FRIED MOZZARELLA CHEESE APPETIZERS

Fried Mozzarella Cheese Appetizers image

A crisp coating holds marvelous melted cheese, which tastes terrific when dipped into a homemade tomato sauce.-Jay Davis, Knoxville, Tennessee

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 30m

Yield 2 dozen appetizers (2-1/2 cups sauce).

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 pound part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 eggs, beaten
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon plus 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
1 can (28 ounces) Italian crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Cut cheese into twenty-four 1/4-in. slices. Place the eggs, flour and bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Dip cheese slices in eggs, then coat with flour. Dip cheese again in eggs and coat with crumbs. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets; refrigerate for at least 1 hour., Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, saute garlic in 1 tablespoon oil for 1 minute; add the tomatoes, oregano, sugar, basil and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes or until slightly thickened., In a large skillet, cook cheese slices in remaining oil over medium heat for 30-60 seconds on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve with sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 123 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 28mg cholesterol, Sodium 257mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 7g protein.