Crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, mozzarella sticks are a classic favorite. Dip them in warm marinara sauce for a delicious cheesy treat!
I can’t help but munch on these during movie nights. Just be careful, those strings of cheese can get messy—embrace the gooeyness! 😂
They’re super easy to make at home! Just bread the cheese sticks, fry them up, and serve with marinara. Perfect for sharing or a late-night snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Use regular string cheese for an easy option. If you’re looking for a lower-fat alternative, try part-skim mozzarella sticks. Some folks even like to experiment with cheese blends for different flavors!
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add great flavor. If you don’t have them, you can mix regular breadcrumbs with a bit of Italian seasoning. For a gluten-free option, use cornmeal or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.
Flour: Standard all-purpose flour works great, but whole wheat flour can be a healthier alternative. For a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Seasonings: I love adding garlic powder and dried herbs for extra flavor. You can switch things up by adding crushed red pepper for a spicy kick or using fresh herbs for more freshness.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Battered Mozzarella Sticks?
Getting that perfect crispy coating on mozzarella sticks takes a bit of prep. Here are some tips to make sure they come out just right:
- **Freezing**: After coating the sticks, freeze them again. This hardens the cheese and prevents it from melting too quickly when frying.
- **Breading Station**: Set up three bowls for flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. This makes the coating process easy and keeps your hands cleaner.
- **Double-Dip**: For a thicker crust, dip each stick back into the egg wash and breadcrumbs after the first coating. This extra layer keeps them crunchy.
With these tips in mind, you’ll have crispy, gooey mozzarella sticks ready for dipping! Enjoy!
Mozzarella Sticks With Marinara Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of active prep time, plus 1 hour and 30 minutes for freezing and simmering the sauce. You’ll spend some time assembling and breading the mozzarella sticks, making the marinara sauce, and frying for that perfect golden crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Mozzarella Sticks:
Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the tray in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This helps the cheese stay firm, so it won’t melt too quickly while frying!
2. Prepare Breading Stations:
While the cheese is freezing, set up three bowls for breading. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with dried parsley, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
Take the cheese sticks out of the freezer. First, roll each stick in the flour, shaking off any extra. Then, dip it into the egg mixture to coat completely. Lastly, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks. For an extra crispy layer, you can dip it back into the egg and breadcrumbs again. Place the coated sticks back on the parchment-lined tray and freeze them again for 30 minutes to help the coating set.
4. Make the Marinara Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and keep warm.
5. Fry Mozzarella Sticks:
In a deep frying pan or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, fry the mozzarella sticks for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Serve:
Plate your crispy mozzarella sticks and serve with the warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Feel free to garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like.
Enjoy your delicious homemade mozzarella sticks with a rich, flavorful marinara dip!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other types of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack. Just ensure they are firm enough to hold up during frying!
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Mozzarella Sticks?
Yes, you can bake them for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded sticks on a lined baking sheet, and bake for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
What Can I Serve with Mozzarella Sticks Besides Marinara Sauce?
While marinara is classic, you can also serve them with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or a spicy aioli for a tasty twist!
