Fried Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce
Who doesn't love a good mozzarella stick? The crispy exterior, the gooey melted cheese on the inside, and the zesty marinara sauce to dip them in - it's the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. And the best part? Making them at home is incredibly easy. In this recipe, we'll show you how to make fried mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce that are better than any you've ever had from a restaurant.
Ingredients:
- 12 Mozzarella sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Salt, to taste
Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions:
1. Start by preparing your breading station. In a shallow dish, combine the flour and Italian seasoning. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs and milk together. And in a third dish, add the breadcrumbs.
2. Cut the mozzarella sticks in half lengthwise, so you have 24 pieces. Dip each piece into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumbs. Set them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
3. While the mozzarella sticks are freezing, prepare the marinara sauce. In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for a few seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the frozen mozzarella sticks in batches. Fry them for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle with salt while they're still hot.
6. Serve the mozzarella sticks immediately with the marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Make sure to freeze the mozzarella sticks before frying them. This helps them keep their shape and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when frying the mozzarella sticks. Fry them in small batches so that the oil stays at the right temperature and they cook evenly.
- Use high-quality mozzarella cheese for the best results. It melts perfectly and has a delicious flavor that can't be beat.
Variations:
- Try using different types of cheese, like pepper jack or cheddar, for a twist on classic mozzarella sticks.
- Add some heat to the marinara sauce by using diced tomatoes with green chilies or adding extra red pepper flakes.
- For a healthier option, bake the mozzarella sticks in the oven instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Conclusion:
These fried mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce are the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. They're crispy, gooey, and incredibly delicious. And the best part? They're so easy to make at home. Follow our simple recipe and enjoy restaurant-quality mozzarella sticks right in your own kitchen.