Fried Caprese Bombs Recipe

20150511-Fried-Caprese-Bombs-Open-Morgan-Eisenberg.jpg
Photographs: Morgan Eisenberg

Why This Recipe Works

  • Small tomatoes don't have to be sliced, so the skins hold them together throughout frying.
  • Double coatings of breading prevent the mozzarella from oozing out.

This deep-fried hors d'oeuvre is part caprese salad, part mozzarella stick, and completely welcome at any get-together.

Recipe Details

Fried Caprese Bombs Recipe

Active 45 mins
Total 45 mins
Serves 16 balls

Ingredients

  • 16 golf ball-sized tomatoes (see note)

  • 16 "ciliegine" (small 1/2-inch size) fresh mozzarella balls, plus more for serving, drained and dried with paper towels

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 tablespoons milk

  • Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

  • 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon, for sprinkling

  • 1 small bunch basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

  1. Using an apple corer or melon baller, gently scoop out the centers of the tomatoes and discard. Push a mozzarella ball into each hollowed tomato, being careful not to rip the tomatoes.

  2. Pour the flour in a shallow bowl. Pour the breadcrumbs in another. In a third shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the milk. Dip the tomatoes into the flour and roll to coat, and then dip them into the egg mixture. Roll the tomatoes in the breadcrumbs to coat. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coatings a second time.

  3. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the balsamic has reduced by half and easily coats the back of the spoon, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

  4. In a high-walled, heavy-bottomed skillet heat 1/2-inch of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry the tomatoes in batches, turning, until golden brown all over. Using a slotted spoon, transfer tomatoes to a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with sea salt.

  5. Serve the tomatoes while warm with additional mozzarella balls and a basil leaf garnish. Drizzle with the balsamic reduction and serve.

Notes

Make sure to find tomatoes that are big enough to hold a single small mozzarella ball in each one.

This Recipe Appears In

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
220 Calories
15g Fat
14g Carbs
7g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 16
Amount per serving
Calories 220
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15g 20%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 42mg 14%
Sodium 298mg 13%
Total Carbohydrate 14g 5%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 7g
Vitamin C 4mg 20%
Calcium 139mg 11%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 127mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)