Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
Crispy, golden mozzarella sticks with a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb coating, deep-fried to melty perfection. These homemade cheese sticks are an irresistible appetizer, perfect for dipping in savory marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 32 mozzarella sticks (16 string cheese sticks halved) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 16 string cheese sticks, cut in half crosswise
Breading
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Egg Wash
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons milk
Other
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three separate bowls — one with the flour, one with the Italian-style breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and pepper, and one with the eggs whisked together with milk to create an egg wash.
- Coat the Cheese Sticks: Dip each halved string cheese first in flour, ensuring an even light coat. Then dip into the egg wash, followed by breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, dip again into the egg wash and coat with breadcrumbs a second time.
- Freeze the Coated Cheese: Place the double-coated sticks on a parchment-lined sheet pan and freeze them for at least 2 hours until they are completely solid. This step helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep pot or heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to submerge the sticks fully for even frying.
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Fry the frozen cheese sticks in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a golden brown, crispy exterior. Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain proper oil temperature.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried sticks with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve immediately while warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Freezing the cheese sticks before frying is essential to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
- You can use fresh or pre-made Italian-style breadcrumbs for seasoning.
- Serve immediately for the best melty center and crispy coating.
- If desired, add extra seasoning such as garlic powder or Italian herbs to the breadcrumb mix for enhanced flavor.
Keywords: mozzarella sticks, fried cheese sticks, appetizer, Italian, marinara sauce, crispy cheese
