Get ready for some cheesy goodness with these mozzarella sticks! They’re crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, perfect for snacking or sharing with friends.
And let’s talk about marinara sauce! It’s the best dipping partner for these sticks. Honestly, I sometimes run out of mozzarella and just keep dipping my fingers in the sauce! 🍅
I love making these for movie nights. Just pop them in the oven or fryer, and in no time, you have a fun treat to enjoy while watching your favorite film!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: String cheese is the classic choice for this recipe. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, part-skim mozzarella works great too! For a fun twist, you can try pepper jack for some extra spice.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add flavor and texture. If you don’t have them, use plain breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning. For gluten-free options, you can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers.
Eggs: Eggs help the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese. If you need an egg-free alternative, you can use a mixture of water and ground flaxseed (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or buttermilk for a similar binding effect.
Marinara Sauce: Making your own is fantastic! If you’re short on time, jarred marinara works well too. For more kick, add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce while it simmers.
How Do You Bread Mozzarella Sticks Perfectly?
Breading is the key to crispy mozzarella sticks! First, freezing the cheese helps maintain its shape while frying. Here’s how to do it right:
- Prepare a workstation: Have flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture set up in separate bowls.
- Coat each stick in flour, shake off excess, then dip into the egg wash ensuring full coverage.
- Roll in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. For an extra crispy layer, dip back into the egg wash then coat with breadcrumbs again.
- Freeze again for at least 30 minutes before frying. This step creates a better seal on the cheese and prevents it from melting too quickly in hot oil.
Enjoy your crispy mozzarella sticks with homemade marinara sauce! They make a perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion.
How to Make Delicious Mozzarella Sticks With Marinara Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3 cups)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making these mozzarella sticks will take around 30 minutes of active preparation time and about 25 minutes to make the marinara sauce. Don’t forget to freeze the cheese sticks for at least 1 hour beforehand, which keeps them from melting too much when frying. Overall, plan for about 2 hours including freeze time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks:
Start by unwrapping the string cheese sticks. If you want shorter sticks, cut each one in half. Lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and pop them in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This step is important so they hold their shape while frying!
2. Set Up Your Breading Stations:
Now it’s time to get ready to coat your mozzarella. In one shallow bowl, pour in the flour. In a second bowl, beat together the eggs and the water until well mixed. In a third bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set these bowls up so they’re easy to access when you’re ready to bread!
3. Bread the Mozzarella Sticks:
Take the frozen mozzarella sticks and one by one, first dip them in the flour, shaking off any extra. Next, dip them into the egg wash, making sure they are well-coated. Finally, roll them in the breadcrumb mixture until evenly covered. For an extra crispy finish, you can repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb step for each stick! Once done, lay them back on the baking sheet and freeze them again for at least 30 minutes.
4. Make the Marinara Sauce:
While your mozzarella sticks are freezing, let’s whip up that marinara! In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it gets fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy! Allow it to simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes until it thickens nicely. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
When ready to fry, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded mozzarella sticks in batches, frying them for about 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan! After frying, use a slotted spoon to place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
6. Serve It Up:
Arrange your crispy mozzarella sticks on a serving platter. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve them warm alongside the marinara sauce you made for dipping. Enjoy your cheesy, gooey, delicious treat!
Now you’re ready to impress your friends and family with these scrumptious mozzarella sticks and homemade marinara sauce. Enjoy! 🧀🍅
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen mozzarella sticks! Just follow the frying instructions on the package, usually frying them for about 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until golden and crispy. They will save you time, but making them fresh is always tastier!
How Can I Make These Mozzarella Sticks Gluten-Free?
To make these mozzarella sticks gluten-free, substitute regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. You can use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour, and gluten-free breadcrumbs can typically be found in most grocery stores.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Mozzarella Sticks?
Absolutely! To bake them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness, or microwave for a quick snack, though that won’t be as crispy.
