Fried Mozzarella Pockets

Total Time: 35 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package whole-milk mozzarella cheese
• 12 slices soft italian sandwich bread, crusts removed
• 3 eggs
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup seasoned italian breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• sliced mushrooms, olives,minced sun-dried tomatoes,chopped pepperoni,etc.
• chopped sage or parsley, for garnish
• marinara sauce, for dipping

Recipe

• 1 cut the mozzarella into 12 chunks; place each chunk on one half of a bread slice and fold the other half over the top.
• 2 (add any other filling ingredients with the cheese, if desired.) press edges together to seal.
• 3 in a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
• 4 spread the breadcrumbs in another shallow bowl.
• 5 dip the cheese pockets into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip back in the bowl.
• 6 dredge in the breadcrumbs, tuning to coat evenly and completely.
• 7 in a large, heavy frying pan, heat both oils over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
• 8 working in batches, fry the pockets, turning once, until deep golden brown--about 4 minutes each side.
• 9 drain on paper towels; sprinkle with sage.
• 10 serve hot with marinara sauce in dipping cups.