Mozzarella sticks are a popular appetizer consisting of breaded and deep-fried mozzarella cheese. They are often served with marinara sauce or other dipping sauces. Here’s a basic recipe for making mozzarella sticks at home:
Ingredients:
- 12 sticks of mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Coating:
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. Put flour in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Coat the Cheese:
- Roll each mozzarella stick in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs, letting any excess egg drip off.
- Roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
- For an extra crispy coating, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- Freeze the Coated Cheese:
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze the sticks for at least 1 hour. This step helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly when frying.
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Remove the sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the mozzarella sticks hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your homemade mozzarella sticks!