Description
Crispy Fried Mozzarella Sticks are a total crowd-pleaser that’ll make your appetizer game shine at any gathering. Melty cheese tucked inside a golden, crunchy coating means serious snacking satisfaction for you and your friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Binding Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)
Instructions
- Gather three wide, shallow bowls to create your breading stations: place 1 cup flour in the first, whisk 2 large eggs with 1 tablespoon water in the second, and combine 2 cups breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs in the third.
- Remove mozzarella sticks from packaging and roll each one completely in flour, shaking off excess to create a thin, even coating.
- Dunk each flour-coated cheese stick into the egg wash, ensuring total coverage and allowing extra liquid to drip back into the bowl.
- Transfer the egg-dipped stick directly into seasoned breadcrumbs, rolling and pressing gently so crumbs adhere completely to all surfaces.
- Place breaded mozzarella sticks on a clean plate and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help coating set firmly.
- Pour 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet and heat to 375°F, monitoring temperature with a cooking thermometer.
- Carefully lower 3-4 breaded cheese sticks into hot oil, frying for 90 seconds until exterior turns deep golden brown and crispy.
- Remove fried mozzarella sticks using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towel-lined plate.
- Sprinkle lightly with salt immediately after frying and serve hot alongside warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Freeze cheese sticks for 2 hours before breading to prevent melting during frying and ensure a crispy exterior.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy coating that stays crisp even after cooling down.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle kick of heat that complements the cheese.
- Double-coat the mozzarella sticks by repeating the egg and breadcrumb process for an extra thick, crunchy breading that seals in the melted cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Fried
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 to 6
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg