If you have a love affair with gooey cheese and crave something crunchy on the outside yet melting inside, you’re going to adore this Blackstone Fried Mozzarella recipe. It’s a mouthwatering twist on classic fried mozzarella, cooked right on the Blackstone griddle to get that perfect golden crust that’s simply irresistible. The blend of fresh mozzarella, crunchy panko, and a vibrant homemade marinara sauce makes this dish a standout appetizer or snack that always brings people running to the table. Whether you’re making it for a casual hangout or a festive gathering, Blackstone Fried Mozzarella is guaranteed to steal the show every time.

Blackstone Fried Mozzarella Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but pack plenty of flavor and texture—each one adds an essential element to make your Blackstone Fried Mozzarella irresistible. From the fresh mozzarella that melts beautifully, to the crispy panko coating, and the bold marinara sauce, every component plays its part perfectly.

8 slices fresh mozzarella: Use high-quality fresh mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
1/2 cup flour: Helps the egg wash stick and gives structure to the breading.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky depth to the flour mixture.
1 large egg (beaten): Acts as the glue that holds the panko crumbs on the cheese.
2 tablespoons milk: Lightens the egg wash for an even coating.
2 cups panko: Produces the signature crunchy crust that’s so addictive.
1/2 cup olive oil: For frying on the griddle—gives a beautiful golden finish.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to start the marinara base, infusing it with rich flavor.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch to the sauce.
1 cup tomato puree: The heart of your homemade marinara, bringing vibrant color and tang.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors in the sauce and seasoning.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness and complexity.
1/4 teaspoon pepper: A gentle heat that complements the cheese perfectly.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just a touch of spice for an exciting kick.

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 another bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk to create an easy coating. Finally, place your panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish. Setting up these “stations” will make the breading process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Bread the Mozzarella

Take each slice of fresh mozzarella and dip it fully into the flour mixture first, making sure it’s coated evenly. Next, submerge it in the egg wash, then dredge it through the panko crumbs until it’s completely covered. This triple-layer breading is key to achieving that crisp crunch you’re aiming for. Arrange the breaded slices on parchment paper laid over a baking sheet, then pop them in the freezer to firm up. This chilling step is critical for preventing the cheese from melting out during cooking.

Step 3: Simmer Your Marinara Sauce

In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook briefly until fragrant—just about 1 minute. Pour in your tomato puree, then stir in the salt, onion powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring it all to a gentle simmer and let the flavors meld while you finish cooking your mozzarella on the Blackstone griddle. This sauce is fresh, flavorful, and the perfect dip.

Step 4: Preheat and Oil the Blackstone Griddle

Turn your Blackstone griddle to medium heat and generously coat the surface with olive oil. You want enough so that the mozzarella slices can fry nicely without sticking, but not so much that oil pools or runs off. The griddle’s even heat distribution is why Blackstone Fried Mozzarella comes out so perfectly crispy all over.

Step 5: Fry the Mozzarella Rounds

Retrieve the frozen breaded mozzarella from the freezer and carefully place the slices onto the oiled griddle. Cook until golden brown on the bottom, then flip each slice—adding a bit more olive oil if needed. Both sides should be beautifully browned in about 2-3 minutes per side. Once done, remove the mozzarella promptly to prevent over-melting and losing that gorgeous shape.

How to Serve Blackstone Fried Mozzarella

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a lovely pop of color and freshness to these indulgently cheesy bites. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top can also boost the flavor and add a salty finish. Don’t forget a few cracks of fresh black pepper to elevate each mouthful.

Side Dishes

Serve your Blackstone Fried Mozzarella with crunchy veggies like celery sticks or carrot batons for balance. Garlic bread or a crisp green salad can round out the meal perfectly, making it a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching appetizer platter, arrange the mozz rounds around a bowl of your homemade marinara and include toothpicks for easy dipping. You can also layer them on a bed of arugula and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a slightly sophisticated twist. The key is to keep it inviting and fun—it’s a dish that begs to be shared.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the marinara separate to maintain the crispiness of the fried mozzarella when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the breaded mozzarella slices before cooking. Just freeze them on the baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. This makes it super convenient to fry a fresh batch whenever the craving hits. Store up to 1 month for best quality.

Reheating

To bring leftover Blackstone Fried Mozzarella back to life, reheating in a hot skillet or air fryer works best. This method crisps up the coating without making it soggy like a microwave would. Just heat until warm and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of slices?

Slices are better for this recipe because shredded cheese will melt through the breading during cooking, making it messy. Fresh mozzarella slices hold their shape beautifully for frying.

What’s the best oil to use on the Blackstone griddle?

Olive oil works wonderfully for flavor and texture here, but you could also experiment with avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you prefer a higher smoke point.

Can I make the marinara sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The marinara tastes even better after sitting a few hours or overnight. Just reheat gently when ready to serve.

How do I prevent the cheese from melting out?

Freezing the breaded mozzarella before frying is crucial—it firms up the cheese so it stays inside the crispy crust during cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional panko contains gluten, but you can find gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Final Thoughts

This Blackstone Fried Mozzarella recipe truly hits all the right notes with its crunchy exterior, gooey cheesy center, and bright homemade marinara. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s fun to make and impossible not to love. Next time you want to wow your friends or treat yourself, give this dish a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

Blackstone Fried Mozzarella Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Blackstone Fried Mozzarella is a crispy and gooey appetizer featuring fresh mozzarella slices breaded with flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs, then fried to golden perfection on a Blackstone griddle. Served with a rich and flavorful homemade marinara sauce infused with garlic and spices, this dish is a perfect indulgent snack or starter for any occasion.

Instructions

Prepare Flour Mixture: Mix together the flour and garlic powder in one shallow dish. This will lightly season the coating for the mozzarella and help the egg wash stick.
Make Egg Wash: In a separate dish, whisk together the beaten egg and milk until well combined. This acts as a binder for the breadcrumbs.
Set Up Breadcrumbs: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third dish. These will create a crispy, crunchy exterior on the cheese.
Bread the Mozzarella: Dip each slice of fresh mozzarella first into the flour mixture, coating it evenly, then into the egg wash, and finally press it into the panko breadcrumbs until fully covered. Place each breaded slice on a piece of parchment paper set on a baking sheet.
Freeze the Cheese: Place the baking sheet with breaded mozzarella slices into the freezer. This step firms up the coating, preventing the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
Prepare 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 but not browned.
Add Tomato Puree: Pour in the tomato puree and bring to a gentle simmer.
Season and Simmer: Stir in salt, onion powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and let the marinara sauce simmer while you cook the mozzarella.
Preheat Blackstone Griddle: Heat your Blackstone griddle to medium temperature for even frying.
Oil the Griddle: Generously apply olive oil over the griddle surface, ensuring enough to prevent sticking but not so much it drips off.
Cook Fried Mozzarella: Remove the mozzarella from the freezer and place slices onto the hot, oiled griddle. Cook until golden brown on one side, then carefully flip, adding more oil if needed. Cook until both sides are crisp and browned.
Serve: Remove the fried mozzarella immediately and serve hot with the warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Freezing the breaded mozzarella before frying is essential to keep the cheese from melting too quickly and losing shape.
Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for the best texture and flavor.
You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the marinara for more or less heat according to your preference.
Make sure the oil on the griddle is hot before adding mozzarella slices to get a crispy crust.
Serve immediately for the best gooey texture and crispy coating.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice with marinara
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 320 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 8 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg

Keywords: fried mozzarella, Blackstone griddle recipe, mozzarella appetizer, crispy mozzarella, fried cheese sticks, homemade marinara sauce, Italian appetizer