Homemade Fried Mozzarella Sticks

These homemade fried mozzarella sticks are a delicious, cheesy snack perfect for parties or as an appetizer. With a crispy, golden brown exterior and a gooey, melty center, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Serve them with marinara sauce for a classic combination that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups Italian-style dried breadcrumbs
• 1 1/3 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 (16-ounce) packages mozzarella cheese sticks
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Breading Mixture:

• In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, 1 cup of the Parmesan cheese, and the salt.

1. Prepare the Cheese Sticks:

• Cut each mozzarella stick in half to create shorter sticks.

1. Coat the Cheese Sticks:

• Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl.
• Dip each cheese stick into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip back into the bowl.
• Roll the cheese sticks in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
• For a thicker crust, repeat the process: dip the coated sticks back into the eggs and then again into the breadcrumb mixture.

1. Freeze the Cheese Sticks:

• Place the coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Cover and freeze until fully frozen, about 2 hours. Freezing ensures the cheese doesn’t melt too quickly when frying.

1. Fry the Cheese Sticks:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
• Working in batches, fry the frozen cheese sticks until they are golden brown on all sides, about 1 minute per side.
• Transfer the fried cheese sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

1. Serve:

• Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the hot mozzarella sticks.
• Serve immediately, ideally with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips:

• Double Coating: Ensure a crispier and more stable crust by double-coating the mozzarella sticks in the egg and breadcrumb mixture.
• Freezing: Do not skip the freezing step. This is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out during frying.
• Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature to avoid undercooking or burning. Test-fry one stick first to ensure the oil is at the right heat.

Enjoy these irresistible homemade fried mozzarella sticks as a delightful treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing!