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breaded mozzarella sticks - featured image

Breaded Mozzarella Sticks Recipe – Easy Homemade Snack with Marinara


  • Author: Savannah Collins
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks (about 6 servings) 1x

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

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. Place mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to prevent cheese leaks during frying.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Pour oil into a deep skillet or fryer and heat to 350°F (180°C).
  6. 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.
  7. Heat marinara sauce in a small saucepan until hot.
  8. 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