Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Crispy breaded mozzarella sticks served with marinara sauce.
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Ingredients
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Cheese
Breading station
For frying
Marinara dipping sauce
Finish
Method
Prep cheese and breading
Prepare cheese
If using a block of mozzarella, cut into 12 uniform sticks about 3–4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. Pat sticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place on a baking sheet and freeze uncovered for 30–45 minutes (this helps prevent cheese from melting too quickly while frying).
Set up breading station
Place the flour in a shallow bowl or plate. In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the milk until combined. In a third shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; stir to mix. For extra crispness, you can double-dip (flour → egg → crumbs → egg → crumbs).
Bread the cheese
Working with one stick at a time, lightly coat a frozen mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip back into the bowl. Press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat all sides. For a stronger seal, return the coated stick to the egg and then to the breadcrumbs for a second coating. Place breaded sticks on a parchment-lined tray and return to the freezer for at least 15–20 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to firm the coating.
Fry the mozzarella sticks
Heat 1–1 1/2 inches of oil in a heavy, deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small breadcrumb into the oil — it should sizzle and brown in about 30–45 seconds. Work in small batches (3–4 sticks) so the oil temperature remains steady.
Carefully add frozen, breaded mozzarella sticks to the hot oil and fry for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, turning once, until golden brown. Do not overcrowd. Remove with a slotted spoon or spider and transfer to a paper towel–lined tray to drain. Let rest 1 minute (the cheese will be piping hot inside).
If desired, keep cooked sticks warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a wire rack while you finish remaining batches.
Make/finish marinara and serve
Warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until just simmering. Stir in chopped basil and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Plate mozzarella sticks, sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.