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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

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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.

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Questions

How hot should the oil be for Fried Mozzarella Sticks?

For Fried Mozzarella Sticks, the frying oil is held at 350 F (about 175 C) in step 4. Hotter scorches the outside before the inside cooks, and cooler turns it greasy.

How do I know when Fried Mozzarella Sticks is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until golden brown.

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 Fried Mozzarella Sticks 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.

Does Fried Mozzarella Sticks contain eggs?

Yes: 2 eggs, beaten. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Can I start Fried Mozzarella Sticks the day before?

Yes. Step 3 is a built-in pause of 45 minutes: "Place coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 45 minutes until firm." Do everything up to that point ahead of time and pick up at step 4 when you are ready to finish.

Serve it with

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