Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack? Look no further than homemade mozzarella sticks! These crispy, cheesy bites are perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of crispy Panko breadcrumbs and gooey melted mozzarella is simply irresistible.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these mozzarella sticks in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and freeze them for later – they reheat beautifully in the oven!
Ingredient Notes:
- Plain Panko breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy texture to the mozzarella sticks.
- Italian seasoning, dried parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt: Seasonings that enhance the flavor of the breadcrumbs.
- Eggs, all-purpose flour, and vegetable oil: Used for breading and frying the mozzarella sticks.
- Whole milk mozzarella block or whole milk string cheese: The star of the show!
- Marinara sauce: Perfect for dipping.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Mix the Panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in a shallow dish.
- In another dish, whisk the eggs.
- Cut the mozzarella into sticks.
- Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour, then the eggs, and finally the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry the mozzarella sticks until golden brown.
- Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Helpful Tips:
- Freeze the mozzarella sticks for 30 minutes before frying to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.
- Use a deep fryer for even frying and a crispier coating.
- For a healthier version, bake the mozzarella sticks in the oven instead of frying.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best melting and flavor.
- Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika or chili flakes for a twist on the classic recipe.
- Serve the mozzarella sticks with a side of garlic aioli for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
These mozzarella sticks are perfect for serving with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing. Pair them with a crisp salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftover mozzarella sticks, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F until heated through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use breadcrumbs instead of Panko? Yes, regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.
- Can I freeze the mozzarella sticks before frying? Yes, freezing them helps them hold their shape during frying.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack.
Conclusion:
Next time you’re craving a cheesy snack, give these homemade mozzarella sticks a try! They’re easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to share your feedback with us!
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Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade mozzarella sticks are crispy on the outside and ooey-gooey on the inside, making them the perfect appetizer or snack. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping!
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (106 g) plain Panko
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (63 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 lb whole milk mozzarella block or 15 whole milk string cheese
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the breading: In a shallow dish, mix Panko, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. In another dish, beat the eggs. Place flour in a separate dish.
- Cut the mozzarella: Cut the mozzarella block into sticks or use string cheese.
- Bread the mozzarella: Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, dip in egg, then coat in the seasoned Panko mixture.
- Freeze the sticks: Place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- Fry the mozzarella sticks: Heat oil in a pan and fry the sticks until golden brown.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the sticks from becoming oily.
- For a healthier alternative, bake the sticks in the oven instead of frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg