These mozzarella sticks are gooey and cheesy, coated in a crunchy batter. Just a quick bake or fry, and they’re ready to dip into a zesty marinara sauce!
Seriously, who can resist that stretchy cheese pull? I love making them for movie nights—perfect with a side of sauce, and everyone always wants seconds (or thirds!). 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: String cheese works great, but fresh mozzarella is even better for a gooey texture. If you can’t find it, try using a cheese like provolone or cheddar for a twist!
Bread Crumbs: I prefer Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, but plain breadcrumbs can work too! Just mix in some dried herbs like oregano and basil for a homemade touch.
Vegetable Oil: For frying, vegetable oil is my go-to, but you can also use canola or peanut oil. Just make sure it has a high smoke point!
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil not only looks nice, they add a fresh flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can skip it or use dried herbs instead.
How Can I Achieve the Crispiest Mozzarella Sticks?
The key to crispy mozzarella sticks is freezing them before frying. This prevents the cheese from melting too quickly. Here’s how to ensure a perfect crunch:
- After coating your cheese sticks, freeze them for at least 1 hour. This helps them hold their shape.
- When frying, keep the oil at the right temperature. Too hot, and they’ll burn; too cold, and they’ll become soggy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for even cooking.
Following these steps will give you that delightful crispy texture without losing the gooey cheese inside. Enjoy your cooking!
Mozzarella Sticks With Marinara Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 sticks of mozzarella cheese (string cheese sticks work well)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tsp each of dried oregano, basil, and garlic powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for preparation and then an additional 20-30 minutes for frying and making the marinara sauce. If you include the freezing time for extra crispiness, plan for about 1 hour, making it a total of around 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks:
First, cut the string cheese sticks in half if you’d like smaller portions; otherwise, you can leave them whole. Next, set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs and milk together. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, if you’re using plain breadcrumbs. Roll each cheese stick first in flour (shake off the excess), then dip it in the egg mixture, and finally coat it completely in the breadcrumb mixture. For an even crispier coating, dip them in the egg and breadcrumbs again. Once coated, place the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer for at least 1 hour.
2. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
After the mozzarella sticks have frozen, heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C) with about 2 inches of oil. Fry the frozen sticks in small batches for about 1-2 minutes each, turning them occasionally until they’re golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan! When done, use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks from the oil and set them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
3. Make the Marinara Sauce:
While the mozzarella sticks are frying, heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute or until it’s fragrant. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes while stirring occasionally to thicken and blend the flavors.
4. Serve:
Once everything is cooked and ready, plate the crispy mozzarella sticks alongside a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. For a touch of color and flavor, garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you’d like. Serve them hot, and enjoy the cheesy goodness dipped in that delicious marinara sauce!
Enjoy your crispy homemade mozzarella sticks with rich, flavorful marinara sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks Instead of Making Them Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, frozen mozzarella sticks can be a great alternative. Just bake or fry them according to the package instructions, and serve with your marinara sauce for dipping!
What Can I Use Instead of Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or panko can work well for a crispy coating. You can also use crushed crackers or even finely chopped nuts for a unique flavor and crunch!
How Do I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crunch.
Can I Make the Marinara Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinara sauce in advance! It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 6 months. Just reheat over low heat before serving with your mozzarella sticks.
