Fried Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
Crispy, golden on the outside and gooey melted mozzarella on the inside, these homemade Fried Mozzarella Sticks are perfect for a tasty appetizer or snack. Coated in Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and quickly fried to perfection, they’re best served hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cheese Sticks
- 1 pound string-cheese mozzarella sticks, removed from wrappers
Breading Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 4 whole eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dry basil
- 1 teaspoon dry oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for dipping (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Prep the cheese: Remove wrappers from string cheese sticks and keep them refrigerated until ready to use.
- Prepare breading stations: Line up three wide bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour, kosher salt, white pepper, and corn starch. In the second, whisk together eggs and milk. In the third, mix Italian breadcrumbs with dry basil, oregano, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bread the cheese sticks: Dip cheese sticks a few at a time into flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip into egg mixture, shaking off excess. Roll in breadcrumb mixture. Repeat by dipping again in egg and breadcrumb mixture for a double coating.
- Freeze the coated sticks: Place breaded cheese sticks on a parchment-lined sheet pan and freeze for at least two hours or until firm. This step is crucial to prevent melting during frying.
- Heat oil for frying: In a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan, pour vegetable oil about 1.5 inches deep and heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintain this temperature during frying for best results.
- Fry the mozzarella sticks: Fry 4-5 sticks at a time for 60 to 90 seconds or until golden brown. Use a spider or strainer to remove them and drain excess oil on paper towels. Keep cooked sticks warm by placing them in a preheated oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serve: Serve the hot mozzarella sticks immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Freezing the breaded sticks before frying helps keep the cheese from leaking out.
- You can prepare the breaded sticks days ahead and keep them frozen until ready to fry.
- Maintain oil temperature carefully; too low and sticks absorb excess oil, too high and they brown too fast without melting inside.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan like cast iron for even frying heat.
- Double coating ensures a crispier crust that holds the cheese well.
- Serve with garlic or spicy marinara sauces for extra flavor.
