These mozzarella sticks are cheesy, crispy, and oh-so-delicious! Just picture gooey cheese wrapped in a crunchy coating—everyone’s favorite snack!
They’re perfect for parties or a cozy movie night. I love dipping mine in marinara sauce, making every bite extra tasty. Who can say no to that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella sticks: Use string cheese for convenience. If you’re looking for a different flavor, try using smoked mozzarella for a unique twist!
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add a nice flavor, but you can substitute with plain breadcrumbs and sprinkle in some Italian seasoning. Panko breadcrumbs also make a fantastic crunchy coating!
Eggs: If you’re vegan or allergic, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as an alternative for the egg wash. It works surprisingly well!
Herbs and spices: You can mix and match herbs to your liking. If you don’t have basil or oregano, Italian seasoning works great. For a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes!
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Crunch on My Mozzarella Sticks?
The crunchiness of mozzarella sticks is key! Start by freezing the cheese sticks to avoid cheese melt while frying. Make your coating count by giving the sticks a double dip in egg and breadcrumbs. This ensures a thicker layer for that perfect crunch.
- Keep your oil hot at 350°F (175°C), as cooler oil can lead to soggy coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
Finally, draining the sticks on paper towels prevents excess oil, keeping them crispy for longer. Serve immediately for the best cheesy experience!
How to Make Delicious Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Dipping:
- Marinara sauce, for serving
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional hour for freezing and 10 minutes for frying. Totaling around 1 hour and 25 minutes before you get to enjoy your delicious mozzarella sticks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Cheese:
Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This step is super important as it makes sure that the cheese doesn’t melt too quickly while frying!
2. Preparing the Breading Stations:
Set up your breading stations: in a shallow bowl, add the flour. In another bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together with the milk until combined. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. This is where the delicious flavor comes from!
3. Coating the Mozzarella Sticks:
Take the mozzarella sticks out of the freezer. Roll each one in the flour, shaking off any extra flour. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispy mozzarella sticks, repeat this egg and breadcrumb coating for each stick—it will prevent the cheese from leaking out when frying!
4. Freeze Again:
Arrange the coated mozzarella sticks back on the parchment-lined tray and freeze them again for at least 30 minutes. This second freeze will help them maintain their shape while frying!
5. Frying Time:
In a deep pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for about 1 to 2 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcook; you want them crispy on the outside but still gooey on the inside! Once done, place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your mozzarella sticks hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a lovely finish. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cheese for Mozzarella Sticks?
While you can use low-fat cheese, it may not melt as well as regular mozzarella. For the best results, stick with full-fat string cheese to ensure that ooey-gooey texture we love!
What If I Don’t Have Marinara Sauce?
No worries! You can serve mozzarella sticks with a variety of dips like ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or sweet chili sauce. Experiment to find your favorite combination!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and coat the mozzarella sticks, then freeze them until you’re ready to fry. Just be sure to keep them tightly sealed in the freezer for up to a month for the best quality.
How Do I Reheat Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
To reheat, place leftover sticks in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re hot and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy!
