Description
Golden, crunchy mozzarella sticks with a perfectly melted cheese center. An easy homemade appetizer served with warm marinara sauce.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups plain panko breadcrumbs, finely crushed
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon table salt
2 large eggs, beaten
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 pound whole milk mozzarella cheese, cut into 15 sticks (or 15 whole milk string cheese sticks)
Vegetable oil, for frying
Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
1. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a resealable bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin.
2. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow dish. Stir in the Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
3. Place the beaten eggs in a shallow bowl and the flour in a separate shallow bowl.
4. If using a block of mozzarella, cut it into 15 evenly sized sticks.
5. Coat each mozzarella stick first in flour, shaking off any excess.
6. Dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs, allowing excess egg to drip off.
7. Roll the stick in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture until completely coated.
8. Arrange the coated sticks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
9. Freeze for at least 1 hour until firm.
10. Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a saucepan to 350°F.
11. Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in small batches for about 1 minute, or until golden brown.
12. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and allow to cool slightly.
13. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.
Notes
Freezing the breaded cheese sticks is essential for preventing cheese leaks during frying. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even browning.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Appetizers & Snacks
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American