Ingredients
Scale
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese works well)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Unwrap the mozzarella sticks. Depending on your preference, you can leave them whole or cut them in half to make shorter sticks. This step is optional, but it can be a great way to serve more people or make smaller portions.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Next, you’ll need three shallow bowls to create your breading stations. In the first bowl, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. In the third bowl, combine 2 cups of Italian-style breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (if using), 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. This is where the magic happens: the seasoned breadcrumbs will give your mozzarella sticks that perfect crispy crust.
- Bread the Mozzarella Sticks: Now comes the fun part! Coat each mozzarella stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it in the egg mixture, making sure it’s well-coated, and then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese. For an extra crispy coating, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps. This double breading will give your mozzarella sticks an extra layer of crunch that’s sure to please.
- Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks: This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting out while frying. Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they’re not touching to ensure even freezing. Freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour, or until they’re fully frozen. This will help maintain their shape during frying and ensure that the cheese stays gooey inside.
- Heat the Oil: While the mozzarella sticks are freezing, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to make sure the oil reaches the right temperature. If the oil is too cool, the sticks may absorb too much oil and become greasy; if it’s too hot, they could burn before the cheese is fully melted.
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Once the oil is hot, it’s time to fry the mozzarella sticks! Working in batches, carefully lower the frozen mozzarella sticks into the oil. Fry them for 1-2 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop and lead to uneven cooking. Once the mozzarella sticks are done, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the hot, crispy mozzarella sticks with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The warm, melty cheese paired with the tangy marinara is the perfect combination.
Notes
- Preventing the cheese from leaking: Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying is key to keeping the cheese inside. If you’re in a rush, you can freeze them for just 30 minutes, but the longer they freeze, the better.
- Frying tips: Make sure the oil stays at a steady temperature of 350°F (175°C). If the oil cools down too much, the mozzarella sticks may absorb too much oil and become greasy. If the oil is too hot, they could burn before the cheese melts. Using a thermometer can help you maintain the right temperature.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy sticks.
- Substituting breadcrumbs: If you don’t have Italian-style breadcrumbs, you can use plain breadcrumbs or even panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Adding some dried herbs to plain breadcrumbs can mimic the flavor of Italian-style breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes