Description
Crispy beer-battered mozzarella sticks offer a delightful twist on classic comfort food. Cheese lovers will devour these golden, crunchy delights that bring Italian-inspired indulgence to any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup beer (lager or ale works best)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare for precise chilling by arranging mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to freezer for approximately 60 minutes to maintain structural integrity during culinary transformation.
- Craft a dynamic beer batter by combining flour, cornstarch, aromatic spices including garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper into a harmonious mixture. Introduce beer gradually, whisking until achieving a velvety, spoon-coating consistency.
- Establish a strategic dredging configuration with whisked eggs and milk in one receptacle, breadcrumbs positioned in a separate container for systematic coating procedures.
- Execute a meticulous coating process by immersing each frozen mozzarella stick into beer batter, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Subsequently dunk into egg mixture, then thoroughly envelop with breadcrumbs, repeating the layering technique for enhanced crispiness.
- Initiate oil heating within a deep skillet or specialized fryer, targeting precise temperature of 375°F. Carefully submerge breaded cheese sticks in controlled batches, frying until achieving a radiant golden-brown exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes. Extract using a perforated utensil and deposit onto absorbent paper towels.
- Present immediately alongside marinara sauce or preferred complementary dipping condiment for optimal sensory experience.
Notes
- Ensure mozzarella sticks are completely frozen to prevent cheese from leaking during frying, creating a crispy exterior and melty interior.
- Experiment with different beer styles like pale ale or lager to add unique flavor complexity to the batter, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- For gluten-free option, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain crispiness.
- Double-coating technique provides extra crunch and helps the breading adhere better, creating a more substantial and satisfying texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus freezing time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg