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When it comes to comfort food, few snacks can rival the warm, gooey satisfaction of homemade crispy mozzarella sticks. These delightful bites, with their golden exterior and stretchy cheese center, have earned their place as a favorite appetizer or snack at gatherings, parties, and cozy nights in. The appeal of mozzarella sticks lies not just in their taste, but also in the joy of preparing them from scratch. Crafting your own cheesy crunch delight allows for customization and guarantees freshness, making every bite an indulgent experience.

Crispy Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Dive into the cheesy goodness of homemade crispy mozzarella sticks! This easy recipe transforms fresh mozzarella into gooey delights with a perfectly crunchy exterior. Discover the key ingredients, from high-quality mozzarella to flavorful panko breadcrumbs, and follow step-by-step instructions for a delicious treat that's perfect for parties or cozy evenings at home. Customize your sticks with your favorite seasonings and pair them with tasty dipping sauces for an unforgettable snack experience. Perfect for impressing family and friends, these mozzarella sticks are a must-try!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch sticks

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend (oregano, basil, thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prep the Cheese: Begin by slicing the fresh mozzarella into sticks, each measuring ½ inch in width. To enhance crispiness, gently pat each stick dry using a paper towel, removing any excess moisture.

    Set Up Your Dredging Station: Organize three shallow bowls for the dredging process. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second, beat the two large eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

      Coat the Cheese Sticks: Take each mozzarella stick and dip it first into the flour, covering it completely while shaking off any excess. Next, immerse it in the beaten eggs, allowing any extra egg to drip off. Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing slightly to ensure a good coating sticks. Repeat this process with all mozzarella sticks.

        Chill the Coated Sticks: Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step is vital as it helps prevent the cheese from melting too rapidly during frying.

          Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, pour in about 2 inches of oil and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of bread into it; if it sizzles and turns golden brown, the oil is ready.

            Fry the Cheese Sticks: Carefully add a few mozzarella sticks to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they become golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.

              Serve: Arrange the crispy mozzarella sticks on a serving platter. Garnish with finely chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve them hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Dive into the cheesy delight!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                  15 minutes | 1 hour (including freezing) | Makes 12 sticks