Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce
Ingredients:
1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch thick sticks
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Vegetable oil, for frying
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the mozzarella sticks: Gently pat the mozzarella sticks dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better. If your mozzarella is particularly soft, you can briefly chill the sticks in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to firm them up before breading.
2. Set up your breading station: Place the flour in a shallow dish. In a separate shallow dish, whisk the eggs with a fork. In a third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Bread the mozzarella sticks: Dredge each mozzarella stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, coat the stick thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.
4. Prepare for frying: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature accurately.
5. Fry the mozzarella sticks: Carefully place the breaded mozzarella sticks in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy sticks. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the breading is crispy.
6. Drain and serve: Remove the fried mozzarella sticks from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Serve immediately: Serve the hot mozzarella sticks with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!