These mozzarella sticks are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, making them a perfect snack or appetizer. The tasty marinara sauce gives that extra zing!
They’re so easy to make, even I can whip them up in no time! I love dipping them in the sauce—yum! Just keep the napkins handy for all that cheesy goodness. 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: For the best results, use fresh mozzarella sticks. If you’re in a pinch, grating mozzarella from a block works too. For a non-dairy option, you can find vegan mozzarella alternatives that melt well.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add nice flavor, but plain breadcrumbs or panko can also work. Panko will give you extra crunch! You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara is fine, but homemade tastes great! If you’re short on time, you can use canned tomato sauce and season it with garlic, basil, and oregano for a quick fix.
How Do I Get the Crispiest Mozzarella Sticks?
The secret to crispy mozzarella sticks lies in the coating process. Make sure to freeze them before frying; this helps keep the cheese from leaking out. Here’s a clear step-by-step:
- After coating in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, freeze for at least 1 hour. This ensures they stay intact in the hot oil.
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) before frying. Too low, and they’ll absorb oil; too high, they could burn.
- Fry in batches! Avoid overcrowding which can cool the oil and lead to soggy sticks.
Lastly, drain on paper towels immediately after frying for the crispiest texture. Enjoy your golden treats!
How to Make Mozzarella Sticks With Marinara Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (you can use block or string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 3-4 cups, or enough for deep frying)
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 2 hours to chill the mozzarella sticks in the freezer. You’ll also spend around 30 minutes cooking the marinara sauce and frying the sticks. So, total time will be approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, but most of that is just waiting time while your mozzarella sticks chill!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Mozzarella Sticks:
If you’re using a block of mozzarella, cut it into sticks that are about 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. Make sure to pat the sticks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture; this helps them get crispy later on!
2. Set Up Your Dredging Station:
You’ll need three shallow bowls for this part. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This will help coat your mozzarella sticks.
3. Coating the Mozzarella Sticks:
Now, take each mozzarella stick and roll it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, and coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently so it sticks. For an extra crispy texture, repeat this process a second time for each stick—more coating, more crunch!
4. Freezing the Coated Sticks:
Lay your coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they’re not touching. Pop the baking sheet into the freezer for at least 1 hour (preferably 2 hours) to help the coating stay put while frying.
5. Making the Marinara Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, heat two tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer uncovered on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then keep it warm.
6. Frying the Mozzarella Sticks:
In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in small batches (don’t crowd the pot!) for about 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
7. Serving Time:
Serve your hot, crispy mozzarella sticks with the marinara sauce on the side for dipping. You can even add some fresh basil leaves as a garnish if you like!
Enjoy your wonderfully cheesy mozzarella sticks with that delicious homemade marinara sauce! It’s the perfect snack or appetizer to share (or not!).
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just ensure they have a good melting quality.
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or panko work great for added crunch. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed nuts for a unique twist!
Can I Make These in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare and coat the mozzarella sticks ahead of time, then freeze them. Just pop them in the freezer after coating and fry them when you’re ready to serve!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get them crispy again.