Did I ever tell you that I have a teenager?
Let me just say, it’s been quite an adventure. I remember exactly when he turned 14—it happened last Friday right around 6 PM, practically in time for dinner. From the moment he arrived in this world, he’s been insatiably hungry. These days, he’s earned quite a few nicknames around our house, including “the bottomless pit,” “the trash compactor,” and “the pantry emptier.” All of these monikers stem from one undeniable fact: he’s constantly on the prowl for something to eat. No matter the time of day, he’s rummaging through the fridge drawers, flinging open pantry doors, and doing whatever it takes to hunt down his next between-meal snack.
I have to admit, I kind of love that he’s always hungry. As a parent, it’s both entertaining and a little terrifying—especially when the grocery bill arrives. If I turn my back for five minutes, he’s already discovered the last cookie in the jar or devoured the leftover pasta I was saving for lunch. But, hey, I’m adaptable. Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks to keep up with his teenage appetite. One of those secrets is discovering easy, high-protein snacks that satisfy him without requiring a culinary arts degree to prepare. And guess what? I recently scored a major victory in the “cool mom” department by making fried mozzarella. Let me tell you, on the day I whipped these up, I was on top of the popularity chart. Sure, he only has one mother, but the way he bragged about me that day, you’d think I was a superhero in an apron.
It all began when I found these adorable mozzarella rounds at the store. Specifically, I picked them up at BJs, thinking they’d be a brilliant addition to his school lunches. I’m always on the lookout for something tasty yet reasonably nutritious. And let’s not forget: according to Livestrong, mozzarella is a decent source of protein, with a single ounce providing about 7 grams of protein, plus roughly 18% of the recommended daily dose of calcium. If you really want to go the healthier route, you can look for mozzarella made with skim milk, which usually comes with less fat. So, there I was, feeling very proud of myself for discovering these conveniently portioned cheese rounds.
I bought a brand that was new to me, but honestly, my decision was mostly driven by the brand name. It happened to match the last name of my adorable niece and nephew, and I thought that was a sign it would be great. Unfortunately, my hungry teenager and his snack-loving crew gave that brand an enormous thumbs-down. They found the flavor lackluster, calling it bland and boring. So there those mozzarella rounds sat, completely unloved, buried deep in my deli drawer.
But here’s the thing about my snack-obsessed teenager: if an item doesn’t pass the immediate taste test, it basically becomes invisible to him. That was the case with these poor cheese rounds. Days went by, and the unopened bag lingered in the fridge. I started to feel guilty for neglecting them, especially when the reason they were being ignored was that they were “boring.” Let’s be real—if it’s not exciting to a 14-year-old, it vanishes from his mind.
Then, I had a spark of genius. I remembered this little trick from my college days, a time when my cooking skills were minimal, yet I knew how to transform nearly any cheese into something mouthwatering: fry it. That’s when the lightbulb flicked on in my head, and I thought, “These are about to become fried mozzarella.” After all, who doesn’t adore melty, crispy, golden-brown cheese served piping hot with a side of marinara sauce? It’s practically impossible to resist.
The great news is that whipping up these fried mozzarella rounds is ridiculously simple. In fact, I’m about to drop my favorite culinary buzzword: E.A.S.Y.
Let’s start with the basic steps. First, you unwrap your cheese rounds (or cheese sticks—either works). Next, you whisk an egg in a shallow bowl. In a separate dish, pour in some panko breadcrumbs. You can flavor the breadcrumbs with a dash of salt, pepper, or even some dried Italian herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Then, dip each cheese round into the beaten egg, making sure it’s evenly coated. Transfer it to the dish with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere to every surface. Trust me, you’ll want a full coating so you get that delightful crunch on all sides.
After that, heat a splash of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Wait until it’s shimmering—this ensures you get a nice, even sizzle. Place the breaded mozzarella in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry each side until you see that appetizing golden color, which usually takes about a minute or two per side. You’ll be tempted to press down on them or flip them constantly, but keep yourself in check. Let the cheese develop that crispy crust before turning. Once both sides are beautifully browned, take them out and set them on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any extra oil. Serve immediately with your favorite marinara or tomato sauce on the side, and watch everyone’s eyes light up.
Now, let’s be honest: with the egg wash and the panko crust, these morsels aren’t going to win any awards from strict health gurus. It’s definitely more indulgent than plain cheese. But sometimes, you just want that indulgence, especially if you’re attempting to coax a teenager away from his phone or game console. When my son caught that warm, cheesy aroma drifting out of the kitchen, he abandoned everything else—his video game, his texts, all of it. In seconds, he was stationed at the kitchen counter, eyes fixed on the sizzling mozzarella. Let’s just say the teen approval rating soared that day, albeit for the short duration these treats lasted. Once the fried mozzarella disappeared, I had about ten glorious minutes of “favorite mom status.” But honestly, that was enough to make my heart happy.
I admit it: I shamelessly cook my way to my teenager’s heart. And if the key to his affections involves fried cheese, I’m all in. These fried mozzarella rounds are the perfect blend of crunchy breadcrumbs and gooey, melted cheese, with a zip of savory marinara sauce on the side to round out that classic Italian-inspired flavor. It’s no wonder I like to call them my “Mangia Mondays” treat—after all, “mangia” means “eat,” and that’s exactly what my teen is going to do the minute these come off the stovetop.
So the next time you’re faced with a so-called “bland” bag of cheese that’s been banished to the back of the fridge, don’t give up on it too soon. A quick dip in egg, a roll in panko, and a spin in a hot pan can transform an unloved snack into a star attraction at your kitchen table. And in the process, you just might cement your status as the most popular person in the house—at least until the last piece of fried mozzarella is gone.
Bon appétit and happy snacking!
