Name: Crispy Fried Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients: Mozzarella Cheese: Use low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese for the best results. You can buy pre-cut cheese sticks or slice a block into even sticks.; For Breading: Flour: All-purpose flour, for the first layer of breading.; Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten (consider adding a splash of water or milk).; Breadcrumbs: 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.; 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, for extra crispiness.; Seasoning: 1 tsp garlic powder.; 1 tsp Italian seasoning.; For Frying: Oil: Vegetable or canola oil, for deep frying.

Description

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate cheesy goodness with this guide to making the perfect crispy fried mozzarella sticks at home. With the right ingredients and tips, you’ll have golden, crunchy mozzarella sticks with a gooey, melty center that are simply irresistible!

Ingredients

Scale

Mozzarella Cheese:
- Use low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese for the best results. You can buy pre-cut cheese sticks or slice a block into even sticks.
For Breading:
- Flour: All-purpose flour, for the first layer of breading.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten (consider adding a splash of water or milk).
- Breadcrumbs:
  - 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
  - 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, for extra crispiness.
- Seasoning:
  - 1 tsp garlic powder.
  - 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
For Frying:
- Oil: Vegetable or canola oil, for deep frying.

Instructions

Prepare the Cheese:
- If using a block of mozzarella, cut it into even sticks, about 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
Set Up Breading Station:
- In three separate shallow bowls:
  1. Add all-purpose flour.
  2. Beat the eggs and add a splash of water or milk.
  3. Combine Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Bread the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Step 1: Dredge each mozzarella stick in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Step 2: Dip the floured mozzarella stick into the beaten egg, coating it completely.
- Step 3: Roll the egg-coated stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Heat the vegetable or canola oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the fryer.
- Remove the sticks with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve:
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness!