Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
(6) fried cheese sticks, marinara sauce
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Ingredients
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Cheese sticks
Marinara sauce
Method
Cheese sticks
- 1
Prepare cheese
Cut an 8 oz block of low-moisture mozzarella lengthwise into 6 even sticks (about 1" x 1" x 3–3½"). Pat dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture; refrigerate 10–15 minutes to firm if the cheese is soft.
- 2
Set up breading station
Place flour in a shallow bowl. In a second bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs with 2 tablespoons milk (and 1 tablespoon cold water if needed) until combined. In a third bowl, combine plain breadcrumbs, Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper and ½ tsp garlic powder; mix well.
- 3
First coat
Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, tapping off excess so a thin dry layer remains.
- 4
Egg wash and breadcrumb coat (double-coating for best results)
Dip the floured stick into the egg wash to fully coat, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to cover completely. For a firmer coating that resists melting, repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb step a second time so each stick has two breadcrumb layers. Place breaded sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze uncovered for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to help prevent cheese leakage during frying.
- 5
Heat oil
Pour about 2 cups vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of roughly 1–1½ inches. Heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) on a thermometer. If you don't have a thermometer, test with a small breadcrumb— it should sizzle and turn golden in about 30 seconds.
- 6
Fry
Working in batches of 2–3 to avoid crowding, carefully lower frozen mozzarella sticks into hot oil using tongs. Fry for 1.5–2 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and crisp. Do not over-fry; total frying time should be about 3–4 minutes per batch.
- 7
Drain
Remove fried sticks to a paper towel–lined plate and let drain 1–2 minutes. Keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a wire rack if frying multiple batches.
- 8
Serve
Serve 6 mozzarella sticks warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Marinara sauce
- 9
Sauté garlic
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- 10
Simmer sauce
Add 1 cup crushed tomatoes, ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp dried basil, ¼ tsp sugar (optional), ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper and a pinch (1/8 tsp) red pepper flakes if using. Stir, bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low and cook 6–8 minutes to meld flavors, stirring occasionally.
- 11
Adjust and keep warm
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Keep sauce warm until ready to serve alongside the mozzarella sticks.