Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Zesty Marinara Dipping Sauce

 

These homemade mozzarella sticks are a far cry from the frozen variety! Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and paired with a vibrant, homemade marinara sauce, they're the perfect appetizer, snack, or even a fun side dish. This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.

Yields: Approximately 24 mozzarella sticks Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

• 1 pound mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim), cut into 1-inch thick sticks, about 3 inches long
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crispiness)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Marinara Dipping Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: 

Mozzarella Sticks:

1. Prepare the cheese: Ensure your mozzarella sticks are well chilled. This helps them hold their shape during frying. You can even freeze them for about 30 minutes before breading for extra firmness.
2. Set up the breading station: In three separate shallow dishes, prepare the following:
   • Dish 1: Flour, salt, and pepper combined.
   • Dish 2: Beaten eggs.
   • Dish 3: Breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese combined.
3. Bread the mozzarella: Dredge each mozzarella stick in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dip it in the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Double breading (repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps) will give you an extra crispy coating and help prevent cheese leakage.
4. Heat the oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The ideal temperature is around 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to check.
5. Fry the mozzarella sticks: Carefully add the breaded mozzarella sticks to the hot oil, a few at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and serve: Remove the mozzarella sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with the warm marinara dipping sauce.

Marinara Dipping Sauce:

1. Sauté the garlic: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Add the tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
3. Simmer and thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer flavor, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
4. Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your preference.
   
   
   

Tips and Variations:

• For extra crispy sticks, use panko breadcrumbs.
• Add Italian seasoning to the flour mixture for more flavor.
• For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Serve with other dipping sauces like ranch or pesto.

Enjoy your homemade mozzarella sticks and marinara sauce! They're sure to be a hit!