Bet I caught your attention with that title, huh? There was some fresh mozzarella on sale at the store the other day, and a craving/recipe popped into my head the minute I saw it. I can’t even remember the last time I had mozzarella sticks…probably the last time I went to the diner at 2 a.m. with my friends. Fried mozzarella is definitely one of my favorite not-so-healthy foods, so I was pretty excited when my version turned out even better than I thought it would. This version is quite a bit healthier than what you’ll find at the diner, but about 10 times more delicious. And yes, it is fried - not baked 😉 Here are the ingredients:
8oz fresh mozzarella cheese (I used whole milk, but you could use part-skim as well)
1/4 cup almond flour
1 tbsp ground flax
1 oz almonds
1 egg
olive oil
First I toasted the almonds in a (decent sized) pan on medium heat for about 5 minutes. After removing the almonds I left the pan on medium heat and added 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. Then I prepped my dipping bowls - one bowl with the beaten egg, one with the almond flour and flax, and one with the crushed almonds (I used a pounder to crush the almonds, but a heavy-ish jar or can would do the trick).
I sliced the cheese into about 1 centimeter-thick discs. One at a time, dip the cheese into the egg, then coat with flour, followed by a coating of crushed almonds, and place in pan. Let it cook on each side for about 2 minutes, and voila! I only fried about 2 pieces at a time just to make sure the heat stayed level and the coating gets nice and crispy. Makes 6-7 pieces.
The finished product:
Do I even have to tell you that this was to die? The almond flour and crushed almonds made for a sweet and crispy outside layer, and the cheese inside was melty and divine. I was perfectly satisfied with two pieces for my entire dinner. Although I may or may not have gone back for a third…
What is your favorite fried food? Can you think of a way to make a healthier version of it?
Heather says
Yup thats my favorite fried food too. Goodness that pic of the cheese all stringy make me want to jump thro the computer. lol. You cant tell i love it can you? hehe
I still need to get some tahini! Whats the taste like?
Michelle (Snacks and Field) says
Wow that’s awesome how you did that- the ingredients are super healthy and it looks delicious- I lovee melted mozzarella cheese!
My fav “fried” food is sweet potato fries- Just pop ’em in the toaster with a little olive oil and cinnamon and i’m in heaven
Holy cheese!! Lovely! I found your site through HEAB’s - seen your comment on exercise and found it very, very enlightening. Thank you. I struggle a lot with this and have finally decided to just stop. Stop cold turkey. And get over this idea that I need to do something. It’s killing me mentally I think. But thanks. I’ll be back for some more fried cheese please
Oh…my …GAWWWWDD!!! You caught my attention, for sure! That’s a cheese-whore’s (me) dream come true!!!
Favorite fried food is THAT! Definitely!! Second, sweet potatoes.
OMG who would not like fried cheese? I mean c’mon!! I love chicken parm and to make it healthier I dip it in eggwhite then fiber one mixture or oatbran and BAKE away!!!
Lily @ Lily's Health Pad says
wow, I haven’t had mozarella sticks in ages! These look so, so, so good! What a great idea.
That looks amazing! I love fried cheese too! You are so creative! I’ve never heard of almond flour either! Must try this!
Ahh!! Did you like the tahini/stevia/cinn combo!? I’ve been seeing that all over lately and reallly wanna try it next time i’m home and can get my hands on some tahini!!
Oh, and FALAFEL is def my fave fried food. Its really not THAT bad for you, i mean-it’s chickpeas! But sometimes a bit fried 😉
Melanie says
OMG! You should be fined for showing something so delicous looking on your blog and not being able to share immediately! Damn you girl. Now I have to go the store and buy the ingredients!!! Mmmmmm…. cheese heaven. LOL
What is tahini?!
Fried cheese?! Holy yum
OH MY GOSH! I was just looking through and then I saw this! I don’t normally miss the things I can’t have…this one did it. That cheese looks amazing! Now I have to go cry a little!
i need to try this!! it looks AMAZE! Where do you get almond flour though? I need some for another recipe and my regular grocery store doesnt have it…is it a health food store type thing?
Donna says
I just fry the cheese with a little seasoning, garlic powder, orgegon..in a non stick pan you don’t even need oil and as it browns I pour oil off!!!! and yes it works and its yummy..but, I do agree with everyone else…these definitely are a MUST do…
Yay for cheeeeez
chacha says
OMG I have 6-1# pol-o part skim mozz. got @ a GREAT PRICE and will be making some tomorrow w/ground bran flakes and ill try 1 slice with coc. flour to see how that turns out. TKS for this recipe.
Well it’s sesame seed butter, so the flavor is that of sesame seeds. To be honest, it’s quite bitter, so I sweeten it with some stevia. I’ve seen many people also use it as a savory topping/sauce, like on vegetables or sandwiches. It’s definitely a nice change from peanut/almond butter. It’s one of those things that I’m not sure everyone will like, though, so I’m hesitant to tell you to buy some! It’s kind of expensive also…
LOVE it! Try it!!!
Oh, I’m glad to hear that!! I’m going to be making a post soon about my new exercise regime…actually, I’ll probably make it tonight =)