Description
Crispy, golden mozzarella sticks coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture and fried to perfection, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 1 pound block whole milk mozzarella cheese
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
Breading
- 2 cups plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup grated parmesan
Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 quarts)
Instructions
- Slice the cheese: Cut the 1 pound block of whole milk mozzarella cheese into 16 sticks of roughly equal size to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a small bowl or shallow dish big enough to dip the cheese sticks, whisk together 2 large eggs and ¼ cup milk until fully combined.
- Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In another bowl, combine 2 cups plain breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese.
- First coat the sticks: Dip each mozzarella stick first in the egg mixture, ensuring it is completely coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs to adhere fully.
- Double coat: Repeat the dipping—dip the breadcrumb-coated stick again in the egg mixture and then back into the breadcrumb mixture for a thick, sturdy coating.
- Freeze the sticks: Arrange the double-breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet or freezer-safe plate, then freeze for at least an hour to help them hold their shape during frying.
- Heat the oil: When ready to cook, heat about 2 quarts of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, wide pot over medium heat to a temperature between 350 and 365°F (175-185°C).
- Fry the sticks: Carefully add 3-4 mozzarella sticks at a time to the hot oil, frying for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the cooked mozzarella sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Maintain the oil temperature between 350-365°F before frying the next batch.
- Serve: Serve the mozzarella sticks immediately, ideally with warm marinara sauce for dipping to enjoy their gooey, cheesy interior and crispy exterior.
Notes
- Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks before frying prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out.
- Be sure not to overcrowd the fryer to maintain oil temperature and ensure even frying.
- Use whole milk mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
- Serve immediately after frying for the best texture and taste.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: mozzarella sticks, fried cheese sticks, appetizer, Italian snack, crispy cheese sticks, marinara dipping sauce
