Name: Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 sticks Mozzarella string cheese sticks; 0.5 cup All-purpose flour; 2 units Large eggs; 2 tbsp Whole milk; 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs; 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 1 tsp Garlic powder; 0.5 tsp Dried oregano; 2 cups Vegetable oil for frying

"Sink your teeth into these golden-brown, crispy mozzarella sticks that feature a perfectly seasoned breading and a satisfyingly gooey center. They are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, far superior to anything you'll find in the freezer aisle."

1 Ingredients

Qty	Item
12 sticks 340 g	Mozzarella string cheese sticks
0.5 cup 65 g	All-purpose flour
2 units 100 g	Large eggs
2 tbsp 30 ml	Whole milk
1 cup 120 g	Italian breadcrumbs
0.5 cup 30 g	Panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp 5 g	Garlic powder
0.5 tsp 1 g	Dried oregano
2 cups 480 ml	Vegetable oil for frying

2 Instructions

Step 1. Remove the wrappers from the mozzarella string cheese sticks. If desired, cut them in half for smaller bite-sized pieces.

Step 2. Set up three shallow bowls for dredging. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In the third bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, Panko, garlic powder, and oregano.

Step 3. Coat each cheese stick first in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully covered.

Step 4. For a thicker crust that prevents leaking, dip the breaded stick back into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumbs a second time (double breading).

Step 5. Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours. This is a crucial step to prevent the cheese from melting before the crust gets crispy.

Step 6. In a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

Step 7. Fry the cheese sticks in small batches for about 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan as it lowers oil temperature.

Step 8. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks and drain them on a wire rack or paper towels. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.

·
Always freeze the breaded sticks for at least 2 hours; skipping this step will cause the cheese to leak out in the oil.
·
Use a thermometer to ensure your oil stays at 350°F. If the oil is too cold, the sticks will be greasy; if too hot, the outside will burn before the cheese melts.
·
Double breading is the secret to a professional-grade mozzarella stick that holds its shape.
·
Store any leftover uncooked sticks in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months for a quick snack later.

? Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, but they won't be quite as golden or crispy as the fried version.

Can I use an air fryer?

Absolutely! Spray them generously with oil and air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy.

Why did my mozzarella sticks explode?

This usually happens if the cheese wasn't frozen long enough or if there was a gap in the breading coating.

What is the best dipping sauce?

A classic warm marinara sauce is traditional, but ranch dressing or spicy buffalo sauce also pair well.

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