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Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

If you love a melty, crispy, and utterly comforting snack, then you’re going to want to try this Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe—just kidding! Today, we’re diving into a classic Italian delight that’s all about gooey mozzarella sandwiched between perfectly fried bread: Mozzarella en Carrozza. Stick around because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and will quickly become your go-to appetizer for gatherings or just an indulgent treat for yourself.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Melty, cheesy goodness: The mozzarella inside gets irresistibly gooey, making each bite a dream.
  • Crunchy, golden crust: That perfectly fried bread is crisp without being greasy.
  • Simple ingredients: You probably have most of these already in your kitchen—a quick pantry and fridge raid and you’re good to go.
  • Versatile serving options: Whether you pair it with marinara, anchovy sauce, or a squeeze of lemon, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Mozzarella en Carrozza happens with quality basics working beautifully together. Fresh mozzarella is key here, and if you get a good block, you’ll notice how well it melts without becoming rubbery.

Flat lay of thick white bread slices with crusts removed, thick quarter-inch mozzarella cheese slices stacked neatly, a small pile of beaten eggs with flecks of chopped fresh parsley, a heap of finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, a small mound of all-purpose flour dusted lightly, and fresh sprigs of bright green parsley leaves, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, Lemon Garlic Shrimp, Shrimp Recipes, Seafood Dinner Ideas, Elegant Shrimp Dishes
  • White bread: Make sure to remove the crust so each bite is soft and smooth.
  • Block mozzarella: Sliced about 1/4″ thick—fresh mozzarella melts best here.
  • Whole milk: Helps make your egg wash silky and rich.
  • Large eggs: Used for the batter to create that golden coating.
  • Parsley: Adds a fresh herbaceous note; finely minced is best.
  • Olive oil: For frying—go extra virgin if you want that lovely fruity flavor.
  • Flour: For dredging the sandwiches, creating that crisp crust.
  • Kosher salt: Balances flavors.
  • Black pepper: Adds a bit of subtle heat.
  • Pecorino Romano: This salty, sharp cheese enriches the egg batter to add extra depth.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how this recipe lets you get creative without losing its classic charm. Here are a few tweaks I’ve tried—feel free to make it your own!

  • Herb twists: I’ve swapped parsley for basil or oregano, which adds a lovely Italian herb aroma.
  • Cheese combos: Mixing mozzarella with a bit of fontina or provolone gives extra flavor depth—and my family appreciates the variation.
  • Bread options: Sometimes, I use ciabatta or country bread for a heartier crunch, especially for big appetites.
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread and a gluten-free flour alternative—just remember to watch your frying time closely.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Egg Batter and Mozzarella Triangles

Begin by whisking together your eggs, whole milk, kosher salt, black pepper, Pecorino Romano, and parsley in a bowl until smooth. This combo makes the batter flavorful and rich, which is the secret to that golden, crispy crust. Then, layer your mozzarella slices between two slices of bread—enough mozzarella to cover the bread well—and slice each sandwich diagonally into triangles. Trust me, those triangles fry up evenly and are perfect bite-size pockets of cheesy heaven.

Step 2: Dredge and Soak for Perfect Coating

Heat your pan over medium to medium-low with just a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Dredge each mozzarella triangle in flour, shaking off any excess to avoid a gummy crust. Then dip the floured piece into the egg batter for about 20 seconds on each side. This soaking step ensures a thick, crunchy layer that seals in the melty goodness inside. I always beat the egg mixture again before soaking each batch to keep it light and fluffy.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Fry the battered triangles in the hot olive oil for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches and add a bit more olive oil for later batches to keep that crispness consistent. I like to place the cooked sandwiches on a wire rack or paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. If you’re making a big batch, keep them warm in a 170°F oven while you finish frying the rest.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

  • Mozzarella Thickness Matters: Too thin and it won’t melt perfectly; too thick and it may leak out while frying. I find 1/4″ slices just right.
  • Don’t Skip the Oven Count: Keeping finished pieces warm in a low oven prevents cold spots and sogginess when serving.
  • Gentle Frying Heat: Medium-low heat keeps the crust crisp, letting the cheese melt through without burning the bread.
  • Use a Wire Rack: Draining on a wire rack instead of paper towels keeps your crust crispy, not soggy.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

A close-up of a woman's hand pulling apart a crispy, golden-brown pancake with green herbs baked into the surface, revealing a thick, stretchy white cheese layer inside. The pancake has a rough textured outer layer with visible flecks of green herbs. In the background, several similar pancakes are stacked on a white plate, all showing a mixture of golden and green colors with a slightly uneven surface. The scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, Lemon Garlic Shrimp, Shrimp Recipes, Seafood Dinner Ideas, Elegant Shrimp Dishes

Garnishes

Personally, I love sprinkling a little extra parsley and some freshly cracked black pepper right before serving—it brightens things up. Lemon wedges on the side add a zesty counterpoint to the rich mozzarella. Sometimes, I whip up a quick anchovy sauce or marinara dip; both bring a lovely savory contrast that gets everyone dipping eagerly.

Side Dishes

This is a fantastic starter or snack, but I love pairing Mozzarella en Carrozza with a light salad, like arugula tossed in lemon vinaigrette or even a simple bowl of olive oil-dressed baby greens. If it’s a casual meal, garlic bread or roasted veggies round things out nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a party, I stacked the triangles on a platter with marinara in the center for dipping and garnished with whole basil leaves. It made for an elegant yet casual look that guests loved. Another time, I drizzled a balsamic glaze over the top for a sweet and tangy finish—unexpected but delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them within a day or two. The crust loses a bit of crispness but remains tasty.

Freezing

I’ve had success freezing cooked Mozzarella en Carrozza by wrapping each piece tightly in foil and then placing them in a freezer bag. They thaw quickly and reheat well in the oven—though the texture is best fresh.

Reheating

To bring back that crispiness, I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes rather than microwaving. It makes a world of difference and keeps the cheese melty without drying out.

FAQs

  1. Can I use pre-sliced mozzarella for Mozzarella en Carrozza?

    You can, but I prefer slicing a fresh block myself because you control the thickness, ensuring it melts perfectly without leaking too much during frying. Plus, fresh block mozzarella often tastes better!

  2. What’s the best bread for Mozzarella en Carrozza?

    White sandwich bread is classic because of its soft texture and neutral flavor, but you can experiment with ciabatta or country bread for a heartier crunch. Just be sure to remove the crust for the best texture.

  3. Can I bake instead of fry?

    Frying gives that iconic crispy crust and golden color, but for a lighter option, you can bake the triangles at 400°F until crisp and golden, turning halfway—just expect a slightly different texture.

  4. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while frying?

    Ensure the cheese slices aren’t too thick and that you dredge and soak the bread thoroughly in flour and the egg mixture. Frying at medium-low heat also allows the bread to crisp up before the cheese melts too much.

Final Thoughts

This mozzarella en carrozza recipe has been a delightful discovery for me. It’s indulgent, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make, which always wins my heart and my family’s approval. Now that you know my tips and tricks, I hope you’ll give it a try soon—because nothing quite compares to biting into that crispy shell with molten cheese inside. Trust me, once you’ve made this, it’s going to become your favorite cheesy snack to whip up anytime.

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Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 120 reviews
  • Author: Jaden
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

Mozzarella en Carrozza is a classic Italian appetizer featuring slices of creamy mozzarella sandwiched between soft white bread, battered in an egg mixture, and pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining melty and delicious on the inside. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for serving with lemon wedges, anchovy sauce, or marinara sauce.


Ingredients

Sandwich

  • 8 slices white bread (crust removed)
  • 1 pound block mozzarella (sliced 1/4″ thick)

Batter

  • 5 large eggs (beaten)
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1/4 cup parsley (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano

Coating and Frying

  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, beat together the eggs, whole milk, kosher salt, black pepper, Pecorino Romano, and minced parsley until well combined. Set aside.
  2. Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay two slices or enough mozzarella slices to cover one slice of white bread. Top with another slice of bread to form a sandwich. Cut each sandwich diagonally to create two triangles, resulting in a total of eight triangles.
  3. Preheat the Pan: Heat a large nonstick pan over medium to medium-low heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to warm.
  4. Dust with Flour: Dredge each mozzarella sandwich triangle in flour on all sides, shaking off the excess to ensure an even, light coating.
  5. Soak in Egg Mixture: Re-beat the egg mixture briefly, then soak each floured triangle in the egg mixture for 20 seconds on one side. Flip and soak the other side for an additional 20 seconds.
  6. Fry the Triangles: Carefully place the egg-battered triangles in the hot pan and fry until golden brown on one side, about 2 minutes. Flip and fry the other side until equally golden, approximately another 2 minutes. Work in batches and add the remaining olive oil as needed for frying.
  7. Drain and Keep Warm: Transfer the fried sandwiches onto a wire rack or a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. If preparing a large batch, keep them warm in a 170°F oven until ready to serve.
  8. Serve: Serve the mozzarella en carrozza warm with lemon wedges, anchovy sauce, or marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Mozzarella en Carrozza is a beloved Italian appetizer known for its crispy battered exterior and warm, melty interior.
  • Use fresh mozzarella sliced about 1/4 inch thick for best melting and texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  • Keeping finished sandwiches warm in a low-temperature oven allows you to prepare in batches without losing crispness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 611 kcal
  • Sugar: 2.7 g
  • Sodium: 1298 mg
  • Fat: 46.3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20.1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24.7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12.8 g
  • Fiber: 0.4 g
  • Protein: 36.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 302 mg

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