.png)
Grilled cheese is already a top-tier comfort food, but if you’ve been sticking to the classic bread-butter-cheese formula, it’s time to level up. Sure, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your grilled cheese—we’ve drooled over creations like dessert-style pound cake grilled cheese, tangy kimchi grilled cheese, and even the gooey goodness of soup-stuffed grilled cheese.
But if you’re ready for a next-level experience, take a cue from Italy. Enter mozzarella in carrozza—a crispy, golden, and utterly indulgent take on the grilled cheese that’s breaded, fried, and packed with melty goodness.
What Is Mozzarella in Carrozza?
Literally translating to "mozzarella in a carriage," this Italian classic takes the best parts of a grilled cheese and amplifies them. Instead of just toasting the sandwich in a pan, the entire thing gets coated in flour, dipped in egg wash, rolled in breadcrumbs, and then fried to crispy perfection in olive oil.
Why go the extra mile? The outer coating creates an unbeatable crunch while locking in the molten, stretchy cheese inside—because let’s be honest, a good cheese pull is the gold standard for a perfect sandwich.
How to Master This Italian-Style Grilled Cheese
Before you grab your ingredients, keep these key tips in mind to make sure your mozzarella in carrozza turns out restaurant-worthy:
Low and slow is the way to go – Don’t crank up the heat! Cooking at a steady 325°F ensures the exterior gets crispy without burning, while the inside becomes irresistibly gooey.
Choose your bread wisely – Italian bread is the go-to, but whatever you use, day-old bread is best. Stale bread holds up better against the egg wash, preventing a soggy disaster.
Breadcrumbs matter – Finely ground breadcrumbs give you a delicate crunch without being too coarse. If you go for panko, expect an extra-crunchy texture.
Mix up your cheese – Mozzarella is the classic choice, but don’t stop there. Blend in some provolone, fontina, or even a touch of parmesan for extra flavor depth.
Let it rest – As tempting as it is to dive in immediately, let your fried sandwich sit for about a minute before slicing. This gives the cheese a chance to settle for the ultimate melt factor.
Time to Treat Yourself
This isn’t just a grilled cheese—it’s an experience. Whether you’re making it as an indulgent snack, a comfort-food dinner, or even a next-level party appetizer, mozzarella in carrozza is proof that sometimes, a little extra effort goes a long way.
Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain old grilled cheese.