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Crispy Mozzarella Sticks Recipe Easy Homemade Snack with Marinara Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy mozzarella sticks with a gooey center, served with a homemade tangy marinara sauce. Perfect for snacks, appetizers, or game nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese, preferably low-moisture)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten at room temperature
  • 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (about 200g)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups or enough for 2-inch deep fry)
  • For the marinara sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz / 800g) canned crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Unwrap mozzarella sticks and cut each in half to create 24 smaller sticks. Place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent cheese leakage during frying.
  2. Set up three breading stations: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roll each cheese stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, letting excess drip off. Coat thoroughly in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb coating once more for a double breading layer.
  5. Place breaded sticks back on the tray, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and freeze for another 30 minutes to solidify coating.
  6. While freezing, prepare marinara sauce: heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (~1 minute). Add crushed tomatoes, season with salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add chopped basil just before serving.
  7. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer or wooden spoon test to check temperature.
  8. Fry mozzarella sticks in batches of 4-5 for 1-2 minutes, turning gently until golden brown all over. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature.
  9. Use a slotted spoon to transfer sticks to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.

Notes

Freeze cheese sticks before breading to prevent cheese leakage. Double breading ensures a crispy coating. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) to avoid burning or sogginess. Fry in small batches and drain on a wire rack for best texture. Marinara sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, crispy snack, homemade appetizer, marinara sauce, fried cheese sticks, easy snack recipe

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