Recipes Appetizers and Snacks Pastries Fried Mozzarella Puffs 4.9 (27) 26 Reviews 13 Photos These mozzarella puffs are a fun food to eat. Not only are they crispier than the original fried mozzarella stick, but they're also easier to make since no breading is required. Sometimes, even the most fun of foods need a little refresh! I haven't forgotten the marinara sauce, but feel free to use other sauces. By John Mitzewich John Mitzewich John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques. Allrecipes' editorial guidelines Updated on February 14, 2024 Save Rate Print Share Add Photo 13 13 13 13 Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 35 mins Additional Time: 1 hr 5 mins Total Time: 2 hrs Servings: 6 Yield: 12 puffs Jump to Nutrition Facts Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 1x 2x 4x Oops! Something went wrong. Our team is working on it. Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings 1/3 cup water 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 large egg 1 pinch cayenne pepper 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper 1 cup marinara sauce, or to taste 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar ½ teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 anchovy fillet 4 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese 4 cups canola oil, for frying Directions Combine water, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer; pour in flour all at once and reduce heat to medium. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until dough starts coming together. Cook, scraping up and stirring dough, for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat; transfer dough to a large bowl. Let cool until no longer hot but still very warm, 5 to 10 minutes. Add egg and season with cayenne and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously until mixture combines into a very soft, sticky dough. Switch to a spatula and scrape dough into a ball. Seal dough and spatula with plastic wrap; place into the refrigerator until cool, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, season marinara sauce with balsamic vinegar, oregano, and red pepper flakes in a small pot over medium heat. Add anchovy fillet. Stir together and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 10 minutes; turn off heat and let sit, covered, until ready to use. Remove dough from the refrigerator; uncover. Grate mozzarella cheese over dough and stir to combine. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-duty pan over medium heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F (93 degrees C) or any temperature for keeping warm. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons dough per puff and form into a football shape using two spoons. Fry puffs, 5 or 6 at a time, in hot oil until browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Keep puffs warm in the preheated oven while frying remaining dough. Serve with hot marinara sauce. Editor's Note We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. Amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and specific type of oil used. I Made It Print 28 home cooks made it! Nutrition Facts (per serving) 1439 Calories 155g Fat 9g Carbs 7g Protein Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe 6 Calories 1439 % Daily Value * Total Fat 155g 199% Saturated Fat 16g 80% Cholesterol 58mg 19% Sodium 583mg 25% Total Carbohydrate 9g 3% Dietary Fiber 1g 4% Total Sugars 3g Protein 7g 14% Vitamin C 1mg 1% Calcium 120mg 9% Iron 1mg 6% Potassium 189mg 4% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data. (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.