Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

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Craving something cheesy, crunchy, and absolutely delicious? Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate snack or appetizer that everyone will love. Perfectly golden on the outside with melty mozzarella on the inside, these crispy sticks are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients and served with marinara sauce, they’re much better than anything you can buy frozen. Plus, they’re fun and easy to make at home! Let’s dive into the recipe for this irresistible snack.

Ingredients:

Produce:

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano

Refrigerated:

  • 2 large eggs

Condiments:

  • Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Baking & Spices:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt

Oils & Vinegars:

  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Bread & Baked Goods:

  • 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs

Dairy:

  • 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (or mozzarella cheese cut into sticks)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids:

  • 2 tbsp water

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the mozzarella sticks: If using a block of mozzarella cheese, slice it into 12 sticks, each about 3-4 inches long. Place the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for at least 1 hour. Freezing the cheese prevents it from melting too quickly during frying.
  2. Set up the breading station:
    • In one shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with salt and black pepper.
    • In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs, water, garlic powder, and oregano.
    • In a third bowl, mix the Italian-style breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese.
  3. Coat the mozzarella sticks:
    • Remove the frozen mozzarella sticks from the freezer.
    • Roll each stick in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
    • Next, dip the floured stick into the egg mixture, letting any excess egg drip off.
    • Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it’s fully coated with breadcrumbs. For an extra-crispy coating, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb step twice.
  4. Freeze again: Once all the mozzarella sticks are coated, place them back in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This helps the coating stick to the cheese and prevents the cheese from oozing out during frying.
  5. Heat the oil: In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge the mozzarella sticks (about 2 inches deep). Warm the oil to 350°F (175°C) on medium-high heat. Keep an eye on the temperature with a thermometer to ensure it stays consistent.
  6. Fry the mozzarella sticks: Working in small batches, carefully lower the mozzarella sticks into the hot oil. Cook them for 1-2 minutes, flipping them periodically, until they reach a crispy, golden brown texture. Remove the sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. Serve: Serve the crispy mozzarella sticks immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness!

Conclusion:

Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect appetizer or snack for any gathering. With their crispy outer layer and gooey melted cheese center, they’re bound to disappear quickly! This easy-to-follow recipe delivers restaurant-quality mozzarella sticks straight to your table. Pair them with marinara sauce for dipping, and get ready to indulge in this cheesy delight.

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