These cheesy mozzarella sticks are a fantastic snack! They’re crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, making them hard to resist. Dip them in marinara sauce for extra yum!
Let’s be real—who can say no to cheese? I make these for movie nights, and they always disappear fast! Just a few ingredients and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: These are the star of the dish! For best results, opt for low-moisture mozzarella. If you’re in a pinch, string cheese works well too—just remove the wrapper.
Breadcrumbs: I love using Italian-style breadcrumbs for added flavor. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour mixed with some Italian herbs.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan enhances the flavor. You can swap it with Pecorino Romano or leave it out if you want to keep things simple. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor if you’re vegan.
Eggs: The eggs help the breadcrumbs stick. If you’re egg-free, try using a mixture of flaxseed meal and water or unsweetened applesauce as a binding agent.
How Do I Fry Mozzarella Sticks Without Making a Mess?
Frying mozzarella sticks can be tricky, but with careful prep, it’s easy! Here’s how to get it right:
- **Freeze the cheese sticks**: This step helps prevent them from melting too quickly in the hot oil. Make sure they’re firm before frying.
- **Choose the right oil**: Use a neutral oil like vegetable oil for frying. It has a high smoke point, keeping the flavors clean.
- **Fry in small batches**: Don’t overcrowd the pan! This allows the temperature to stay consistent, resulting in crispy, golden sticks.
- **Drain and serve immediately**: Place fried sticks on paper towels to absorb excess oil, and serve them hot for the best texture!
Mozzarella Sticks With Marinara Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Serving:
- 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed (for dipping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 1 hour and 30 minutes for freezing (1 hour for the first freeze and 30 minutes for the second freeze). Frying the mozzarella sticks will only take about 5 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at around 2 hours, perfect for enjoying a delicious snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cheese Sticks:
Begin by cutting each mozzarella stick in half if you’d like shorter pieces. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them into the freezer for at least 1 hour. Freezing helps keep the cheese from melting too quickly while frying.
2. Set Up Breading Stations:
Prepare three shallow bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until combined. In the third bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Bread the Mozzarella Sticks:
Remove the frozen cheese sticks from the freezer. Start by dredging each stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, letting the extra drip off. Finally, coat each stick thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb dipping process.
4. Freeze Again:
Place the breaded mozzarella sticks back on the baking sheet and return them to the freezer for another 30 minutes. This step ensures a nice crispy coating and prevents cheese from leaking when fried.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). A good way to test is to drop a small piece of bread into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
6. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
Carefully fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for about 1 to 2 minutes, turning them as needed, until they are golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
7. Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle the mozzarella sticks with the remaining Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired. Serve them hot with warmed marinara sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your delicious, gooey mozzarella sticks with tangy marinara dipping sauce!
Can I Use Fresh Mozzarella Instead of Cheese Sticks?
While fresh mozzarella can be used, it’s best to stick with low-moisture mozzarella cheese sticks for frying. Fresh mozzarella contains more moisture, which can cause the sticks to ooze out while cooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Eggs for Breading?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, or 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Both options help bind the breadcrumbs to the mozzarella sticks nicely.
Can I Make These Mozzarella Sticks in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bread the mozzarella sticks in advance, then freeze them raw. When you’re ready to fry, just take them directly from the freezer and into the hot oil for a quick cook—no need to thaw them first!
How Do I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
If you have any leftovers, let the mozzarella sticks cool and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes for that crispy texture again.