1 1/2 to 2 pounds regular or smoked mozzarella, cut into 1-inch cubes or strips
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups Italian style bread crumbs
Dash ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon basil
dash cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon Season salt
Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
Pat mozzarella dry, making sure there is no water on the surface, and set aside. Place the flour in a shallow dish. Combine the milk and eggs and place in a shallow bowl. Stir together the bread crumbs, pepper, garlic powder, basil season salt and cayenne pepper, place in a shallow dish.
Heat oil about 1 1/2 inches deep, in a heavy saucepan or deep-fryer over medium-high heat to 325 to 330 degrees F.
Coat the mozzarella in the flour, shaking off any excess flour. Dip in the egg mixture and then the bread crumbs. Place mozzarella in hot oil and cook for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted utensil and drain a paper towel. Let cool 3 minutes before serving, to allow the cheese to melt the entire way through. Serve with marinara or cocktail sauce.
