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Ingredients
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Cheese Sticks
Marinara Sauce
Method
Cheese Sticks Preparation
- 1
Prepare the Breading Station
Set up a breading station by placing flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a third bowl.
- 2
Bread the Cheese Sticks
Take each mozzarella stick, dip it in flour to coat, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs. Repeat for all cheese sticks.
- 3
Chill the Cheese Sticks
Place the breaded cheese sticks on a baking tray and freeze them for about 30 minutes to help them hold their shape while frying.
Marinara Sauce Preparation
- 4
Cook the Marinara Sauce
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, salt, black pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Finish the Sauce
Taste the marinara sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and set aside.
Frying the Cheese Sticks
- 6
- 7
Fry the Cheese Sticks
Carefully add the frozen cheese sticks to the hot oil in batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serving
- 8
Plate and Serve
Serve the mozzarella sticks hot with the warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.