These cheesy mozzarella sticks are a fun treat, perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Paired with tasty marinara sauce, they’re a snack worth sharing!
Who can resist pulling apart a warm mozzarella stick? I love serving them at game night—everyone gets so excited! Just keep napkins handy; things can get a bit messy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Use part-skim mozzarella cheese for a good melt without being overly greasy. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using dairy-free cheese sticks instead!
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add flavor, but you can use panko for extra crunch or plain breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the coating. For a vegan option, use a mixture of flaxseed meal and water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or a store-bought egg replacement.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan elevates the flavor of the sticks but can be replaced with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
How Do You Get That Perfectly Crispy Coating?
Achieving a crispy coating is essential for great mozzarella sticks! Follow these steps:
- Set up an assembly line: flour, egg mixture, then breadcrumbs. This keeps things tidy.
- Freeze the coated mozzarella sticks for at least an hour. This ensures they don’t melt too quickly while frying.
- Fry in small batches at the right temperature (350°F). If the oil is too cold, they’ll soak up oil and be soggy.
- Once golden brown, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil for a lighter finish.
- Consider double-breading (dip again in egg and breadcrumbs) for an even crunchier texture!
Mozzarella Sticks With Marinara Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus about 1 hour for freezing the cheese sticks before frying. In total, you should expect to spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the whole dish, including cooking the marinara sauce and frying the mozzarella sticks. Perfect for a fun appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks:
Start by cutting each mozzarella stick in half if you want smaller portions. Then, create a breading station: put the flour in a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together in another bowl, and in a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Bread the Cheese Sticks:
Take each mozzarella stick and roll it in flour, shaking off any extra. Next, dip it into the egg mixture to coat it completely. After that, roll it in the breadcrumb mix, pressing gently to help the coating stick. For extra crunch, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps. Once coated, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour to help keep them from melting while frying.
3. Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, stirring until it becomes fragrant (about 30 seconds). Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and sugar. Let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add salt and pepper to taste, and keep warm until ready to serve.
4. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for about 1-2 minutes each, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to crowd the pan to keep the oil temperature consistent. Once done, remove them and drain on paper towels.
5. Serve:
To finish, sprinkle your crispy mozzarella sticks with a little extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for some color. Serve them hot with the warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious treat!
Dip, bite, and savor the deliciousness! 🍽️
Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cheese Instead of Cheese Sticks?
While you can technically use pre-shredded cheese, it’s best to stick with mozzarella sticks for optimal melting and texture. If you do use shredded cheese, consider using a cheese that melts well, like Gouda or Fontina, and form them into sticks before breading.
What Type of Oil is Best for Frying?
Vegetable oil is a great choice for frying because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor. You can also use canola oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil. Avoid olive oil for frying as it has a lower smoke point and can impart a strong flavor.
Can I Bake the Mozzarella Sticks Instead of Frying?
Yes! To bake them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place the frozen mozzarella sticks on the sheet, and bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden. Just know that baked sticks won’t be as crispy as fried ones.
How to Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes for best results, helping them regain their crispiness.