Description
Crispy mozzarella sticks bring golden-brown magic to snack time, promising irresistible cheesy goodness. Melted cheese wrapped in crunchy coating paired with zesty marinara and creamy dip will make you the ultimate party hero.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
Dry Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (120 grams) Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (40 grams) panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Wet Ingredients and Dips:
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) creamy dip (ranch, garlic aioli, or dip of choice)
Instructions
- Remove string cheese from packaging and gently blot excess moisture with paper towels, trimming to preferred length if desired.
- Position cheese sticks in freezer for precise 30-minute chilling to maintain structural integrity during coating process.
- Arrange three separate preparation stations: first with seasoned flour mixture, second with whisked eggs, third with combined panko and Italian breadcrumbs.
- Methodically dredge each frozen cheese stick through flour, ensuring complete coverage, then thoroughly coat in egg wash.
- Roll coated stick generously in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to create uniform crispy exterior. Repeat egg and breadcrumb application for enhanced crunchiness.
- Return breaded mozzarella sticks to freezer for additional 45-minute firming period, preventing cheese from melting during frying.
- Preheat cooking oil in deep skillet to precise 350°F, monitoring temperature with digital thermometer for consistent results.
- Carefully lower breaded cheese sticks into hot oil, frying in small batches for approximately 90 seconds until achieving golden-brown exterior.
- Transfer fried mozzarella sticks onto paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, allowing brief cooling before serving.
- Plate alongside warmed marinara sauce and creamy dipping accompaniment for optimal flavor experience.
Notes
- Opt for high-moisture mozzarella like string cheese for ultimate melty texture.
- Freezing cheese prevents immediate melting during frying, ensuring crispy exterior and gooey center.
- Double-coating breadcrumbs creates extra crunchy golden shell that stays crisp longer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg