Are you ready to take your snack game to the next level? These irresistible Mozzarella Sticks, whether baked to perfection or fried to a golden crisp, are the ultimate treat for cheese lovers! Imagine biting into a gooey, melty center surrounded by a crunchy, seasoned coating—it's a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for more. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick 25 minutes of your time, you can create a delicious appetizer that’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or just because you deserve a cheesy indulgence. Dive into this recipe and discover how to make these delightful sticks that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella sticks
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying (if frying)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by gathering all listed components and setting up three separate shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning and salt.
- Remove mozzarella sticks from packaging and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure proper coating adhesion.
- Dredge each mozzarella stick first in flour, coating completely and shaking off excess. This helps the egg wash stick better.
- Dip the flour-coated stick into beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage.
- Roll the egg-coated stick in seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating.
- For baking method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray to help achieve golden color.
- For frying method: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place breaded sticks into hot oil, cooking 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Baking: Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and exterior is golden and crispy.
- Frying: Fry in batches, turning once, until exterior is deep golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Remove from oven or oil and let rest on paper towels to drain excess oil or absorb any moisture.
- Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to prevent burning. Serve with marinara sauce or preferred dipping sauce.
Tips
- Ingredient Prep: Ensure all your ingredients are ready before you start. Set up three shallow dishes for flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs to streamline the breading process.
- Dry the Mozzarella: Pat the mozzarella sticks dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better. This small step can make a big difference in achieving that perfect crunch!
- Coating Technique: Dredge the mozzarella sticks in flour first, then dip them in the egg wash, and finally roll them in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the sticks to create a thicker coating for extra crunch.
- Baking Tips: If you opt for baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and use parchment paper on your baking sheet. A light spray of cooking spray on the breaded sticks will help them achieve that golden hue.
- Frying Tips: For frying, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures even cooking and a beautifully crisp exterior.
- Cooling Time: After removing the sticks from the oven or oil, let them rest on paper towels for a couple of minutes. This helps absorb excess oil and keeps the cheese from burning when you take that first delicious bite.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve your mozzarella sticks with a side of marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor that complements the cheesy goodness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
