Description
Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks offer a deliciously indulgent snack with a perfectly crunchy coating and gooey melted cheese inside. These sticks are coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, lightly spiced, and fried to golden perfection, served best with a side of fresh marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Coating
- 1.5 cups Plain Panko Breadcrumbs
- 0.5 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 0.5 tsp Dried Parsley
- 0.25 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.5 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 0.25 tsp Table Salt
Preparation
- 2 Large Eggs
- 0.5 cup All-Purpose Flour
Main Ingredient
- 1 lb Whole Milk Mozzarella Block
For Cooking & Serving
- Vegetable Oil (for frying)
- Marinara Sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks: Cut the whole milk mozzarella block into 15 equal sticks, about the size of typical mozzarella sticks. Place them on parchment paper and set aside.
- Mix Dry Coating Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, combine the plain panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and table salt. Stir until well mixed to ensure an even distribution of flavors in the coating.
- Set up Breading Stations: Place the all-purpose flour in one shallow dish. In a second dish, beat the two large eggs until smooth. In a third dish, place the seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture.
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks: Roll each mozzarella stick first in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Finally, roll the stick in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing lightly so breadcrumbs adhere well. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more.
- Freeze the Coated Sticks: Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 1 hour. This step prevents cheese from melting too quickly during frying and helps maintain shape.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep heavy-bottom skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to fully submerge the mozzarella sticks.
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Carefully add the frozen mozzarella sticks into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry them for about 1.5 to 2 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy mozzarella sticks hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy immediately for the best indulgent snack experience.
Notes
- Freezing the sticks before frying is crucial to prevent cheese leakage and ensure crispiness.
- Double coating the sticks in egg and breadcrumbs improves the crunch factor.
- Maintain oil temperature to avoid greasy sticks; if oil temperature drops, the sticks will absorb more oil.
- Marinara sauce should be warm or room temperature to complement the hot mozzarella sticks.
