National Dish Italy: Mozzarella in Carrozza (Recipe)
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Crisp on the outside, gloriously molten within, Mozzarella in Carrozza is one of Italy’s most irresistible bites. This fried sandwich hails from sunny Campania, where day-old bread and a few slices of cheese are transformed into something far greater than the sum of its parts. Golden, gooey and endlessly moreish, it is perfect as a snack, a starter or even a light main. Bring a taste of southern Italy straight to your own kitchen with this simple, crowd-pleasing classic.
About Mozzarella in Carrozza
If you are after an authentic Italian dish that is easy to put together yet tastes utterly delicious, then Mozzarella in Carrozza is just the thing. This recipe comes from the region of Campania and is a true classic of the Italian table. It is essentially a fried sandwich filled with mozzarella and coated in a crisp, golden crust. Whether served as a starter, a snack or even a main course, it never fails to please.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 4 slices white bread
- 150g mozzarella
- 2 eggs
- 50ml milk
- Flour (for dredging)
- Panko or breadcrumbs
- Olive oil, for frying
- Salt and pepper
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients, take care to choose fresh mozzarella, as it makes a real difference to the flavour of the finished dish. For the bread, white bread that is not too fresh works best, so that it does not turn soggy too quickly during preparation. Pick up good-quality eggs and olive oil too, to bring out the very best aroma. If you can track down panko breadcrumbs, they are a wonderful choice for extra crunch.
Preparing the dish
Begin by trimming the crusts from the white bread so you end up with a neat, even sandwich. Cut the mozzarella into thick slices and lay it between two slices of bread, pressing the slices together lightly so the cheese stays firmly in place. Next, beat the eggs in a bowl together with the milk and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step-by-step instructions
- Dredge the assembled sandwiches first in the flour to give them a thin, even coating.
- Then dip the sandwiches into the egg-and-milk mixture so both sides are well covered.
- Next, coat the sandwiches in the panko or breadcrumbs until they are evenly covered all over.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over a medium heat.
- Fry the sandwiches on both sides until golden brown and crisp — this takes roughly 2–3 minutes per side.
- Drain the mozzarella in carrozza on kitchen paper to remove any excess oil.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of this recipe you can use gluten-free bread and breadcrumbs. Be sure that the flour you use for dredging is gluten-free too. If you prefer a lactose-free version, reach for lactose-free mozzarella and lactose-free milk. These adjustments affect the flavour only minimally and make the dish accessible to far more people.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version of this recipe there are some excellent alternatives. Swap the mozzarella for a plant-based cheese that melts well, and use plant-based milk in the coating mixture. Vegan egg substitutes work nicely for the breading and give the dish a similar texture. Use plant-based panko for the crisp outer layer as well. As it stands, the recipe is already vegetarian, making it a great option for meat-free meals.
More tips and tricks
A few simple tricks can make this dish even better. After breading, let the sandwiches rest for about ten minutes so the coating clings properly. For extra flavour, you can add herbs such as oregano or basil to the egg mixture. You might also rub the bread lightly with garlic before breading it, for an additional hit of aroma.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
There are countless ways to adapt the Mozzarella in Carrozza recipe to your own preferences. Tuck a few slices of ham between the cheese and the bread, for instance, to add a meaty note. If you like things a little spicier, stir a touch of chilli into the egg mixture. You can vary the choice of cheese too — try different kinds such as provolone or gouda.
Ingredient substitutions
If you happen to be missing certain ingredients, there are easy alternatives you can use. Instead of panko you can use ordinary breadcrumbs or homemade crumbs. For the mozzarella, any other melting cheese works well — much like the gooey filling that makes Supplì so satisfying. And if white bread is not available, sandwich loaf or ciabatta both work nicely for this recipe.
Drink pairing ideas
There are several drinks that pair beautifully with mozzarella in carrozza. A light white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio, goes wonderfully with this dish. A fresh Prosecco can be a good choice too. For a non-alcoholic option we recommend a zingy lemonade or a refreshing iced tea.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation is the finishing touch on any dish. After frying, cut the mozzarella in carrozza into triangles and arrange them on a plate. A side salad of rocket, cherry tomatoes and a balsamic dressing is the perfect accompaniment — and an Insalata Caprese makes another lovely partner. For a touch of colour and flavour, scatter a few fresh basil leaves over the dish.
A bit of history
The history of mozzarella in carrozza reaches back to the early 19th century and originates in the region of Campania in southern Italy. The recipe was originally devised as a way to use up stale bread and leftover mozzarella. The name “in carrozza” means “in a carriage” and refers to the bread acting as a protective casing for the melting cheese. Today this dish is a popular street food, served in many Italian homes and restaurants and a beloved part of Italian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Mozzarella in Carrozza
Mozzarella in carrozza is a delicious and versatile dish that is easy to prepare and always goes down well. With fresh ingredients and a few simple tricks you can conjure up this traditional Italian recipe in your own kitchen. Whether as a starter, a snack or a main course, it is always a treat. Experiment with different variations and adjustments to find your own personal favourite.
