Description
Mozzarella cheese sticks are a crispy, golden-brown appetizer with a melty, gooey center. Serve them with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious snack or party treat.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the cheese sticks: Unwrap the mozzarella cheese sticks and cut each in half, so you have 24 pieces in total.
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Set up the breading station:
- Place the flour in a shallow dish.
- In a second dish, beat the eggs.
- In a third dish, combine breadcrumbs, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Coat the cheese sticks:
- Dredge each cheese stick half in flour, dip it in the beaten eggs, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- For an extra-crispy coating, repeat the process to double-bread the cheese sticks.
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Freeze the cheese sticks: Place the breaded cheese sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during frying.
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Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or large pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
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Fry the cheese sticks: In batches, carefully drop the frozen cheese sticks into the hot oil. Fry them for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
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Drain the cheese sticks: Remove the cheese sticks from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve the mozzarella cheese sticks immediately with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Spicy Mozzarella Sticks: Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Baked Mozzarella Sticks: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Parmesan-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Herbed Mozzarella Sticks: Add fresh basil or thyme to the breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and rice flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Freezing Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, Fried Cheese, Appetizers, Snack Recipe, Party Foods