Grilled Cheese (Italian Mozzarella in Carrozza)

Mozzarella in carrozza (lit. mozzarella in a carriage) is an Italian fried sandwich that's especially popular in Campania, although it's eaten in various parts of Italy. The sandwich is made with crustless, slightly stale bread, mozzarella cheese (ideally di bufala variety), flour, milk, and beaten eggs. Apart from this version, there's also a version with added anchovies. Once assembled, the sandwiches are dipped in flour and cold water (so that the cheese doesn't leak out), then in the beaten eggs, and they're finally fried until nicely browned and crisp on the exterior. This sandwich was invented by housewives in Southern Italy who wanted to make use of leftover mozzarella and stale bread. Nowadays, its popularity has crossed borders, so it's even popular in a few eateries in New York City.

8 slices stale bread
9 oz mozzarella (fiordilatte or buffalo mozzarella)
3 eggs
milk
flour
seed oil, for frying
sea salt

If you have a loaf of bread, cut it into slices of the same thickness and dip them for an instant in the milk to soften them. At this point, place the slices of mozzarella on top, close them with another slice of bread, making them stick together well with a light pressure. Flour them evenly.

Beat the egg with a pinch of salt and drop in the slices of bread. Fry a few pieces at a time in plenty of boiling oil for about 2-3 minutes, turning them upside down halfway through cooking. When they are well browned, drain on absorbent paper and serve.

Mozzarella in Carrozza Without Eggs:
What if you don't have any eggs? To make mozzarella in carrozza it’s essential they are properly closed pouch to prevent the stringy mozzarella from coming out. This batter can also be prepared without eggs!

You will need 5 oz flour, 2 glasses water and a pinch of salt: put all the ingredients in a bowl and stir with the help of a fork or a kitchen whisk.
Completely dip your slices of bread in it and then fry.

Mozzarella in Carrozza Baked:
If on the other hand you don't feel like frying, you can also prepare the mozzarella in the oven. It will be lighter but equally tasty and crunchy! While preparing the recipe following the standard procedure, preheat the oven to 350°F; place the mozzarella in carrozza on a baking tray covered with baking paper, sprinkle them with a drizzle of oil and bake for about 20 minutes in a static oven, turning them upside down halfway through cooking.