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Homemade Crispy Baked and Fried Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe

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4 from 2 reviews

Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are crispy on the outside with a seasoned breadcrumb coating and filled with hot, gooey melted mozzarella cheese on the inside. Perfectly paired with marinara sauce, these appetizer favorites can be prepared using air fryer, oven, or traditional frying methods. Great for parties, game nights, or anytime you crave a cheesy snack, they can also be made ahead and stored in the freezer for convenience.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 17 minutes
  • Yield: 16 mozzarella sticks

Ingredients

Cheese

  • 1 pound mozzarella

Coating

  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 Tablespoons milk
  • 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Frying

  • Vegetable oil for frying

For Serving

  • Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

  1. Slice the Cheese: Cut the block of mozzarella cheese into 16 sticks, each approximately 3 1/2 inches long, to ensure uniform cooking and easy handling.
  2. Prepare the Coatings: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully blended. In a separate shallow dish, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and salt to create the breadcrumb mixture.
  3. Bread the Mozzarella: Dip each mozzarella stick into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Then roll the stick thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. For a double coating, repeat the dipping and breadcrumb rolling process. Place the coated sticks onto a sheet pan as you go.
  4. Freeze the Sticks: Transfer the breaded mozzarella sticks to the freezer and freeze for at least 1 hour. This step helps the coating adhere during frying and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.
  5. Heat the Oil: Fill a large skillet with 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil, or use a deep fryer, and heat the oil to 350°F to 365°F over medium-high heat. Monitor the temperature carefully as adding frozen sticks will lower the oil temperature.
  6. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Cook 5 to 6 mozzarella sticks at a time, frying for 1 to 2 minutes. Turn them gently with tongs halfway through to ensure even golden crispiness. Remove the sticks once cooked and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  7. Serve: Continue frying the remaining sticks in batches. Serve the hot, crispy mozzarella sticks immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Freezing the sticks before frying is essential to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
  • You can bake or air fry these mozzarella sticks as alternatives; adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • Use a digital thermometer to maintain the correct oil temperature for best frying results.
  • Double dipping in egg wash and breadcrumbs ensures a crispy, crunchy coating.
  • Store leftover mozzarella sticks in the freezer and reheat in an air fryer for a quick snack.
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/homemade-crispy-baked-and-fried-mozzarella-sticks-with-marinara-dipping-sauce-recipe/