There’s nothing quite like biting into a crispy mozzarella stick and savoring the gooey, melted cheese inside.
Whether you’re hosting a party, making a quick snack, or looking for a kid-friendly meal idea, this recipe has you covered. Plus, you can make them gluten-free without compromising on flavor or crunch.
Let’s dive into this easy, delicious recipe, complete with a homemade dipping sauce to take it over the top.
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Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying, if using traditional method)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks
Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and cut them in half if you prefer smaller portions. Place the sticks on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least an hour. Freezing ensures the cheese won’t melt too quickly during cooking, helping them maintain their shape.
2. Set Up Your Coating Station
Set up three shallow bowls for the coating process. Fill the first bowl with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
Remove the frozen mozzarella sticks from the freezer. Coat each stick in flour, ensuring an even layer. Dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, and then coat it thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process.
4. Choose Your Cooking Method
You can fry, bake, or air-fry the mozzarella sticks depending on your preference:
- Traditional Frying: Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry the sticks in small batches for 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Oven-Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Air-Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the sticks in a single layer in the basket. Spray them with cooking spray and air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Prepare the Dipping Sauce
While the mozzarella sticks cook, make the dipping sauce. Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce and dried basil. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the cooked mozzarella sticks to a serving platter. Serve them hot with a bowl of the warm dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh basil or grated Parmesan for a fancy touch.
Tips for Success
- Freeze Before Cooking: This step is crucial to keep the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
- Double-Coat for Crunch: For extra crispy sticks, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating step.
- Use Quality Cheese: High-quality mozzarella makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture — it elevates the flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This mozzarella stick recipe is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to adapt for dietary preferences, and it’s made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Whether you bake, air fry, or deep fry, the results are always delicious. Pair the sticks with the homemade marinara sauce for a winning appetizer or snack. With a little preparation, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to disappear in minutes.
