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Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/crispy-mozzarella-sticks-with-marinara-dipping-sauce-recipe/