This appetizer is a crisp, golden bread and gently melted mozzarella, assembled with precision and restraint. Each skewer is layered with warm fried squares, fresh cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves, creating a measured interplay of richness and freshness. It offers a composed opening course for family gatherings or casual entertaining.
What Are Bread and Mozzarella Skewers?
Bread and mozzarella skewers are a fried appetizer made by sandwiching fresh mozzarella between pieces of bread, coating them in a classic flour–egg–breadcrumb crust, and frying. Once crisp, the squares are threaded onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and basil, echoing the flavors of a Caprese salad deeply rooted in Italian-inspired comfort food.
Pro Tips for the Best Bread and Mozzarella Skewers
- Use low-moisture fresh mozzarella or pat slices dry to prevent leaking during frying.
- Press the bread and mozzarella firmly before coating so the layers stay compact while frying.
- Fry in medium-hot oil to ensure the bread turns golden before the cheese over-melts.
- Assemble the skewers just before serving to keep the fried bread crisp and the basil vibrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare bread and mozzarella skewers ahead of time?
You can prepare this dish, coat them in breadcrumbs a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to fry. Frying should always be done just before serving to maintain the crisp exterior. Also, assembling the skewers too early may cause the bread to soften.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Soft white sandwich bread is great because it compresses easily and fries evenly. Avoid crusty or very dense breads, as they can overpower the mozzarella and make frying uneven. Removing the crusts is optional, but it creates a cleaner, more uniform result.
Why is my mozzarella leaking while frying?
Mozzarella usually leaks if the oil is too hot or if the bread is not sealed properly. Make sure the cheese is fully enclosed and well coated with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Using mozzarella that is too wet can increase the chances of leaking.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, they can be baked, though the texture will be slightly different. Bake at 200°C (400°F) until golden, flipping once for even browning. Spraying lightly with oil helps improve color and crispness. Frying, however, gives the most traditional and indulgent result.
How to Store Bread and Mozzarella Skewers
Leftovers without tomatoes and basil can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer to restore some crispness and avoid the microwave. Once assembled with tomatoes and basil, leftovers do not store well, so consume immediately after assembling.
Ingredients
How to Make Fried Bread and Mozzarella Skewers
Cut the fresh mozzarella into slices and divide each slice of bread into four equal squares.
Cut the fresh mozzarella into slices and divide each slice of bread into four equal squares.
Place a slice of mozzarella on one bread square, top with another square, and press gently to seal.
Place a slice of mozzarella on one bread square, top with another square, and press gently to seal.
Lightly coat each square in flour, dip into beaten eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs.
Lightly coat each square in flour, dip into beaten eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs.
Fry the bread squares in batches until crisp, turning carefully. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Fry the bread squares in batches until crisp, turning carefully. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Thread one fried bread square onto a skewer, followed by half a cherry tomato and a fresh basil leaf. Repeat the sequence until you have three bread squares per skewer.
Thread one fried bread square onto a skewer, followed by half a cherry tomato and a fresh basil leaf. Repeat the sequence until you have three bread squares per skewer.
Arrange the skewers on a serving plate and serve while the mozzarella is still warm.
Arrange the skewers on a serving plate and serve while the mozzarella is still warm.
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