Easy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
Crispy, golden homemade mozzarella sticks coated in a flavorful seasoned breadcrumb crust, fried to perfection and served with a simple, fresh small-batch marinara dipping sauce. This easy recipe promises a delicious, cheesy appetizer perfect for snacking or entertaining.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Mozzarella Sticks
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 3/4 cup plain panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
Small Batch Marinara Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1–2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 8 ounces crushed tomatoes (or 6 ounces tomato sauce)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Large pinch of salt
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for the coated mozzarella sticks.
- Set Up Dredging Stations: In three shallow dishes, prepare the coatings: Dish #1 with flour, salt, and pepper mixed; Dish #2 with beaten egg and milk; Dish #3 with panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes combined.
- Coat Cheese Sticks: Working one at a time, dredge each mozzarella stick in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat this coating process for an extra crispy crust and place coated sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
- Freeze Sticks: Transfer the baking sheet with coated sticks to the freezer and freeze for at least 1 hour to prevent cheese from melting out during frying.
- Heat Oil: Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of vegetable or canola oil and heat over medium heat until the oil temperature reaches 350°F (175°C) using a deep-fry or candy thermometer.
- Fry Mozzarella Sticks: Fry the sticks in batches of no more than 4 at a time, carefully lowering them into the hot oil. Turn occasionally and cook until golden brown and crisp, approximately 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Optionally, sprinkle with a little salt while warm.
- Make Marinara Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt. Reduce heat to medium-low, simmering gently while stirring occasionally for 10 minutes. Add crushed red pepper flakes if desired, stir, and simmer another minute.
- Serve: Transfer marinara sauce to a serving bowl. Serve the hot mozzarella sticks immediately with the freshly made marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy appetizer!
Notes
- Freeze mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour before frying to prevent cheese from oozing out.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain oil at 350°F for perfect crispy texture without sogginess.
- You can substitute dried herbs with Italian seasoning if desired.
- For a spicier kick, add extra crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or marinara sauce.
- Use vegetable or canola oil for frying as they have neutral flavor and high smoke point.
- Serve immediately for best texture; mozzarella sticks tend to lose crispness if left standing.
