct oil temperature
If baking, make sure to flip the bites halfway through for even browning
Leftover bites can be refrigerated and reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy again
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and flour
Make ahead: Form and coat the bites, then freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time
Adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the breading mixture adds a subtle, smoky flavor
Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites - tertiary view

Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites

These irresistible Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites are the perfect appetizer for any occasion - crispy on the outside with a gooey, stretchy center that will delight cheese lovers. Each golden-brown bite combines the rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of mozzarella. The Italian herb-infused coating adds a savory depth that complements the cheese perfectly. Whether served at a party, game day gathering, or as a family snack, these cheese bites are guaranteed to disappear quickly. They're surprisingly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them ideal for entertaining. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for an appetizer that will have everyone reaching for more.

Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
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Ingredients

Custard Cream
01
For the Cheese Mixture:
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8 oz (226g) mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
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1 large egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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For the Coating:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1 tablespoon water
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2 cups panko breadcrumbs
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
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1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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For Frying (if choosing fried method):
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Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying
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For Baking (if choosing baked method):
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Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil
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For Serving (choose your favorites):
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Marinara sauce, warmed
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Ranch dressing
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Garlic aioli
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Pesto sauce
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Hot honey
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Equipment:
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Mixing bowls
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Baking sheet
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Parchment paper
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Cooling rack
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Deep fryer or large, deep pot (if frying)
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Thermometer (if frying)
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Slotted spoon
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Paper towels

Instructions

01
In a large bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
02
Gently fold in the mozzarella cubes until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
03
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to firm up the mixture, making it easier to handle.
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Once chilled, use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the mixture. Roll each portion between your hands to form balls about 1-inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
05
Return the formed cheese balls to the refrigerator for another 15 minutes to firm up again.
06
While the cheese balls are chilling, prepare the coating stations: Place flour in one bowl. In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and water. In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Working with a few cheese balls at a time (keeping the rest refrigerated), coat each ball first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally roll in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
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For a thicker coating, dip the coated balls back into the egg mixture and then into the panko mixture for a second layer.
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Place the coated balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before cooking to help the coating stick.
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For Frying Method: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the cheese bites in batches, about 1-2 minutes per batch, until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
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For Baking Method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Arrange the cheese bites on the rack, spray or brush them lightly with oil, and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, turning halfway through baking.
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Allow the cheese bites to cool for 3-5 minutes before serving (they will be extremely hot inside).
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Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauces.