Description
Crispy, gooey, and golden brown mozzarella sticks with a crunchy shell and stretchy cheese, served with tangy marinara sauce. This easy homemade snack is perfect for parties, game nights, or cozy weekends in.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (whole milk preferred, about 12 oz)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 2 cups vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- If using a block of mozzarella, slice into sticks about 1/2-inch thick and 3-4 inches long. Lay the sticks out on a freezer-safe tray.
- Place mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to prevent cheese leaks during frying.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Working with one stick at a time, dredge in flour, then dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat: dip again in egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Pour oil into a deep skillet or fryer and heat to 350°F (180°C).
- Fry 4-6 sticks at a time, turning until golden brown on all sides (2-3 minutes per batch). Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
- Heat marinara sauce in a small saucepan until hot.
- Serve mozzarella sticks immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Freeze mozzarella sticks before breading and frying to prevent cheese leaks. Double-coat with breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Use a thermometer to keep oil at 350°F for best results. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Baked version: bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 9
Keywords: mozzarella sticks, breaded cheese sticks, appetizer, snack, party food, fried cheese, marinara dip, Italian snack, homemade mozzarella sticks