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Fried Mozzarella Sticks

Crispy on the outside and melted on the inside, these golden fried cheese sticks are twice-breaded and served with warm marinara.

30 minMediumServes 6380 cal/serving

Italian-AmericanAppetizerStovetopVegetarianHalal-friendlyNut-FreeSoy-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeSesame-Free

Ingredients

  • 12 oz low-moisture mozzarella, cut into sticks
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed

Instructions

  1. 1

    Whisk 2 beaten eggs in one bowl. Mix 1/2 cup all-purpose flour with 1/2 tsp garlic powder in a second bowl. Place 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

  2. 2

    Coat each piece of 12 oz cut into sticks low-moisture mozzarella in flour, dip into egg, and cover with breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coat a second time.

  3. 3

    Place coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 45 minutes until firm.

  4. 4

    Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to 350 degrees F.

  5. 5

    Fry cheese sticks in batches for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.

  6. 6

    Serve hot with 1 cup warmed marinara sauce for dipping.

Questions

Can I make Fried Mozzarella Sticks dairy-free?

Not cleanly. Here the dairy (12 oz low-moisture mozzarella, cut into sticks) is the backbone of the dish, and plant-based substitutes change both its texture and its flavor. If you need strictly dairy-free, start from the dairy-free appetizer collection instead.

Can I make Fried Mozzarella Sticks gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works); the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Fried Mozzarella Sticks keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Fried Mozzarella Sticks?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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