Crunchy ‘n Gooey Mozzarella Sticks (25 Minutes)

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These crispy and gooey cheese sticks are made with stringy mozzarella cheese coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture and served with a tangy and savory marinara sauce for dipping. Perfect for parties, game nights, or even as a full meal, these homemade mozzarella sticks are sure to satisfy your cravings. With their crunchy exterior and melty cheese interior, they are the ultimate comfort food. Let’s begin!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. In three separate shallow bowls, prepare your coating stations. Place flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second bowl, and combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt in the third bowl.
  2. Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs gently to ensure they adhere well.
  3. Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for about 10-15 minutes. This will help them hold their shape while frying.
  4. Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet over medium heat. Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese starts to ooze out. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate.
  5. Serve the mozzarella sticks hot with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

For best results, it’s essential to freeze the coated mozzarella sticks before frying. This step helps the cheese retain its shape and prevents excessive melting during cooking. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy exterior. Serve the sticks immediately after frying to enjoy the ideal combination of crunchy coating and melted cheese. Pair them with your favorite marinara sauce, or experiment with other dipping sauces like ranch or garlic aioli for added flavor. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (2 mozzarella sticks)
  • Calories: 175
  • Sugar: 1.5g
  • Sodium: 375mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 12.5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Pair this with...

Homemade Marinara

Kick things off with some ripe, juicy tomatoes – Roma or San Marzano are excellent choices. In a large pot, sauté finely diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until they're translucent. As they soften, they'll lay the aromatic foundation for your sauce. Next, add in the tomatoes, either crushed or finely diced, depending on your texture preference. To elevate the flavors, toss in some seasonings: salt, pepper, and maybe a bit of sugar to balance the acidity. Herbs like basil, oregano, and a bay leaf can be added to infuse the sauce with earthy notes. Let everything simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld. Over time, the sauce will thicken and develop a rich, robust character. Once you're happy with its consistency and taste, remove it from the heat.

Olive Oil Tomatoes

Grab a bunch of fresh cherry tomatoes, washing them and patting dry. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the tomatoes with a generous glug of olive oil, ensuring each tomato is gleaming with a light coat. Now, mince up some garlic – a couple of cloves should do – and sprinkle it over the tomatoes. Choose your preferred herbs; rosemary and thyme work beautifully, but basil or oregano can be divine too. Roughly chop or tear your herbs and add them to the bowl. Season everything with salt and pepper and give it a good mix. Spread this vibrant mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer. Pop it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly shriveled.

Fresh Mixed Greens Salad

Start with a base of mixed greens, combining varieties like arugula, spinach, romaine, or any leafy greens you love. Slice up a handful of cherry tomatoes for a burst of juiciness. Next, peel and shave or thinly slice a carrot for a sweet and crunchy addition. Now, here's where you get to be creative. Raid your fridge for veggies – maybe some leftover bell peppers, slices of cucumber, or even some steamed broccoli or green beans. Toss them all into your salad. Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette or dressing, give it a good mix, and you've got a vibrant, crunchy, and fresh salad that goes well with just about any meal.

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