Fried Cheeseburger Mozzarella Crunch Bites

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1 cup Grated mozzarella (Use in small portions for filling.)
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1 Egg
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper (To taste.)
• Oil for deep-frying (For deep-frying; the required amount depends on the size of the pot or deep skillet.)

Steps

1. 1

   Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and mix thoroughly until the seasonings are evenly distributed.

2. 2

   Divide the ground beef mixture into 12 equal-sized small portions.

3. 3

   Using your hands, shape each portion into a small, flat patty.

4. 4

   Place a small pinch of grated mozzarella in the center of each patty.

5. 5

   Enclose the mozzarella with the ground beef and carefully seal the edges to form a filled ball. The meat should completely and tightly surround the cheese.

6. 6

   Beat the egg in a small bowl. Place the breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.

7. 7

   Dip each ground beef ball first into the beaten egg.

8. 8

   Then roll the egg-coated ball in the breadcrumbs until it is completely and evenly coated.

9. 9

   Place the breaded bites on a tray or plate. If necessary, refrigerate them for 10–15 minutes so they retain their shape better.

10. 10

    Heat the oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat to approximately 350 °F or 175 °C.

11. 11

    Add the bites to the hot oil in batches and deep-fry for 4–5 minutes. Turn them as needed until they are deep golden brown and fully cooked through.

12. 12

    Remove the finished bites from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels for 1–2 minutes.

13. 13

    Serve immediately while hot so the mozzarella inside remains melted and stretchy.

Notes

Seal the ground beef casing especially carefully around the mozzarella before breading. This keeps the cheese in the center and gives the bites the best cheese pull when opened. The recipe does not specify an exact amount of oil; use enough oil for deep-frying in a deep skillet or pot.

Nutrition per serving

• Main course
• Snack
• Deep-fried
• American
• Beef
• Mozzarella
• Crispy
• Party food