These Ooey Gooey Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate cheesy snack! With a golden, crispy exterior and a melty, gooey center, they are perfect for dipping into marinara sauce. The process is simple: freeze the mozzarella sticks, coat them in seasoned breadcrumbs, and fry them until they reach crispy perfection. They're great for an appetizer, party snack, or movie night treat. Serve them hot for the best texture, and don’t forget the marinara sauce for dipping!
Ooey Gooey Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect snack for cheese lovers! These sticks are crispy on the outside and melty on the inside, making them an irresistible treat. Whether you're serving them as a party appetizer, a game-day snack, or just craving something cheesy and delicious, these mozzarella sticks hit the spot. With a golden, crunchy exterior and stretchy mozzarella filling, they pair perfectly with marinara sauce for dipping.
INGREDIENTS
- Mozzarella cheese sticks: 12 unwrapped string cheese sticks, for the cheesy filling
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup, for the first layer of coating
- Eggs: 2 beaten, helps the breadcrumbs stick
- Breadcrumbs: 1½ cups, for the crispy exterior
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp, adds flavor to the breadcrumbs
- Italian seasoning: 1 tsp, enhances the flavor with herbs
- Salt: ½ tsp, seasons the coating
- Vegetable oil: For frying the mozzarella sticks until crispy and golden
- Marinara sauce: For dipping the mozzarella sticks
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and freeze them for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from melting too quickly during frying.
- Step 2:
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Step 3:
- Dip each mozzarella stick first in the flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process.
- Step 4:
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 5:
- Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Serving and Storage Tips
- These mozzarella sticks are best served hot and crispy, with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
- Leftover mozzarella sticks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispiness.
Helpful Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying is essential to ensure the cheese stays inside and doesn't melt too quickly.
- For an extra cheesy experience, try double dipping the mozzarella sticks in the egg and breadcrumb mixture to create a thicker, crunchier coating.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Bobby Flay suggests adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle kick of heat in every bite.