Miraglia Eriquez’s Aunt Dottie loved this indulgent appetizer, which was served at her favorite Italian-American restaurants. A talented, ambitious home cook, Dottie tinkered in her kitchen until she came up with her own version. We’re glad she did. The lemon and capers in the anchovy-butter sauce cut through the richness of soft, stretchy mozzarella in a pocket of crisp fried bread.
Learn how to make your own fresh mozzarella, and view more of our favorite recipes from this issue.
2000s Recipes + Menus
Mozzarella in Carrozza with Anchovy Sauce
Serves12 (antipasto)
- Active time:45 min
- Start to finish:2 3/4 hr
January 2009
For anchovy sauce
- 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 4 flat anchovy fillets, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons drained capers, coarsely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
For mozzarella in carrozza
- 1 (1-lb) Italian loaf such as pane di casa (5 inches wide)
- 1 (1-lb) ball salted fresh mozzarella, cut into 6 (1/4-inch-thick) slices
- 1 cup plus 3 Tbsp whole milk, divided
- 1 cup fine dry bread crumbs
- 4 large eggs
- About 3 cups olive or vegetable oil
Make anchovy sauce:
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Melt butter in a small heavy saucepan over low heat. Discard any foam from top, then remove from heat. Stir in anchovies, capers, and lemon juice. Keep warm, covered. Stir in parsley just before serving.
Make mozzarella in carrozza:
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Cut bread from middle of loaf into 12 (1/4-inch-thick) slices. Sandwich each slice of mozzarella between 2 slices bread, then cut off crusts, forming 4-inch squares (mozzarella slices should be smaller than bread slices).
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Put 1 cup milk in a shallow dish and spread bread crumbs on a plate. Dip both sides of each sandwich in milk, pressing edges lightly to seal sandwich. Coat with bread crumbs, making sure edges are coated well. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill 2 hours.
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Whisk eggs in a large shallow bowl, then whisk in 3/4 tsp salt and remaining 3 Tbsp milk.
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Heat 1/2 inch oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Dip sandwiches, 1 at a time, in egg mixture, letting excess drip off, and fry, 3 at a time, turning once with a slotted spatula, until golden, about 6 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
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Halve diagonally and serve hot with anchovy sauce.
- Keywords
- gina marie miraglia eriquez,
- italian,
- cheese,
- bread,
- herbs
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