Description

Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are crispy on the outside, melty and gooey on the inside, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. These delicious treats are great as an appetizer, snack, or party food and are much more satisfying when made from scratch.

Ingredients

12 oz mozzarella cheese sticks (cut into thirds or kept whole)

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetable oil (for frying, or cooking spray for baking)

Marinara sauce (for dipping)

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Instructions

Prep the cheese: If your mozzarella sticks are whole, cut them into thirds to make them the perfect size for dipping. Lay them on a plate and freeze them for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
Set up the breading station: In one shallow bowl, add the flour. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano (if using), salt, and pepper.
Bread the cheese sticks: Once the cheese sticks are frozen, dip each one into the flour, ensuring it’s coated completely. Then dip it into the egg, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coat. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the process (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) to double coat the cheese sticks.
Freeze again: Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes more.
Cook the mozzarella sticks: To fry: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches, cooking them for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. To bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with cooking spray. Lightly spray the tops of the sticks with cooking spray. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Serve: Serve the mozzarella sticks hot with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

For a healthier version, bake the mozzarella sticks instead of frying them.

Freeze leftover mozzarella sticks for up to 3 months and cook from frozen.

Try adding herbs or spices like basil, thyme, or cayenne pepper to customize the flavor.

Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus freezing time)
Cook Time: 4-5 minutes (frying) or 8-10 minutes (baking)
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying or Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mozzarella stick
Calories: 150
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg