Great Foods of Italy: Mozzarella in Carrozza

ITA:

I grandi cibi italiani: mozzarella in carrozza
mozzarella in carrozza

Use player to listen to Italian version

English

Mozzarella in carrozza (“mozzarella in a carriage”) is an easy to make, yummy dish that works perfectly as an appetizer or to “save a meal” when you have just few ingredients available at home. 

Originally from Campania, it is popular across Italy, where it can be served with some variations.  

All you need to make it is some sandwich bread, mozzarella, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and oil for frying. 

The recipe consists of two slices of sandwich bread stuffed with mozzarella, cut in thick slices. The bread should be floured, especially at the edges, which should be sealed well with your hands. The bread should then be battered in the beaten egg with a pinch of salt, and passed through the breadcrumbs. After that, it is fried in a pan.

The Roman version uses fiordilatte instead of buffalo mozzarella, more common in Campania, and adds anchovies or cooked ham. This addition is also common in Venetian bacari

How did mozzarella in carrozza originate? This royally named food is actually a poor dish born in Campania in the early 19th century to recycle ingredients that were no longer fresh, such as stale bread and mozzarella from previous days. 

Various anecdotes circulate about the reasons for the particular name of this delicious recipe. The most accredited attribute it to the fact that, in the 19th century, the milk, transported on carriages (like other food), curdled itself as a result of the continuous movement during the journey, arriving at its destination as fresh cheese. Hence the name “mozzarella in carrozza.” Another theory states that the slices of bread were once roundish in shape, resembling those of a carriage’s wheels.

Whatever the reason, mozzarella in carrozza is simple, yet filling and delicious, and now back in popular demand thanks to the street food craze. 

Italian

La mozzarella in carrozza è un piatto sfizioso e facile da preparare, perfetto come antipasto o per “salvare una cena” quando in casa si hanno pochi ingredienti a disposizione.

Originario della Campania, è diffuso in tutta Italia, dove può essere servito con alcune varianti.

Tutto ciò che serve per prepararlo è del pane per tramezzini, mozzarella, farina, uova, pangrattato e olio per friggere.

La ricetta consiste in fette di pancarrè a due a due ripiene di mozzar

Unlock the full story

Elevate your experience by becoming a Premium Member today and unlock limitless access to our exclusive Italy intelligence along with a host of members-only perks:

  • Unlimited access to premium digital content

  • Weekly newsletters exclusively crafted for members

  • Bellissimo quarterly digital magazines

  • Buongiorno monthly newsletters

  • Access to a collection of eBooks and mini-guides

  • Exclusive monthly offers and downloads

  • An ItaliaPass Primo membership providing savings of $249+ on your Italy trip

Immerse yourself in the richness of Italy with unparalleled benefits and insights for less than the cost of a cappuccino per week!

More Dual Language Articles...

Italian Language eBooks