These cheesy mozzarella sticks are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Perfect for snacking or as a fun appetizer, they are sure to please everyone!
Dipping them in warm marinara sauce makes them even better! I could eat a whole plate while binge-watching my favorite shows. Who’s with me? 😄
Making these sticks is super easy! Just bread the cheese, fry until golden, and serve with the sauce. Perfect for movie night or game day gatherings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Sticks: Traditional string cheese works great here. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using smoked mozzarella for a unique flavor twist!
Bread Crumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add nice seasoning. If you’re out, plain breadcrumbs mixed with Italian herbs also work well. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor, but pre-grated works in a pinch. I sometimes mix in a bit of Pecorino Romano for extra tanginess.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is easy, but homemade adds a personal touch. For a twist, try using pizza sauce or any marinara with herbs for added flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Mozzarella Sticks Don’t Melt Too Much When Frying?
Frying mozzarella sticks can be tricky since you want them crispy without leaking all the delicious cheese. Here are key steps to remember:
- Freezing: Freeze the breaded sticks for at least one hour. This hardens the cheese, helping it stay intact during frying.
- Temperature: Maintain the frying oil at 350°F (175°C). Too low, and the sticks can absorb oil; too high, and they brown before the cheese melts.
- Batch Frying: Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature stable. Overcrowding will drop the heat and lead to soggy sticks.
Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly crispy mozzarella sticks every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Mozzarella Sticks With Marinara Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2-3 cups)
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 30 minutes of active cooking time, plus an hour for freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks. So, plan for a total of about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cheese Sticks:
Start by cutting each mozzarella stick in half to create bite-sized pieces. This way, they’re easier to dip and enjoy!
2. Make the Breading Mixture:
In a shallow dish, mix the Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined, giving it a savory flavor.
3. Set Up Your Breading Station:
In a second shallow dish, place the flour. In a third dish, beat the eggs. You’ve got everything ready to coat those mozzarella sticks!
4. Bread the Cheese Sticks:
Take each mozzarella stick and first dip it into the flour, shaking off any excess. This helps the egg stick better. Next, dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs until it’s fully coated. Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well. For even more crunch, you can repeat this step, dipping in egg and breadcrumbs again.
5. Freeze for Better Frying:
Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet or plate and pop them in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This helps them hold their shape during frying.
6. Heat the Oil:
When the mozzarella sticks are frozen, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the right temperature for frying.
7. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
Carefully fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches to prevent overcrowding. Cook them for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
8. Drain and Serve:
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This keeps them nice and crispy!
9. Serve with Marinara Sauce:
Serve your warm mozzarella sticks with a delicious bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. You can sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a beautiful presentation.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy mozzarella sticks dipped in flavorful marinara sauce! Perfect for sharing, but you might want to keep some just for yourself!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese for This Recipe?
Yes! While mozzarella is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like string cheese made from cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just keep in mind that some cheeses may melt differently, so freeze them longer if needed.
What If I Don’t Have Italian-Style Bread Crumbs?
No worries! You can use plain bread crumbs and add dried Italian herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to mimic the flavor. Alternatively, crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs work great for extra crunch!
How Can I Make These Mozzarella Sticks Healthier?
For a lighter version, try baking instead of frying! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking oil and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bread the mozzarella sticks and freeze them until you’re ready to fry. Just make sure they’re fully frozen before frying to prevent melting. They can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months!