These gooey mozzarella sticks are a tasty treat! Crispy on the outside and filled with molten cheese, they pair perfectly with a zesty marinara sauce for dipping.
Who can resist that melty cheese pull? I love making these for movie nights—they’re always a crowd-pleaser, and let’s be honest, they barely last five minutes on the table! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Regular mozzarella sticks work great! If you’re looking for a lighter option, try low-fat mozzarella, but be cautious as it may not melt as nicely.
Bread Crumbs: Italian seasoned bread crumbs add flavor, but you can substitute with plain bread crumbs and add your own herbs and spices. Panko bread crumbs also work wonderfully for an extra crunch!
Eggs: If you need an egg substitute, try 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg, or use silken tofu blended until smooth.
Marinara Sauce: You can use store-bought marinara for convenience, or whip up a quick homemade version with canned tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs if you have a little extra time!
How Do I Get My Mozzarella Sticks Extra Crispy?
The key to achieving perfectly crispy mozzarella sticks lies in the double coating and freezing them beforehand. Freezing the sticks helps prevent the cheese from oozing out when frying. Here’s how to ensure they come out crispy every time:
- Coat each stick in flour first, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat with the bread crumb mixture. This helps the breading stick well.
- For an even crunchier texture, repeat the egg and bread crumb steps for a second layer of coating.
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (about 350°F). If it’s too cold, the sticks will absorb oil and become soggy.
- Fry in batches. Overcrowding the pot cools down the oil, making it harder to get that golden, crispy finish.
With these tips, you’ll have tasty mozzarella sticks that are crispy on the outside and gooey in the middle! Enjoy!
How to Make Mozzarella Sticks With Marinara Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (about 1 oz each)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to freeze the mozzarella sticks. Then, you’ll need about 5-10 minutes for frying and heating the sauce. In total, plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy these cheesy delights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coating:
Start by setting up your coating stations in three separate bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, crack and beat the two eggs well. In the third bowl, combine the Italian seasoned bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until well combined.
2. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
Take each mozzarella stick and dip it in the flour, coating it fully. Shake off any extra flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the stick thoroughly with the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick well. For an extra crispy layer, repeat the egg and bread crumb steps one more time!
3. Freeze the Sticks:
Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. It’s important to freeze them for at least 1 hour; this helps maintain the cheese inside while frying and prevents any melting or oozing.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep frying pan or pot, pour in enough vegetable oil to submerge the mozzarella sticks completely. Heat the oil on medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can check the oil temperature with a kitchen thermometer or by dropping in a small piece of bread—if it sizzles right away, it’s ready!
5. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
Carefully add a few mozzarella sticks to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 1 to 2 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. Warm the Marinara Sauce:
While the mozzarella sticks are frying, you can warm the marinara sauce on the stove or in the microwave until it’s nice and hot.
7. Serve:
Once the mozzarella sticks are golden and crispy, arrange them neatly on a serving platter. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a nice touch. Serve them immediately with the warm marinara sauce for dipping!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy mozzarella sticks dipped in zesty marinara sauce! Perfect for snacking or as an appetizer at gatherings!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen mozzarella sticks! Just fry them directly from the freezer—there’s no need to thaw. They may take a minute or so longer to cook, so keep an eye on them until they’re golden and crispy.
How Do I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to regain that crispiness.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bread the mozzarella sticks and freeze them for up to a month before frying. Just remember to freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a storage bag, so they don’t stick together.
What If I Don’t Have Marinara Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute marinara with other sauces like ranch, buffalo sauce, or even a garlic aioli. Get creative with your dipping sauces for a fun twist on flavor!
