Baked Mozzarella Balls.
I think we are all aware that there will never be a shortage of cheese in the How Sweet household.
That’s why we must get creative and switch it up at times. Since Mr. How Sweet asks me to make “healthy” cookies, “healthy” cheesecake, “healthy” butter chicken and “healthy” Oreos, this was my attempt at making a healthier, crispy ball of melted cheese. Because he clearly needs something healthier… especially after he eats an entire pizza, a Primanti’s sandwich and 16 cookies. Then manages to lose 4 pounds. Then says he needs to go on a diet. Sometimes I sort of hate him.
The good news? It worked. And these were extra crunchy! Good thing too. I like a little crunch with my fat.
As delicious as these were, I would not recommend them for a large party. Sure – a small gathering or dinner for two is perfect, but if you make these for a crowd you will spend way too much time in the kitchen and not enough time near the wine. Who wants to do that?
Moral of the story: make these for dinner. For yourself. And add some pinot.
Just make sure to spray your wire rack or baking sheet with non-stick spray and to freeze your cheese for awhile. Or else this will happen. Don’t learn the hard way.
But even if you do those things, it still may happen to one or two cheese balls. Trust me, it’s really not an issue. Unless you have an issue eating bubbly, golden cheese.
And in that case, I’m sorry that you are missing out. I’ll eat yours.
Baked Mozzarella Balls
serves 2-4
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
1/2 cup flour
2 egg whites
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Cube the mozzarella and set it in the freezer for 12-24 hours. This can simply be done the night before you make it.
When ready to make, preheat the over to 475 degrees.
Add the flour, slightly beaten egg whites and panko + parsley in 3 separate bowls. Lay a wire rack on a baking sheet and spray with non-stick spray. A wire rack is not required and you can also use a plain baking sheet – line it with parchment paper and then spray it with non-stick spray.
Make sure the oven is at the correct temperature. Moving quickly, take the cheese out of the freezer and dredge it in the flour, dip it in the egg whites, and coat it in the panko + parsley mixture. Set it on the rack/sheet and quickly finish the rest. Spray each cube with cooking spray and pop in the oven for 10-12 minutes. As long as you move quickly, cheese should not melt fast. Remove from oven when golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately.
I wish I got to eat more of these, but I turned my head for 30 seconds and they were gone. Apparently it’s cheese-diet week for Mr. How Sweet.
107 Comments on “Baked Mozzarella Balls.”
Mozzarella sticks are a favorite in my house! Cant’ wait to make these :)
Delish- mozz is my fav. I just picked someone for Christmas EVe- this may have to be my dish!
I love this take on mozzarella sticks! Well done, as usual ;).
New to your site… and I’m in love already… gosh these look super, super fab, the stringy fun that mozzarella brings… panko leaves them super crisp, right?
Yep!
These sound absolutely amazing! I can’t wait to try them :o)
haha – men and their “diets”. The other night we were eating soup and sandwiches for dinner. I asked the Husband if he wanted a second grilled ham and cheese to which he responded with: “yes… wait, never mind. (pats stomach) All those Christmas cookies are taking a toll on my waistline”
Then, he proceeded to eat 6 more cookies that night.
SERIOUSLY?!
Hahaha… sounds about right.
My boyfriend is the same way. Talks about “getting fat” and “needing to cut back” as he shovels cookie after cookie in his mouth proclaiming how delicious they are!
Thank you again for another wonderful recipe: Seasons Greetings and wishing you much pinot (grigio and noir) in the new year!
This looks good…so…cheesy! <3
Look really good. I mean REALLY good!
This does sound good…and I like your pairing suggestion. Wine and cheese are a match made in heaven…and in the kitchen!
this just made me realize how much i love cheese…yet again…
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these sound like such a delicious appetizer – or like you said, dinner!! i love the photos!
Thanks girl!
I love moz balls. They’re so freakin’ good but the problem is that you have about 10 minutes to eat them…wait, did I say problem? I meant it’s FANTASTIC
i need to invite someone over for dinner so i have an excuse to make these!
My husband would be drooling over these now if he saw them. I gues I’ll be a good wife and make them, they do look so good Jessica!
Mmm, fried cheese is my weakness. So good!
Yum!!!!!! We all looove mozzarella!!
Mmmmmm….these look SO good! And they’re definitely healthy, right? :-)
Oh man. Can I make these for breakfast?
It’s encouraged!
I would hate to be the dish washer in your house. Seriously, you need a full time staff with everything ooey and gooey that you make :)
I am in server “dont know what to choose” mode….but I think I am going cheaper and working my way up as needed rather than starting big and waiting. I know you’re working but lmk what you think if you have a free second!
:)
I do need a full time staff!
Ugh! Just like your husband I am on the cheese diet right now. I can’t seem to get enough of the stuff! Thanks for another great recipe!
I love how you make more natural versions of “crappy foods” – I would feel a lot better about eating these mozzarella balls baked in egg whites and bread crumbs than traditional fried mozzarella sticks :)
i simply must make these! they look delish.
Yum, those balls look gooood. :-) Another great “healthy” alternative. The one you’re peeling off the rack looks the best. I love cheese!
These look awesome!!
They are liked square mozzarella sticks! Yum!
Finally something savory! :)
Been a long time comin.’ ;)
Can I live with you and Mr. How Sweet please? I promise I won’t bother you, I’ll just eat cheese and all your wonderful chocolate creations. I will even help with the kitchen cleaning…
Since you have “chocoholic” in your name and you say you will clean… YES.
Mmmm!! Great appetizer!!
Ughhhh neeeeed cheeeese.
What an awesome idea! Sort of like mozzarella sticks but healthier!
I love that this is your version of healthy :) These look to die for and I’m right there with you when it comes to cheese. I think I always have at least 5 different kinds on hand, and really, there are very few dishes I make that don’t include cheese. It’s just soooo goood! Thanks for sharing.
These could not be more perfect! I wish I had seen this before my last holiday party and they certainly would have been on the menu.
Baked cheese.. What’s better than that??
Nothing.
My husband just made something similar this weekend for the {brutal} Giants game viewing. They collapsed in the oven! He used fresh mozzarella though, so I’m thinking the cheese was too moist. Will try it this way!
I considered using fresh mozz too but thought it wouldn’t work out. I think you also must put it in the freezer first!
And I’m just jealous your husband could make something like this.
I make these too! such a fun little appetizer! I haven’t used egg though. I use a little dijon mustard. weird right? but yummy!
Not weird – sounds delicious! Especially since I’m a self-proclaimed mustard addict.
Yummy! These look so delicious! My husband would love them too :)
And I didn’t know they sold frozen avacados, I saw that box in your freezer. Thanks for enlightening me!
Have a great holiday~
You too!
I love a healthier cheese ball! Awesome!
I kind of really want to make these for Christmas dinner. I just always get nervous cooking with cheese/meat cause I’m not used to it and I’m afraid it will suck…
Primanti’s Brother’s sandwiches kind of scare me. My roommate and I got one once and it was so tall that I had no idea how to eat it.
They are nearly impossible to eat.
If I had to pick a last meal, it would be cheese and Pinot. 100%. But why wait? I think I’ll make these to night and pair it with my barrel of vino!
Sounds good to me!
I think Panko is one of the superheroes of the world. That and cheese. Yumm-y!
I think so too. Love it.
Cheese sticks are my favorite drunk food ever. Can you make these for me while we get drunk together? Thanks :)
I can! And this time I promise not to be such a sloppy trainwreck.
What a great idea! I love the specks of color that the parsley adds. Thanks for the tips!
~Heather from Snacktive
you can’t tell me it’s Cheese – Diet Week on a Wednesday!! We must make an unprecedented move of extending Cheese Week into next. It can overlap with Christmas AND New Years.
I’ll bring the wine.
I’m in!
gosh if my stomach wasn’t already growling away!! These look amazing and I can’t wait to try them, thanks!
These look slightly edible. ;) haha I used to Looooooooove mozz. sticks and obviously these sound much better..and look better!
So simple! But so delicious!
These look awesome. They look like they could be even more awesome if wrapped in bacon.
Why didn’t I think of that?
It’s not too late.
I’ve been craving cheese since 5:30 a.m. This isn’t helping.