Name: Blackstone Fried Mozzarella Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 slices fresh mozzarella; 1/2 cup flour; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 large egg (beaten); 2 tablespoons milk; 2 cups panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup olive oil (for frying); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup tomato puree; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

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If you are searching for a truly irresistible appetizer that will wow your guests and warm your soul, look no further than Blackstone Fried Mozzarella. This dish takes the classic fried mozzarella to new heights by using a Blackstone griddle to deliver a perfectly crispy crust while keeping the cheese irresistibly melty inside. Pair it with a rich, homemade marinara sauce, and you have a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re serving it at a casual gathering or just craving a delicious snack, Blackstone Fried Mozzarella brings together textures and flavors in a way that feels both familiar and exciting.

Blackstone Fried Mozzarella Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, combining simplicity with bold flavor and texture that make Blackstone Fried Mozzarella shine. From the fresh mozzarella rounds to the crunchy panko breadcrumbs, every component is chosen to build a balance of crispiness, creaminess, and heartwarming savoriness.

8 slices fresh mozzarella: Using fresh mozzarella ensures a creamy, melty center that contrasts beautifully with the crispy coating.
1/2 cup flour: Coats the cheese lightly and helps the egg wash adhere perfectly for breading.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle kick of flavor that complements both the crust and marinara sauce.
1 large egg (beaten): Creates a sticky layer to help the panko breadcrumbs cling tightly around each slice.
2 tablespoons milk: Lightens the egg wash, making the breading process smooth and evenly coated.
2 cups panko: The key to ultra-crispy breading that stays crunchy after frying on the griddle.
1/2 cup olive oil: Used generously on the Blackstone to achieve perfect frying without sticking.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing garlic in the marinara sauce, sealing in fresh aromatic flavors.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the marinara with warmth and complexity.
1 cup tomato puree: Forms the rich, velvety base of the dipping sauce to balance the fried mozzarella.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sauce and breading mix.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Provides subtle onion undertones in the marinara.
1/4 teaspoon pepper: Offers just enough spice to keep the sauce interesting.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives a gentle heat lift to wake up the palate.

How to Make Blackstone Fried Mozzarella

Step 1: Prepare Your Breading Stations

Start by mixing the flour and garlic powder in one shallow dish. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the milk until smooth. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third dish. These three stations will help you create a perfectly layered breading that sticks and crisps up beautifully on your Blackstone griddle.

Step 2: Bread the Mozzarella Slices

Take each slice of fresh mozzarella and dip it first into the flour mixture, coating evenly. Then dunk it into the egg wash to moisten, ensuring the panko will adhere. Finally, press the slice into the panko breadcrumbs until fully covered on both sides. Lay each breaded slice on parchment paper lined on a baking sheet before freezing. This chilling step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.

Step 3: Make the Marinara Sauce

While the mozzarella chills in the freezer, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant. Pour in the tomato puree, then stir in salt, onion powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer gently on low heat so all the flavors meld together, creating the perfect companion for your fried cheese.

Step 4: Heat Your Blackstone Griddle

Preheat the Blackstone griddle to medium heat. Once hot, spread about 1/2 cup olive oil generously over the surface, making sure there is enough to prevent sticking but not so much that it pools or spills. This oil layer is what will give your breaded mozzarella that signature crispy-crunch crust without burning or sticking.

Step 5: Fry the Mozzarella on the Blackstone

Take the frozen mozzarella slices out of the freezer and carefully place them on the oiled, preheated Blackstone griddle. Let them brown on one side, then add a little more oil if needed before flipping. Cook until both sides are golden and crunchy, keeping a close eye to avoid over-melting the cheese. The end result is an amazing combo of gooey cheese wrapped in a satisfying, crunchy shell.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Remove the fried mozzarella slices from the griddle promptly and plate them with a generous helping of your homemade marinara sauce. Hot, melty, and crispy — this is the moment for you and your guests to dive in and enjoy that comforting, indulgent flavor explosion.

How to Serve Blackstone Fried Mozzarella

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley sprinkled on top of the fried mozzarella add a burst of color and herbaceous brightness that uplifts every bite. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can also provide a sweet-tangy counterpoint that makes this dish feel extra special without overshadowing the cheesy star.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad tossed with a bright vinaigrette works wonders alongside Blackstone Fried Mozzarella, balancing out the richness with fresh crunch. For a more indulgent pairing, warm garlic bread or a bowl of seasoned pasta fits perfectly for a satisfying Italian-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few fried mozzarella slices on a rustic wooden board layered with fresh greens and ramekins of marinara and pesto for dipping. Alternatively, serve them as sliders with a piece of fresh basil and a slice of tomato on small buns for a fun party appetizer twist guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours. They are best eaten within one to two days to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Because the cheese is frozen before cooking, you can freeze any uncooked breaded mozzarella slices by arranging them on a parchment-lined tray and freezing until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag for up to one month. This way, you have a ready-made batch that cooks deliciously fresh straight from frozen.

Reheating

To reheat leftover fried mozzarella, avoid the microwave as it can make the breading soggy. Instead, use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or crisp them back up on your Blackstone griddle for the best results, reviving that perfect crunch and gooey center.

FAQs

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of sliced for Blackstone Fried Mozzarella?

Sliced fresh mozzarella works best because it provides a uniform thickness that fries evenly without leaking too much cheese, which could be harder to control with shredded cheese.

What’s the secret to keeping the mozzarella from melting out during cooking?

Freezing the breaded mozzarella slices before frying is crucial as it helps maintain their shape and prevents cheese from oozing out too quickly on the hot griddle.

Can I make the marinara sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The marinara sauce actually tastes better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld. Just store it refrigerated and gently reheat before serving with your Blackstone Fried Mozzarella.

Is olive oil the best oil for frying on the Blackstone?

Olive oil offers great flavor and a suitable smoke point for this recipe, but if you prefer a higher smoke point, you could use avocado or vegetable oil. Just keep in mind that flavor differs slightly.

How do I prevent the breading from falling off during cooking?

Make sure the cheese is thoroughly coated with flour, then egg, and finally panko. Freezing also firms up the breading. When flipping, use a gentle touch to avoid knocking off the crust.

Final Thoughts

Blackstone Fried Mozzarella is one of those magical recipes that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish full of crunchy, melty, and tangy delights. It’s perfect for gatherings, comfort food cravings, or anytime you want to treat yourself. Once you try it on your Blackstone griddle, you’ll find it hard to go back to ordinary fried cheese. Give this recipe a go and prepare to impress everyone with every bite!

Blackstone Fried Mozzarella Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 15 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crispy, golden fried mozzarella slices served hot off the griddle with a rich, garlicky marinara sauce. This Blackstone Fried Mozzarella recipe features a crunchy panko crust and a creamy melted center, perfect as an appetizer or snack.

Instructions

Prepare the coating mixture. Mix together the flour and garlic powder in one dish, combine the beaten egg and milk in a second dish, and place the panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.
Bread the mozzarella slices. Dip each slice of fresh mozzarella first into the flour mixture, then the egg wash, and finally coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
Freeze the breaded mozzarella. Place the breaded mozzarella slices on parchment paper on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, to help retain their shape while frying.
Make the marinara sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Simmer the sauce. Stir in the tomato puree, salt, onion powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and simmer while continuing with the fried mozzarella.
Preheat the griddle. Heat your Blackstone griddle to medium heat and generously oil the surface with about 1/2 cup olive oil, ensuring enough coverage without excess spillage.
Cook the mozzarella. Remove mozzarella rounds from the freezer and place on the hot griddle. Cook until golden brown on one side, add more oil if needed, then carefully flip and brown the other side.
Serve immediately. Remove the fried mozzarella slices promptly from the griddle and serve hot with the warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Freezing the breaded mozzarella before cooking prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and helps maintain the crispy crust.
Use fresh mozzarella slices about 1/4 inch thick for optimal melting and texture.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the marinara sauce to control the spice level to your preference.
Cook the mozzarella on medium heat to ensure the crust crisps without burning before the cheese melts.
This dish pairs well with a light salad or crusty bread for a fuller appetizer experience.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying on Griddle
Cuisine: Italian-American