Description
Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these homemade mozzarella sticks are the perfect cheesy snack. Served with a rich marinara sauce, they make an irresistible appetizer.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups (480ml) vegetable oil for frying
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating Station:
- Place flour in one bowl.
- Beat eggs in a second bowl.
- In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano.
- Coat the Mozzarella:
- Roll each mozzarella piece in flour, then dip in eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a double layer to ensure a crispy crust.
- Place coated sticks on a tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent melting while frying.
- Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
- In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan.
- Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve hot with warm marinara sauce.
Notes
- Freezing before frying helps keep the cheese from leaking out.
- Can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes as a lighter alternative.
