Get ready for some fun with these gooey mozzarella sticks! All you need are cheese, crispy coating, and a tasty marinara sauce to dip them in. Perfect for sharing or a solo snack!
You can’t go wrong with melty cheese that stretches as you pull it apart. I always end up eating a few more than I planned—oops! 😋 Serve them hot for the best cheesy goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Sticks: Use traditional string cheese for the best melt and stretch. If you want to go dairy-free, look for vegan cheese sticks, though they may not melt as well.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add flavor, but you can substitute them with plain breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of Italian seasoning. If gluten is a concern, try gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Eggs: Two eggs are needed for breading, but you can use a flaxseed mix (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan alternative. It won’t bind quite the same, but it works!
Marinara Sauce: There’s nothing quite like homemade, but if you’re short on time, store-bought marinara works too. Look for one that’s low in added sugars for a healthier option.
How Do I Get the Breading to Stick Perfectly?
Getting your coating just right can be tricky. The key is to make sure each stick is properly coated and soaked. Here’s how:
- Dust the mozzarella stick in flour first. This absorbs moisture and helps the egg stick better.
- When breading, ensure each stick is covered completely and gently press the crumbs on to create a good seal.
- After breading, freeze them for at least an hour. This step is crucial! It helps the coating stay intact during frying and prevents the cheese from melting out.
Remember, frying in batches is also important. It promotes even cooking without crowding the pan, ensuring each stick is perfectly crispy! Enjoy your cheesy treat!
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
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of sugar (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus around 1 hour to freeze the mozzarella sticks, and about 15-20 minutes for cooking the marinara sauce. In total, you’ll be looking at approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes before you can enjoy your cheesy snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks:
Start by unwrapping the mozzarella sticks. If you prefer shorter sticks, you can cut each in half. It’s all about what you like!
2. Set Up Breading Stations:
In order to coat the cheese sticks, you need three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Cheese Sticks:
Take each mozzarella stick and roll it in the flour, making sure to shake off any extra flour. Next, dip it in the egg mixture, ensuring it gets fully coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well. For an extra crispy finish, you can dip it back into the egg and breadcrumbs one more time.
4. Freeze the Coated Sticks:
Lay the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Put them in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This helps keep the cheese from melting too quickly when you fry them.
5. Make the Marinara Sauce:
While your sticks are freezing, it’s time to make the marinara sauce. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if you want. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Heat the Oil for Frying:
In a deep saucepan or fryer, heat around 2 inches of vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C). This will be perfect for frying!
7. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
Carefully fry the cheese sticks in batches, about 1-2 minutes each, turning them to ensure they brown evenly. Just remember not to overcrowd the pan! Once they are golden brown, scoop them out with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels.
8. Serve:
Now comes the best part! Serve your hot mozzarella sticks with the delicious marinara sauce on the side. Feel free to garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for that extra touch!
Enjoy the crispy outside and gooey inside with delicious marinara dip!
Can I Use Low-Fat Mozzarella Cheese Sticks?
Yes, you can use low-fat mozzarella sticks, but keep in mind that they may not melt as well as regular mozzarella. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still taste great!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bread the mozzarella sticks and freeze them ahead of time. Just keep them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to fry them, cook them straight from the freezer without thawing for the best results.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help keep them crispy!
Can I Bake Instead of Fry?
Yes! For a healthier option, you can bake the mozzarella sticks instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with cooking oil and bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan!