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Ingredients
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Cheese & Coating
Optional Finish & Frying
Method
Prep Cheese & Breading Stations
- 1
Prepare cheese
If using a block of mozzarella, cut into 8 even sticks about 3/4" x 3/4" x 3-4". Pat each stick dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture — this helps the coating adhere and keeps cheese from oozing too fast when fried.
- 2
Set up breading stations
Place the flour in a shallow bowl. In a second bowl, whisk the 2 eggs with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth (this is the egg wash). In a third shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; mix well.
- 3
Chill if desired
For best results, after breading (next step), freeze or chill coated sticks for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to reduce cheese leakage during frying. If short on time, a quick 15–20 minute chill helps.
Breading
- 4
Working one at a time, dredge a cheese stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, letting excess drip back into the bowl. Immediately press into the breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat all sides. For extra-crispy, repeat: dip again in egg wash and coat a second time with breadcrumbs. Place breaded sticks on a parchment-lined tray.
- 5
Once all sticks are breaded, transfer the tray to the freezer or refrigerator for the chilling step described above (recommended minimum 30 minutes; 15 minutes if pressed for time).
Frying (or Baking) and Finishing
- 6
Heat oil
If frying: pour oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or pot to a depth of about 1 to 1½ inches (enough to partially submerge sticks). Heat oil over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small breadcrumb — it should sizzle and brown slowly.
- 7
Fry the sticks
Fry breaded cheese sticks in batches (do not overcrowd) for 1 to 1½ minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined tray to drain. Total frying time is short to prevent cheese from leaking; ensure oil temperature remains near 350°F between batches.
- 8
Alternative: Bake
To bake instead: preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray or brush lightly with oil, and bake 8–12 minutes until golden and crisp. Watch closely so cheese doesn’t burst out; a quick broil for 30–60 seconds can crisp further but is optional.
- 9
Serve immediately garnished with chopped parsley (optional) and warmed marinara for dipping.