These cheesy mozzarella sticks are breaded and fried to golden perfection. Crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they’re perfect for snacking!
If you like dipping, marinara sauce is the best partner in this cheesy dance. I always end up eating a few too many—who can resist that melty goodness? 😄
Making mozzarella sticks is really fun! Just coat them in breadcrumbs, fry, and serve hot. They’re great for parties or movie nights, and they disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: String cheese works best for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try low-fat mozzarella or even vegan cheese sticks for a dairy-free version.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add flavor, but panko breadcrumbs can give a crunchier texture. If you’re gluten-free, use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour instead.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal, but pre-grated works fine. For a non-dairy option, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor.
Marinara Sauce: Homemade sauce is lovely, but you can also use store-bought marinara for convenience. For a kick, add some red pepper flakes to spice it up!
How Do You Get the Perfect Crunch on Mozzarella Sticks?
Getting that perfect crispy texture requires a bit of technique. Here’s how to ensure your mozzarella sticks are crunchy and delicious:
- Freeze the coated sticks for at least an hour before frying. This solidifies the cheese and helps prevent it from leaking while cooking.
- Heat your oil to the right temperature (350°F/175°C). Too hot and they’ll burn; too cool and they’ll get greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying. Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and allow even cooking.
- Let them drain on paper towels right after frying to remove excess oil—this keeps them crispy!
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
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3 cups)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for preparation and cooking. However, remember to add at least 1 hour for freezing the coated cheese sticks. So total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can indulge in your delicious mozzarella sticks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
Start by heating the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and sauté it for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant (but don’t let it brown!). Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar if you’re using it. Let it all simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once it’s done, taste it and adjust any seasonings if needed, then keep it warm on the stove.
2. Prepare Mozzarella Sticks:
If you want smaller bites, cut each mozzarella stick in half carefully. In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. In another shallow bowl, put the flour. Finally, in a third bowl, beat the eggs.
3. Coat the Cheese:
Take each mozzarella stick and roll it in the flour first, shaking off any extra. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the excess run off. After that, coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mix, pressing gently to make sure it sticks well. For that extra crispy layer, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps again. Once done, place all the coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze them for at least 1 hour. This helps keep them from melting too fast when frying.
4. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or fryer until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in batches, cooking them for about 1 to 2 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, use a slotted spoon to take them out and let them drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
5. Serve:
Now it’s time to enjoy! Sprinkle some extra Parmesan over the mozzarella sticks and garnish with chopped parsley if you’d like. Serve them hot alongside your warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks Instead?
Absolutely! If using frozen mozzarella sticks, you can skip the coating process entirely. Just fry them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time. They’ll come out just as crispy and delicious!
What Oil is Best for Frying the Mozzarella Sticks?
Vegetable oil is perfect for frying because it has a high smoke point. You can also use canola, peanut, or sunflower oil if you prefer. Avoid using olive oil for frying as it has a lower smoke point and can smoke during cooking.
How Can I Make the Marinara Sauce Spicier?
If you like some heat, simply add red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. You could also add a dash of hot sauce if you want an extra kick!
How to Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to ensure they stay crispy. You can also microwave them, but they may not be as crunchy.
