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Ingredients
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Cheese & Prosciutto
Breading station
Frying
Marinara
Finishing
Method
Cheese & Prosciutto
Cut mozzarella
Trim the mozzarella block into 12 uniform sticks about 3/4 inch by 3/4 inch by 3 inches. Pat each stick dry with paper towel to remove excess moisture—this helps prevent soggy breading.
Wrap with prosciutto
Wrap each mozzarella stick with a thin slice of prosciutto. If slices are small, use half a slice per stick; overlap slightly so the prosciutto clings to the cheese. Place wrapped sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 45 minutes (preferably 1 hour) until firm. Freezing prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
Breading station
Prepare breading
Set up three shallow bowls: bowl 1 – flour seasoned with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper; bowl 2 – whisk together eggs and milk until smooth; bowl 3 – combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, dried oregano, garlic powder, remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
Bread the sticks
Working with frozen prosciutto-wrapped sticks, dredge each stick in seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so crumbs adhere. For an extra-secure coating, place breaded sticks on a tray and freeze for another 15–20 minutes, or repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a double coating.
Frying
Heat oil
Pour oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or pot to a depth of about 1 to 1.5 inches (enough to half-submerge sticks). Heat oil over medium-high 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 brown slowly.
Fry the sticks
Fry the breaded mozzarella sticks in batches (do not overcrowd) for 45–60 seconds per side, turning once, until golden brown and crisp. The internal cheese should be melted but the prosciutto and breading should not burn. Use a slotted spoon to transfer sticks to a paper towel–lined tray to drain.
Keep warm
If making multiple batches, keep finished sticks warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven for up to 15–20 minutes while you finish frying the rest.
Marinara
Warm sauce
Warm the marinara in a small saucepan over low heat until simmering. Stir in red pepper flakes if using, and taste for seasoning. Keep warm until serving.
Plate and garnish
Arrange hot mozzarella sticks on a serving platter. Spoon marinara into a small bowl for dipping, or drizzle a little on the plate. Garnish sticks with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and add fresh basil leaves to the marinara bowl if desired.