Name: Mozzarella in Carrozza
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 slices good white bread (day-old is perfect, crusts removed); 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced thick (about 1/4 inch); 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup whole milk; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; Vegetable oil for frying (enough for about 1 inch deep); 4-6 fresh basil leaves; 2-3 thin slices of prosciutto or ham; A few sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; A drizzle of good olive oil; A pinch of dried oregano

So you know how sometimes you want something fancy but also ridiculously comforting? Meet Mozzarella in Carrozza — basically Italy’s answer to the grilled cheese sandwich, except way more elegant and about a thousand times more delicious. “Carrozza” literally means “carriage” in Italian, and honestly, this little golden beauty is going to carry you straight to comfort food heaven.

Picture this: thick slices of creamy mozzarella sandwiched between pillowy bread, dipped in seasoned egg like French toast, then fried until it’s crispy and golden on the outside while the cheese inside gets all melty and stretchy. It’s like if a grilled cheese went to culinary school in Naples and came back speaking fluent deliciousness. The Italians really know what they’re doing with this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy meets gooey — the perfect texture combo that dreams are made of
Only 5 ingredients — sometimes the best things are beautifully simple
Ready in 15 minutes — perfect for when you need comfort food ASAP
Impressive but easy — looks fancy, tastes incredible, zero stress
Customizable — add whatever makes your heart happy
Pure comfort — like a warm hug from an Italian nonna

The Good Stuff You’ll Need

For the Basic Magic:

8 slices good white bread (day-old is perfect, crusts removed)
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced thick (about 1/4 inch)
3 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying (enough for about 1 inch deep)

Optional Flavor Boosters:

4-6 fresh basil leaves
2-3 thin slices of prosciutto or ham
A few sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
A drizzle of good olive oil
A pinch of dried oregano

Let’s Do This

Step 1: Prep Your Sandwich Situation Lay out your bread slices and pat the mozzarella dry with paper towels (wet cheese = sad, soggy results). If you’re using any extras like basil or prosciutto, have them ready to go.

Step 2: Build Your Carrozza Make sandwiches by layering mozzarella between two slices of bread. If you’re adding basil, prosciutto, or sun-dried tomatoes, layer them with the cheese. Press the edges firmly together to seal — you want that cheese to stay put when it starts melting.

Step 3: Make the Egg Bath In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. You want this smooth and seasoned — it’s basically the magic coating that makes everything golden and delicious.

Step 4: Heat That Oil Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of egg mixture sizzles immediately but doesn’t go crazy. We’re looking for a gentle, controlled sizzle here.

Step 5: Dip and Fry Like a Pro Working one at a time, dip each sandwich in the egg mixture, letting it soak for just a few seconds on each side. You want it coated but not completely soggy.

Carefully place the sandwich in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be melted and maybe threatening to ooze out a little (that’s the good stuff right there).

Step 6: Drain and Serve Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain for just a minute, then serve immediately while the cheese is still molten and stretchy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil
A bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping takes this to the next level
Pair with a glass of crisp white wine or a cold Italian beer
Cut into triangles and serve as an appetizer for a crowd

Switch It Up

Caprese Style: Add fresh tomato slices and basil leaves Meat Lover: Layer in thin slices of prosciutto or salami Truffle Vibes: Drizzle with truffle oil before serving Spicy Kick: Add a few slices of fresh jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes Herb Garden: Mix chopped fresh herbs into the egg mixture Sweet and Savory: Add thin slices of pear or apple with the mozzarella

Pro Tips That Actually Matter

Day-old bread is your friend — it soaks up the egg without falling apart
Don’t overstuff — too much cheese and it’ll all leak out during frying
Keep oil temp steady — too hot and the outside burns before the cheese melts
Serve immediately — this is not a make-ahead situation, but trust me, it’s worth the wait
Pat everything dry — moisture is the enemy of crispy goodness

Questions People Actually Ask

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying? A: You can, but you’ll miss out on that perfect crispy exterior. If you must, brush with melted butter and bake at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping once.

Q: What if I can’t find good mozzarella? A: Fresh mozzarella is ideal, but low-moisture mozzarella works too. Just make sure it’s good quality — this dish is only as good as your cheese.

Q: Can I make these ahead? A: The assembled sandwiches can sit for an hour or two before frying, but once they’re cooked, they need to be eaten immediately for maximum deliciousness.

Q: My cheese keeps leaking out. Help! A: Press the edges of the bread together really well, and don’t overfill. Also, make sure your oil isn’t too hot — gentle frying is key.

Q: Can I use different cheese? A: Absolutely! Fontina, provolone, or even a good cheddar would be delicious. Just make sure it’s something that melts well.

Mozzarella in Carrozza

Author: Tyla
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale