Description
Crispy golden “mozzarella cheese sticks” deliver a crunchy exterior with melted cheese waiting inside. Savory appetizers perfect for parties or casual snacking bring delightful Mediterranean flavors right to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, halved
- 1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid and Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese foundations by slicing mozzarella sticks precisely in half, arranging them on a chilled baking sheet, and transferring to the freezer for a minimum of 60 minutes to solidify and prevent potential melting during subsequent cooking processes.
- Create three strategic breading zones: first station with flour, second station combining whisked eggs and milk, third station mixing breadcrumbs with Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Transform each frozen cheese segment through a meticulous coating technique: initially roll in flour, thoroughly immerse in egg mixture, then completely encase with seasoned breadcrumb blend, repeating the egg and crumb layers for enhanced crispiness.
- Return breaded cheese pieces to freezer for additional 30-minute stabilization, ensuring optimal structural integrity during frying.
- Warm vegetable oil in a deep skillet to precise 350°F temperature, monitoring heat consistently.
- Carefully submerge cheese sticks in small controlled batches, frying until exterior reaches a rich golden-brown coloration, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Extract fried mozzarella using a perforated spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on absorbent paper towels.
- Present immediately alongside marinara sauce or ranch dressing for optimal temperature and flavor enjoyment.
Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks beforehand prevents cheese from oozing out during frying, creating a perfect crispy exterior with a gooey interior.
- Double-coating the cheese creates an extra thick, crunchy breading that seals in the melted cheese and provides a satisfying texture.
- Use fresh, high-moisture mozzarella for the most indulgent stretch and flavor when biting into the cheese sticks.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to ensure even cooking and prevent cheese from leaking before the breading turns golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus freezing time)
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg