Calling all cheese lovers! Today, we’re diving into the world of ooey-gooey goodness with our irresistible homemade mozzarella sticks. Forget about the frozen ones from the store – we’re bringing the crispy, golden magic right into your kitchen. Get ready for a flavour explosion and a crunchy exterior that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds)!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour.
- 2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs.
- 3 large eggs, beaten.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil.
- Vegetable oil, for frying.
Recipe for Cheesy Mozzarella Sticks:
Prep the Mozzarella Sticks:
Take your fresh mozzarella and cut it into blocks or sticks, about 1/2 inch wide and 3 inches long. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy coating later.
Create a Breadcrumb Blend:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried basil. Give it a good stir, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed, creating a flavorful coating for the mozzarella sticks.
Dip and Coat:
Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumb blend. This organised setup will make the coating process a breeze.
Roll each mozzarella stick in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and then roll it in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere evenly to the cheese.
Double Coating (Optional):
For an extra crispy layer, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process. This optional step adds an additional crunch to your mozzarella sticks, taking them to the next level of indulgence.
Chill the Sticks:
Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet, creating space between each stick, and chill them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for setting the coating and preventing the cheese from oozing out too quickly during frying.
Heat the Oil:
In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Make sure there’s enough oil to fully submerge the mozzarella sticks, ensuring a consistent and golden fry.
Fry to Perfection:
Carefully drop the chilled mozzarella sticks into the hot oil, a few at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they turn a delightful golden brown and achieve the perfect crispy texture, typically taking about 2-3 minutes.
Drain and Serve:
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the golden mozzarella sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow them to cool for a minute before serving to avoid burning your eager taste buds.
Zesty Marinara Dip:
Elevate your mozzarella stick experience by whipping up a quick marinara dip.
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine with the sautéed onions and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
Add dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the simmering tomato mixture. Stir the seasonings in, allowing the flavours to meld together. If the sauce tastes too acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavours.
Reduce the heat to low and let the marinara sauce simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavours to intensify and the sauce to thicken. If you prefer a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth.
Taste the marinara dip and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Serve Your Mozzarella Sticks and Enjoy the Cheesy Goodness:
Arrange your homemade mozzarella sticks on a platter, creating an inviting display that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Provide a side of the zesty marinara sauce, and watch as these irresistible snacks disappear! Savour every crispy, cheesy bite and revel in the joy of homemade goodness.
There you have it – the perfect recipe for homemade mozzarella sticks that will make you the hero of snack time! Get ready for the ultimate cheesy satisfaction. Enjoy!
