Mozarella In Carozza (Fried Cheese Sandwiches)
Description
Mozzarella in Carozza is a beloved Italian-American classic that transforms simple ingredients into a decadent comfort food. These sandwiches feature soft white bread stuffed with melted mozzarella, dipped in milk, coated in flour and egg, and fried until golden brown and crispy. The real magic happens with the topping: a warm, aromatic sauce made from butter, minced garlic, and anchovies, finished with a bright splash of lemon juice. The salty, umami-rich sauce pools around the hot, cheesy sandwiches, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Ideal for appetizers, parties, or a hearty vegetarian (or pescatarian) meal, this dish brings nostalgic warmth to any table. Serve immediately while the cheese is still molten and the crust is crisp.Ingredients
Directions
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Trim the crusts from all 12 slices of white bread.
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Cut the mozzarella slices into pieces slightly smaller than the bread slices to ensure they fit neatly inside.
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Place one piece of mozzarella on each of 6 bread slices, leaving a small margin around the edges.
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Top with the remaining 6 slices of bread to form sandwiches.
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Dip each sandwich briefly into the milk, ensuring both sides are moistened.
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Dredge the milk-dipped sandwiches in flour, shaking off any excess.
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Coat the floured sandwiches thoroughly in the beaten eggs.
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Heat the olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
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Once the oil is hot, carefully add the sandwiches and fry until golden brown and crisp on both sides, turning once.
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Remove the sandwiches with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Transfer to a heated platter.
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Reduce the heat in the skillet to medium and add the butter.
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When the butter melts, add the crushed garlic and minced anchovies. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the lemon juice and blend well to combine.
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Pour the warm garlic-anchovy sauce over the fried sandwiches immediately before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 828.8kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28.8g45%
- Saturated Fat 15.5g78%
- Cholesterol 70.8mg24%
- Sodium 1623.0mg68%
- Total Carbohydrate 103.1g35%
- Dietary Fiber 5.4g22%
- Sugars 13.0g
- Protein 41.4g83%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Serve immediately while the sandwiches are hot and the cheese is still melted. The sauce should be poured over just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the bread.
If you prefer a vegetarian version without anchovies, you can omit them and add a pinch of capers or a dash of Worcestershire sauce (check for anchovies in the sauce) for depth, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the sandwiches to prevent them from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy. Medium-high heat is key for a crisp exterior.
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