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Mozzarella sticks have earned their place as a beloved snack and appetizer across various dining settings, from casual family dinners to sophisticated restaurant menus. Their irresistible combination of gooey cheese encased in a crispy, golden-brown coating makes them a go-to choice for many. The allure of mozzarella sticks is not just in their flavor but also in their versatility; they can be served with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or enjoyed on their own. While store-bought options are widely available, nothing compares to the freshness and satisfaction of homemade mozzarella sticks.

Crispy Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with homemade crispy mozzarella sticks that are sure to impress friends and family! This easy recipe guides you through preparing gooey, melty cheese coated in a perfectly crunchy breadcrumb crust. Customize your seasoning and serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for the perfect dip. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating this delightful snack from scratch and elevate your gatherings with this cheesy treat!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340 g) mozzarella cheese, cut into 3-inch sticks

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Vegetable oil, for frying

Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)

Instructions
 

Prep the Cheese: Place the mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This helps them retain their shape during frying.

    Set Up Breading Station: In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour in the first, whisk the eggs in the second, and mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in the third.

      Bread the Cheese Sticks: Take the chilled mozzarella sticks out of the freezer. First, dip each stick into the flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.

        Egg Wash: Next, dip the floured cheese stick into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off.

          Breadcrumb Coating: Finally, roll the cheese stick in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture until fully covered. For extra crunch, double-dip each stick by repeating the egg wash and breadcrumb steps.

            Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1-inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until hot (around 350°F / 175°C). You can test the readiness by dropping a breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle and turn golden.

              Fry the Sticks: Carefully add the breaded cheese sticks to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.

                Drain: Once cooked, use tongs to transfer the cheese sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

                  Serve: Serve hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour | 4 servings