Description
Crispy and gooey mozzarella sticks coated with a flavorful Italian breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a delicious appetizer or snack, served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Mozzarella Sticks
- 12 ounces string cheese sticks, cut in half (1 package)
- 1â…“ cups Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs + 3 tablespoons water, beaten
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For Serving
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Set up breading station: Arrange three bowls for the coating process — one with flour, one with the beaten egg mixture (eggs and water), and one with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Prepare breadcrumb mixture: In the breadcrumb bowl, thoroughly mix together Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder for a flavorful crust.
- First coating – flour: Dredge each halved string cheese stick in flour, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides to help the egg mixture adhere.
- First coating – egg dip: Dip the floured cheese sticks into the beaten egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off for an even coating.
- First breadcrumb coating: Roll the egg-dipped sticks in the breadcrumb mixture, fully covering them on all sides to create a crunchy layer.
- Second coating – egg dip: Dip each stick again into the egg mixture to moisten the surface for the second breadcrumb layer.
- Second breadcrumb coating: Roll the sticks once more in the breadcrumb mixture to ensure a thick, crispy crust after frying.
- Freeze the sticks: Place the breaded cheese sticks on a lined baking sheet and freeze them for 20 to 30 minutes—this step prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
- Heat the oil: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 325°F, the ideal temperature for frying mozzarella sticks to a golden crisp without burning.
- Fry the sticks: Fry 4 to 5 mozzarella sticks at a time for about 20 seconds each until the breadcrumb coating is crispy and golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pot to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain excess oil: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried sticks and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil and keep them crisp.
- Serve: Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping, enjoying the perfect combination of crunchy exterior and melty cheese inside.
Notes
- Freezing the breaded sticks before frying is essential to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
- Maintain the frying oil temperature around 325°F to achieve a golden crust without burning the breadcrumbs.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and affect crispiness.
- Serve the mozzarella sticks immediately for the best texture and gooey melted cheese.
- Use good quality marinara sauce or homemade for enhanced flavor.
