• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Two Purple Figs
  • Home
  • Recipes
        • By Course
          • Appetizer Recipes
          • Main Dishes
            • Chicken
            • Beef
            • Lamb
            • Pasta
            • Pizza
            • Sandwiches
            • Seafood
          • Side Dishes
          • Soups
          • Salads
          • Breakfast Brunch Recipes
          • Desserts
            • Cakes
            • Cheesecakes
            • Cookies
            • Bars & Brownies
            • Muffins
            • Pies
          • Drinks & Smoothies
        • By Method
          • Videos
          • Quick & Easy
          • Air Fryer Recipes
          • Crock Pot Recipes
          • Instant Pot
          • Finger Food
          • Bread Recipes
          • Dips
        • By LifeStyle
          • Gluten Free
          • Vegetarian
          • Vegan
        • By Cuisine
          • American Recipes
          • Asian Recipes
          • Mediterranean Recipes
          • Mexican Recipes
        • By Occasion
          • Easter
          • Holidays
          • Parties
          • Potluck
          • Tailgate
        • All Recipes
  • Recipe Videos
  • About Me
  • Work with Me
  • Newsletter
You are here: Home / Recipes / Appetizer Recipes / Pistachio Fried Caprese Bites

Pistachio Fried Caprese Bites

November 1, 2018 by Mahy, Updated March 23, 2022 27 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Long Pin for Pistachio Fried Caprese Bites

This pistachio fried Caprese Bites recipe is a nutty fried version of the classic Caprese salad. Frozen bocconcini mozzarella is rolled in a basil pesto and balsamic mixture, then coated in a pistachio panko breadcrumb (gluten free or not) mixture and fried for just 1 minute.

two buckets of fried mozzarella cheese in a pistachio crust, some tomatoes and fresh basil.

The result is a crunchy, pistachio-basil-balsamic flavor loaded bocconcini which pairs with tomatoes and extra basil—absolutely no dressing needed!

Close up image of a fried mozzarella ball coated in pistachio and skewered with a tomato and basil leaf.

Every end of the year I get to reflect back a bit on what has passed and what I look forward to, however I think this year I won’t do that. After many years, the thing I probably learned was to just let things be lol. So YES, bring on the fried Caprese bites and let’s have a toast!

Why This Pistachio Fried Caprese Bites Works:

It’s seriously too good to miss out!! Ok that’s really a reason. Seriously.

First of all, this lovely recipe is indeed, fried. I’m usually not a fryer person, well except for those awesome spicy fried chicken fingers with garlic blue cheese dip. So that was chicken and probably I got away with it, but this is a salad—yes I know a salad..

A hand holding a stick with a fried mozzarella and tomato

Usually the classic fried mozzarella fingers don’t do much for me, I instantly feel heavy. There’s something not heavy about these fried Caprese bites and I can almost say it’s from the pistachio.

The pistachio coating gives so much crunch, so much flavor and it feels light as air. It’s certainly takes those Caprese bites to another level! I add a bit of panko bread crumbs to add some body to the coating.

Before frying, I coat the bocconcini in basil pesto. Store bought or homemade, like this Protein-Packed Nut Free Hemp Basil Pesto. While this is optional, the pesto adds so much flavor to the fried cheese! I mix an egg and a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to make the mixture sticky.

A cheese stretched out and cut open to show the melted cheese.

How to Make Pistachio Fried Caprese Bites:

Start by freezing the bocconcini cheese until frozen hard. This step is super important. Prepare three plates, have some flour in one, a mixture of panko and pistachio in another and finally a basil pesto in the third.

three plates, one with the flou, the other with pistachio and the third with the basil pesto.

Start by rolling the cheese in flour, then in to the basil pesto and finally into the pistachio mixture. Fry the bocconcini cheese until golden and remove from the oil on a paper towel to drain.

A bocconcini cheese coated in flour, pesto and pistachio ready for frying

I repeated the same process with some baby mushrooms, and it’s rather optional but SO good! Fried mushrooms, are like a treat for me!

Instead of making Caprese salad, and since I fried the cheese, I love serving them on a stick with some tomatoes, fresh basil leaves.

It feel like a Caprese salad, only a touch crunchier!

Two buchets showing fried mozzarella cheese and tomatoes and some other tomatoes and some stretchy mozzarella on the counter.

Tips For Success:

The basic tip here is to freeze the bocconcini really well before attempting to fry them. And I mean really well.

You got to remember the bocconcini has much much more moisture than regular mozzarella and if not well frozen—that’s a frying disaster right there!

The egg added to the basil pesto helps the mixture stick really well to the frozen cheese, so don’t skimp on that.

Any type of pesto would work awesome here—maybe this sun dried tomato pesto?

Even though I didn’t want any dressing—to me it felt like good street food—feel free to try a basil vinaigrette (a perfect one here in this blackberry pecan roast veggie power salad), balsamic reduction (hello rainbow power grilled haloumi salad) or your favorite!

Also, let me tell you, do you remember this AMAZINGLY refreshingly sweet take on caprese: strawberry caprese salad  ?Super light, sweet, healthy and super good—a must try if you’re having gorgeously warm weather now, or when Spring hits back next year! So I’m not all that bad influence you see..but for now I urge you to make yourself a nice plate of these pistachio fried caprese bites and share it with a nice bunch of people.

A close up image of a stretchy fried caprese bite and other stacked up caprese bites in a paper lined basket.

 

Pistachio Fried Caprese Bites. A sinful good twist on Caprese salad. www.twopurplefigs.com
5 from 11 votes
Print

Pistachio Fried Caprese Bites

This pistachio fried caprese bites recipe is a nutty fried version of the classic caprese salad. Frozen bocconcini mozzarella is rolled in a basil pesto and balsamic mixture, then coated in a pistachio panko breadcrumb (gluten free or not) mixture and fried for just 1 minute. 

Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Caprese salad, Fried cheese, fried caprese salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 11 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 62 kcal
Author Mahy

Ingredients

  • 20 pieces bocconcini
  • 1/2 cup flour (use rice flour for gluten free)
  • 2 tablespoons pesto basil pesto, homemade (or store bought)
  • 2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1/2 egg
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/3 cup pistachio
  • 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten free bread crumbs, rice cereal)
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes
  • fresh minced basil for sprinkling
  • pinch of salt
  • baby mini mushrooms (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the bocconcini on a parchment or wax paper lined tray and cover it with plastic wrap. Then freeze it over night r at least 6 hours until the cheese hardens completely.
  2. In a bowl add the flour.
  3. In a separate bowl, add the pesto, balsamic vinegar, egg and a pinch of salt.
  4. In a third bowl, mix the pistachios and panko bread crumbs.
  5. Preheat an electric fryer or a small pot filled half way with oil till 375 degrees F.
  6. Take each bocconcini ball and dredge it in the flour bowl, shake off any excess. Then drop it in the basil pesto mixture and roll it well to coat, and finally roll it in the pistachio bowl and make sure the entire surface is covered well with the coating. Place on a wax paper lined plate.
  7. Repeat with all the bocconcini, and if you’d like to fry mushrooms, repeat the same procedure with the mushrooms too.
  8. Fry the bocconcini and mushrooms for just 1 minute and maybe 30 seconds extra (depending on the temperature of your oil and how crowded your pot is). Drain on paper towels and sprinkle a pinch of salt. Serve.

Recipe Notes

The basic tip here is to freeze the bocconcini really well before attempting to fry them. And I mean really well.

You got to remember the bocconcini has much much more moisture than regular mozzarella and if not well frozen—that’s a frying disaster right there!

The egg added to the basil pesto helps the mixture stick really well to the frozen cheese, so don't skimp on that.

Any type of pesto would work awesome here—maybe this sun dried tomato pesto?

Even though I didn’t want any dressing—to me it felt like good street food—feel free to try a basil vinaigrette (a perfect one here in this blackberry pecan roast veggie power salad), balsamic reduction (hello rainbow power grilled haloumi salad) or your favorite!

Also, let me tell you, do you remember this AMAZINGLY refreshingly sweet take on caprese: strawberry caprese salad  ?Super light, sweet, healthy and super good—a must try if you’re having gorgeously warm weather now, or when Spring hits back next year! So I’m not all that bad influence you see..but for now I urge you to make yourself a nice plate of these pistachio fried caprese bites and share it with a nice bunch of people.

Nutrition Facts
Pistachio Fried Caprese Bites
Amount Per Serving
Calories 62 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Cholesterol 11mg4%
Sodium 28mg1%
Potassium 157mg4%
Carbohydrates 10g3%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 510IU10%
Vitamin C 8.1mg10%
Calcium 21mg2%
Iron 0.7mg4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Related Posts

A plate of caprese salad with basil leaves surrounding it and homemade croutons on a white board with cherry tomatoes around itCaprese Salad A jar of basil pesto over a whiite plate surrounded by lemon slices, fresh basil leaves and a spoon. All placed over a wooden boardBasil Pesto a bowl of pesto pasta with lemon slices and some fresh basilPesto Pasta with Pistachio Pesto A pile of fish fry and lemon slicesFish Fry
1656 shares
  • Share6
  • Yummly
  • Email
  • WhatsApp

Filed Under: Appetizer Recipes, Breakfast Brunch Recipes, Dips, Finger Food, Gluten Free, Holidays, Parties, Potluck, Recipes, Side Dishes, Tailgate, Vegetarian Tagged With: appetizer, balsamic, basil, basil pesto, caprese salad, entertaining, fingerfood, food on a stick, fried bocconcini, fried caprese, fried caprese salad, fried cheese, fried cheese caprese, fried cheese caprese salad, fried mozzarella, fry, game day, gameday, gluten free, Holiday, pistachio, pistachio caprese salad, pistachio crusted bocconcini, pistachio crusted cheese, pistachio crusted mozzarella, pistachio fried cappers bites, salad, salad with a twist

Previous Post: « Quinoa Stuffing with Corn Cranberries Pecans and Dill
Next Post: Broccoli Pesto – Healthy Pasta Recipe »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dionne

    June 17, 2022 at 8:00 am

    5 stars
    Oh wow, these bites are absolutely amazing! The perfect appetizer for the perfect party!

    Reply
  2. S

    November 2, 2018 at 2:03 pm

    Airfryer?

    Reply
    • Mahy

      November 13, 2018 at 10:16 pm

      Need to test it out 🙂 No reason why it shouldn’t work!

      Reply
  3. Marisa Franca

    November 2, 2018 at 1:52 pm

    5 stars
    What adorable appetizers and they have my favorite ingredients. I’m nuts about pistachios along with cheese. Yum I can imagine them warm and gooey. They wouldn’t last long at our house.

    Reply
  4. Veena Azmanov

    November 2, 2018 at 9:36 am

    5 stars
    Oh my, I have not eaten fried mozzarella in ages and this is really making me wanna go make some. I think my kids would love this. Love the addition of pistachio nuts.

    Reply
    • Mahy

      November 2, 2018 at 10:18 am

      You need to make this one Veena!!

      Reply
  5. Lauren Vavala

    November 2, 2018 at 7:13 am

    5 stars
    What a fun idea! I love caprese but have never thought to include pistachios! I’m going to have to try this!

    Reply
    • Mahy

      November 2, 2018 at 10:18 am

      You’ll love this one Lauren!

      Reply
  6. Dan Zehr

    November 2, 2018 at 6:16 am

    5 stars
    This is a 100% perfect recipe for me and my family. A wonderful and light snack. Of course I want to try it. Looks very appetizing.

    Reply
    • Mahy

      November 2, 2018 at 10:19 am

      Thank you Dan!

      Reply
  7. Eileen Kelly

    November 1, 2018 at 8:57 pm

    5 stars
    I’m not sure where to begin! I love everything about these delicious Caprese bites! I love cheese and these are cheesy delicious! Then there is pesto and pistachio! These are my kind of treats!

    Reply
    • Mahy

      November 2, 2018 at 10:43 am

      Hope you make it Eileen!!

      Reply
  8. Claudia Lamascolo

    November 1, 2018 at 3:49 pm

    Wow pistachios are my favorite nut and these fried bites sound like an addicting appetizer to me!

    Reply
    • Mahy

      November 2, 2018 at 10:43 am

      Hope you make it Claudia!

      Reply
  9. Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness

    November 1, 2018 at 3:14 pm

    5 stars
    I have a whole bunch of pistachios lying around my house. I would love to use them on this!!

    Reply
    • Mahy

      November 2, 2018 at 10:44 am

      You’ll love this one Cathleen!

      Reply
  10. CakePants

    January 28, 2016 at 11:31 pm

    These look dangerously delicious! Pure decadence in bite-sized form. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

    Reply
    • Mahy

      February 1, 2016 at 7:47 pm

      Thanks! 🙂 Hope you try them soon and enjoy!! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Mahy

    January 28, 2016 at 9:57 pm

    Thanks Jillian, enjoy 🙂

    Reply
  12. Mahy

    January 28, 2016 at 9:56 pm

    Thanks Lydia–you will love those!

    Reply
  13. Tara@SimpleFood365

    January 28, 2016 at 2:26 pm

    5 stars
    Those look so absolutely crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside! What a great take on a classic. I love it! 🙂

    Reply
    • Mahy

      January 28, 2016 at 9:56 pm

      Hope you try them soon Tara! 🙂

      Reply
  14. KC the Kitchen Chopper

    January 28, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    I love the idea of using healthful pistachios. The cheese paired with the tomato…So smart. Perfect for the big game…or anytime really. On my “to try” list. Gorgeous photos too.

    Reply
    • Mahy

      January 28, 2016 at 9:57 pm

      KC, thanks–you will love those! Hope you make them for the big game and enjoy 🙂

      Reply
  15. Tina Marie

    January 28, 2016 at 1:51 pm

    5 stars
    Can you just pass me a plate full through the screen! These look so very delicious.

    Reply
    • Mahy

      January 28, 2016 at 9:58 pm

      I wish I could Tina 😉 Thanks!

      Reply
  16. Mahy

    January 3, 2016 at 8:41 pm

    Thank you Janie! They are actually as divine as they look–these will make you look at all fried cheese differently 😉 Hope you try them and enjoy! 🙂

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search for a recipe

Mahy PicHi I'm Mahy, a recipe developer, food stylist, culinary instructor, photographer, wife and busy mom! Welcome to my blog!...Read More

Never Miss a Post!

subscribe and receive fresh recipes to your inbox

Share the Love

As Featured On

Search by category

Footer

Footer logo

About

About Mahy

Sign up to Newsletter

Work with Me

Contact

Recipes

By Life Style

By Course

By Method

By Cuisine

By Occasion

All Recipes

Copyright © 2023 · Privacy Policy

All images and content are copyright protected. Please contact me if you would like to use any images . If you want to republish any of my recipes, please link back to my website and the recipe post.

»
«