Mozzarella in Carrozza

History

Mozzarella in carrozza — 'mozzarella in a carriage' — is a beloved Neapolitan street food and home staple, born as a clever way to use day-old bread and leftover mozzarella. Two slices of bread sandwich a thick slab of fresh fior di latte mozzarella, are sealed at the edges, dipped in egg and breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until the outside is golden and the inside is a molten, stretchy pool of cheese. It is one of the great fried cheese preparations in the world, deeply embedded in Neapolitan cucina povera tradition.

Ingredients

• White sandwich bread or milk bread
• Fresh fior di latte mozzarella, thickly sliced
• Eggs, beaten
• Breadcrumbs
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
• Anchovy fillets (optional, traditional Neapolitan addition)

How to Make

1. 1Cut thick slices of white bread and remove crusts.
2. 2Place a generous slab of fresh mozzarella between two slices, pressing the edges firmly to seal.
3. 3Dredge the sandwich lightly in flour, then dip in beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.
4. 4Heat olive oil in a pan to medium-high. Fry the sandwich on each side for 2–3 minutes until deep golden and crisp.
5. 5Drain on paper towels, season with salt, and serve immediately while the mozzarella is molten.

Known for it

• Antica Friggitoria La Masardona dal 1945P.za Vittoria, 5, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy