Description
Crispy homemade mozzarella cheese sticks offer golden perfection for snack enthusiasts. Italian-inspired appetizers promise crunchy exterior with melty interior that delights palates and satisfies hunger.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese foundation by unwrapping mozzarella sticks and slicing them into halves, creating 24 bite-sized portions. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour to solidify structure, preventing cheese from melting during cooking.
- Craft three distinct seasoning zones: first bowl combines breadcrumbs with aromatic spices like garlic and onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Second bowl contains flour, while third bowl hosts whisked eggs and milk for coating.
- Transform frozen cheese segments through a precise breading technique. First, dust each piece thoroughly with flour, shaking off excess. Submerge floured stick in egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Roll generously in seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to create a robust exterior.
- Execute a double-coating strategy for enhanced crispiness. Repeat egg and breadcrumb process, creating a thick, textured shell. Return breaded sticks to freezer for 30 minutes to stabilize coating.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, maintaining consistent temperature. Carefully introduce cheese sticks in small batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes until achieving a rich, golden-brown color.
- Remove fried delicacies using a slotted spoon, draining excess oil on paper towels. Continue frying remaining batches, maintaining oil temperature.
- Present immediately with marinara sauce, serving while crisp exterior and molten interior provide maximum sensory delight.
Notes
- Freeze the mozzarella sticks completely before breading to prevent cheese from melting during frying, ensuring a perfect crispy exterior and gooey interior.
- Double-coat the cheese sticks with breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture that locks in the melted cheese and creates a more robust breading layer.
- Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F to achieve golden-brown color without burning the breading or leaving the cheese undermelted.
- For gluten-free variations, substitute regular flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, and use cornstarch as a potential coating alternative.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg