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Crispy Mozzarella Sticks Recipe Easy Homemade Snack with Marinara Sauce

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This recipe delivers crispy, cheesy mozzarella sticks with a homemade tangy marinara sauce. Perfect for quick snacks, parties, or game days, it features a double coating and freezing step to prevent cheese leaks and ensure crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (full-fat string cheese)
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups (100g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying (neutral oil with high smoke point)
  • For marinara sauce:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar

Instructions

  1. Unwrap 12 mozzarella sticks and pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture. (5 minutes)
  2. Set up dredging stations: place 1 cup flour in one bowl, beat 2 eggs in second bowl, and mix 2 cups panko breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in third bowl. (5 minutes)
  3. Coat each mozzarella stick by rolling in flour, dipping in beaten eggs, then coating thoroughly in breadcrumb mixture. Repeat egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crispiness. (10 minutes)
  4. Place breaded sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wire rack and freeze for at least 1 hour to prevent cheese leaks during frying. (1 hour)
  5. While freezing, make marinara sauce: heat 2 tbsp olive oil in saucepan over medium heat, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (~1 minute). Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and sugar. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. (20 minutes)
  6. Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer or heavy pot to 2 inches depth at 350°F (175°C). Use thermometer for accuracy. (5-10 minutes)
  7. Fry mozzarella sticks in batches without overcrowding for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or wire rack. (10 minutes)
  8. Serve hot immediately with homemade marinara sauce.

Notes

Double coating and freezing the sticks before frying is essential to prevent cheese leaks and achieve a crispy crust. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for best results. Do not overcrowd the frying pot. For leftovers, reheat in air fryer or oven to keep crispiness. Baking option available at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

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

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