Crispy, cheesy, and packed with garlicky goodness—these Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches on Herby Garlic Bread are a total game-changer. Imagine golden, buttery bread infused with herbs and garlic, hugging a melty, gooey mozzarella center. Sounds irresistible, right? Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!
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Whether you’re craving a comfort-food lunch, a fun appetizer, or a late-night indulgence, this recipe delivers. It’s got everything: crunch, flavor, and that perfect cheese pull that makes every bite pure joy. Let’s get into it!
Why You’ll Love Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches on Herby Garlic Bread
- Crunchy & Gooey: The crispy bread meets the molten cheese for the ultimate texture contrast.
- Garlic & Herb Heaven: The buttery garlic bread takes this to another level.
- Easy & Fun to Make: Simple ingredients, quick assembly, and total deliciousness.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, game nights, or a treat-yourself meal.
- Customizable: Add pesto, marinara, or even some spicy honey for extra flavor!
Ingredients in Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches on Herby Garlic Bread
Here’s what makes these sandwiches so incredible:
Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the show! Go for fresh mozzarella or thick slices of low-moisture mozzarella for that perfect melt.
Bread: Thick-cut white bread, sourdough, or Italian bread works best—something sturdy enough to hold all that cheesy goodness.
Butter: Softened butter makes the garlic-herb spread rich and flavorful.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings bold, savory depth to the bread.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley, basil, or oregano add a bright, herby touch to the buttery spread.
Eggs & Milk: The egg wash helps create a crispy, golden crust when frying.
Flour & Breadcrumbs: A light coating of flour and seasoned breadcrumbs gives these sandwiches that perfect crunch.
Olive Oil: For frying to golden perfection.
Salt & Pepper: Enhances all the flavors and makes every bite sing.
How to Make Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches on Herby Garlic Bread
Make the Garlic Butter: In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped herbs, and a pinch of salt. Spread generously onto both sides of each bread slice.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Place thick slices of mozzarella between two slices of garlic-buttered bread, pressing gently to seal.
Prep the Coating: Set up three bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs.
Coat the Sandwiches: Dredge each sandwich in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat in breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.
Fry to Perfection: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry sandwiches until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Drain & Serve: Place the fried sandwiches on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Let cool slightly, then slice and enjoy!
How to Serve Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches on Herby Garlic Bread
- With Marinara Sauce: The classic dipping option for an extra hit of flavor.
- Drizzled with Hot Honey: A sweet-spicy twist that’s absolutely addictive.
- With a Side Salad: Balance the richness with a crisp, refreshing green salad.
- Topped with Pesto: Add a fresh basil or sun-dried tomato pesto for extra depth.
- With Soup: Dunk these beauties into tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal.
Additional Tips
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread holds up better and fries to a crispier finish.
- Don’t Skip the Freezer Trick: Freezing assembled sandwiches for 15 minutes before frying helps keep the cheese from oozing out too quickly.
- Double-Coat for Extra Crunch: For a thicker, crispier crust, dip the sandwiches in egg and breadcrumbs twice.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Air Fryer Option: Fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?
A1: Whole mozzarella slices work best for that gooey melt—pre-shredded won’t hold together as well.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Assemble and bread the sandwiches, then store them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before frying.
Q3: Can I bake instead of fry?
A3: Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q4: How do I keep the sandwiches from getting greasy?
A4: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying (around 350°F/175°C) and drain them on paper towels after cooking.
Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
A5: Yes! Store fried sandwiches in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for best results.
Q6: What’s the best dipping sauce for these sandwiches?
A6: Marinara is a classic, but ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo are all delicious options.
Q7: Can I add protein to this recipe?
A7: Definitely! Try adding crispy bacon, prosciutto, or a slice of grilled chicken for extra heartiness.
Q8: What herbs work best in the garlic butter?
A8: Parsley, basil, oregano, and thyme all complement the flavors beautifully.
Q9: Can I make these sandwiches in a panini press?
A9: Yes! Just skip the breading and cook in a buttered panini press until crispy.
Q10: Can I make these dairy-free?
A10: Yes! Use dairy-free mozzarella and vegan butter for a plant-based version.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches on Herby Garlic Bread are it! Crispy, cheesy, buttery, and packed with flavor, they’re ridiculously easy to make and even easier to devour.
Print
Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches on Herby Garlic Bread
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
- 1 stick + 4 tbsp (6 oz total) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 8 slices sandwich bread
- 1 (12 oz) block whole milk mozzarella cheese, cut into 8 (¼”) slices
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil, for frying
- 1 jar marinara sauce, warmed
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Ingredients
-
- 1 stick + 4 tbsp (6 oz total) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 8 slices sandwich bread
- 1 (12 oz) block whole milk mozzarella cheese, cut into 8 (1/4”) slices
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil, for frying
- 1 jar marinara sauce, warmed
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, granulated garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
- Spread a thin layer of this mixture onto each slice of bread.
-
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Place two slices of mozzarella onto four slices of the prepared bread.
- Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices.
-
Dredge the Sandwiches:
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Season the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt.
- Dredge each sandwich in flour, then eggs, and finally coat well with breadcrumbs.
-
Fry the Sandwiches:
- Heat two 12” frying pans over medium-low heat.
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in each pan.
- Place two sandwiches in each pan and cook for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
-
Melt the Cheese:
- Drizzle olive oil over the sandwiches and cover the pans, leaving the lids slightly cracked.
- Cook for 1-2 more minutes until the mozzarella is fully melted.
-
Serve:
- Transfer to a cutting board and slice each sandwich in half.
- Season with a pinch of salt and sprinkle grated parmesan over the top.
- Serve with warm marinara sauce on the side.
Notes
- Use sourdough or brioche for a richer flavor.
- Substitute fresh basil for parsley for an extra herby touch.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 180mg