Who doesn’t love the stretchy, gooey goodness of a perfectly fried mozzarella stick? That first bite, with its crispy exterior giving way to melted cheese, is truly a pleasure for the taste buds. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that brings this beloved appetizer right into your kitchen. These homemade mozzarella sticks are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make. Let’s dive into the details.
Ingredients:
To start, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (106 g) of plain Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon of dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon of table salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (63 g) of all-purpose flour
- 1 lb of whole milk mozzarella block or 15 whole milk string cheese sticks
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
With these simple ingredients, you’re on your way to making a batch of 15 irresistible mozzarella sticks.
Directions:
Follow these steps for the perfect mozzarella sticks:
- Prep the Panko: Place the Panko breadcrumbs in a Ziploc bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or mallet. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow dish and mix in the Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
- Get the Eggs Ready: In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs until scrambled.
- Flour Up: Pour the all-purpose flour into another shallow bowl.
- Cut the Cheese: If you’re using a mozzarella block, cut it widthwise into 15 sticks.
- Coating Time: Work with one cheese stick at a time. First, dip it in the flour and shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat it thoroughly in the Panko mixture.
- Freeze: Arrange the coated sticks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Once all sticks are coated, freeze them for at least one hour. If you plan to freeze them longer, transfer them to an airtight container after the first hour.
- Fry to Perfection: Heat vegetable oil in a medium-sized saucepan until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the sticks, two at a time, until they’re golden brown, which should take about 1 minute. Then, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to cool. Ensure the oil returns to the right temperature before frying the next batch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the mozzarella sticks warm with a side of warmed marinara sauce for dipping.
Cooking Notes:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
- Calories: 138 kcal per stick
- Servings: 15 mozzarella sticks
These homemade mozzarella sticks are perfect for parties, game nights, or even as a fun weekend cooking project with the kids. The key to that irresistible crunch is in the Panko coating and the freezing step, so don’t skip it! It ensures the cheese doesn’t ooze out before the coating gets golden and crispy.
So, there you have it—a foolproof recipe for homemade mozzarella sticks that are bound to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Give it a try, and get ready to enjoy a cheesy delight that rivals any restaurant offering. Happy cooking!
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Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 15 1x
Description
There’s something irresistibly comforting about biting into a perfectly crispy, gooey Mozzarella Stick. These homemade delights are a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself to a savory snack. The combination of Italian seasoning and garlic powder adds a subtle hint of herbs, making each bite a flavorful experience.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups (106 g) plain Panko
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon table salt
2 large eggs
½ cup (63 g) all-purpose flour
1 lb whole milk mozzarella block or 15 whole milk string cheese
Vegetable oil for frying
Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
Place panko crumbs in a Ziploc bag and use a rolling pin or mallet to crush until you have fine crumbs.
Pour crushed panko into a shallow dish and add Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Stir to combine.
In a separate, shallow bowl, crack 2 large eggs and beat with a whisk or the tines of a fork until scrambled.
Pour all-purpose flour in yet another shallow bowl.
If using a mozzarella block, cut widthwise into 15 sticks.
Working with one at a time, dip the stick in the flour and shake off any excess flour. Then dip in the beaten egg and let any excess drip off. Finally, dip in panko crumb mixture, making sure the entire cheese stick is coated with panko.
Place a wire cooking rack on a baking sheet and place breaded mozzarella sticks on the rack. Once all sticks have been dipped, transfer to the freezer and chill for at least one hour. If you are chilling for longer than 1 hour, after 1 hour remove from the freezer and place in an airtight container then return to the freezer.
To Fry: While sticks are still in the freezer, fill a medium-sized saucepan 3” deep with vegetable oil. Attach a thermometer to the side and make sure it is suspended about halfway into the oil (and that it is not touching the bottom of the pot). Heat oil over medium heat until you reach a temperature of 350°F (175°C) then remove sticks from the freezer.
Fry sticks, 2 at a time, until golden brown (about 1 minute) then remove to a paper towel-lined plate to cool. Make sure oil returns to temperature before frying the next batch.
Enjoy while still warm dipped in warmed marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 138 kcal