Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Mozzarella sticks are a beloved appetizer known for their crispy golden exterior and gooey, melted cheese inside. This easy recipe guides you to make perfect mozzarella sticks at home, ideal for dipping in your favorite marinara sauce.

Ingredients

• 16 string cheese sticks, cut in half crosswise
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons milk
• Oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Marinara sauce for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with a mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper, and one with whisked eggs and milk.
2. Step 2: Dip each cheese stick into the flour, then the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg dip and coat with breadcrumbs again to ensure a thick crust.
3. Step 3: Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined sheet pan and freeze for at least 2 hours until solid.
4. Step 4: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Step 5: Fry frozen cheese sticks in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
6. Step 6: Drain the fried mozzarella sticks on paper towels and serve warm with marinara sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Freeze the sticks thoroughly before frying to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
• For a spicy twist, mix some cayenne pepper or paprika into the breadcrumbs.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy coating.
• Try serving with ranch dressing or a garlic aioli as an alternative dipping sauce.

Storage

Store any leftover frozen mozzarella sticks in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat by baking in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake mozzarella sticks instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy. However, frying typically yields a crunchier exterior.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking while frying?

Freezing the coated sticks for at least 2 hours before frying helps keep the cheese firm and prevents leakage during cooking.

Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 108 reviews

Crispy and gooey homemade Mozzarella Sticks are a perfect appetizer or snack. Coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust and fried to golden perfection, these cheesy treats are served warm with tangy marinara sauce for dipping.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 32 mozzarella sticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese

• 16 string cheese sticks, cut in half crosswise

Coating

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Batter

• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons milk

Frying

• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)

Serving

• Marinara sauce for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare Dredging Stations: Set up three separate bowls: one with the all-purpose flour, one with a mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs combined with salt and pepper, and one with whisked eggs and milk.
2. Coat Cheese Sticks: Dip each halved string cheese first into the flour to coat evenly, then into the egg mixture, followed by pressing firmly into the breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crispy crust, repeat dipping into the egg mixture and then coat again with breadcrumbs.
3. Freeze: Arrange the coated cheese sticks on a parchment-lined sheet pan in a single layer. Freeze them for at least 2 hours, or until they are completely solid to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
4. Heat Oil: In a deep heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to maintain accurate temperature for frying.
5. Fry Cheese Sticks: Working in small batches, carefully lower the frozen cheese sticks into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried mozzarella sticks with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve immediately warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Freezing the coated cheese sticks before frying is essential to prevent cheese from oozing out during cooking.
• Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even frying; too hot oil will burn the coating, too cool will make them greasy.
• Double coating with egg and breadcrumbs gives a thicker, crunchier crust.
• You can bake these mozzarella sticks as a lighter alternative at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until crispy, but frying yields the best texture.
• Use Italian-style breadcrumbs for extra seasoning, or plain breadcrumbs seasoned with garlic powder and dried herbs.

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, fried cheese sticks, appetizer, snack, Italian, cheesy appetizer, marinara dipping sauce