Crispy Mozzarella Sticks
These crispy mozzarella sticks are a delightful snack or appetizer, featuring a gooey, cheesy center and a crunchy exterior, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cheese Sticks
- 16 sticks string cheese sticks
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2½ cups peanut or vegetable oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce warmed
- 1 Tablespoon minced parsley for garnishing (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Slice each string cheese stick in half crosswise so you have 32 pieces of cheese total.
- Pour flour into a pie dish or shallow bowl.
- Add eggs to a second pie dish or shallow bowl and beat them with a fork.
- Add bread crumbs, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder to a food processor and pulse the mixture until finely ground.
- Pour the bread crumbs mixture into a third pie dish or shallow bowl.
- Coat a cheese piece in flour, dip it in eggs, and then coat it in breadcrumbs before placing it on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining cheese sticks.
- Pop the cheese sticks into the freezer and freeze for 2 hours or overnight.
Frying
- Line a baking sheet with 3 layers of paper towels and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 400 degrees F.
- Fry a few cheese sticks for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on the paper towel-lined baking sheet.
- Repeat with the remaining mozzarella cheese sticks. Optionally garnish with minced parsley and serve with warmed marinara sauce.
Baking (optional)
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack in the pan on top of the foil.
- Spray the wire rack with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the mozzarella cheese sticks on the wire rack and spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 3 minutes, then garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
These crispy mozzarella sticks can be served as an appetizer or snack. For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.