Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsThree Birds TavernMozzarella Sticks Recipe

Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Inspired by Three Birds Tavern
Time1h
Serves4

Breaded mozzarella cheese served with marinara sauce.

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Ingredients

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For the Mozzarella Sticks

For the Marinara Sauce

Method

Preparing the Mozzarella Sticks

  1. 1

    Set Up Your Breading Station

    Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.

  2. 2

    Bread the Mozzarella Sticks

    Take a mozzarella stick, coat it in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure the stick is fully coated. Repeat with all mozzarella sticks.

  3. 3

    Chill the Sticks

    Lay the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape while frying.

Making the Marinara Sauce

  1. 4

    Cook the Sauce

    In a saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine.

  2. 5

    Simmer the Sauce

    Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped fresh basil at the end of cooking.

Frying the Mozzarella Sticks

  1. 6

    Heat the Oil

    In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

  2. 7

    Fry the Sticks

    Carefully place a few mozzarella sticks in the hot oil, frying them for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pot.

  3. 8

    Drain and Serve

    Remove the fried mozzarella sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with the marinara sauce.

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