Description
Crispy, golden fried mozzarella cheese sticks with a seasoned bread crumb coating. This appetizer features gooey, melted mozzarella cheese inside a crunchy double breaded crust, perfect for dipping and sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Breading Stations
- 0.6667 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.3333 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 0.25 cup water
- 1.5 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic salt
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups oil for frying, or as needed
- 1 (16 ounce) package mozzarella cheese sticks
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all necessary ingredients listed to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Prepare Breading Mixtures: In one small bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until combined. In a medium bowl, mix the Italian seasoned bread crumbs with garlic salt. In a third bowl, blend the flour and cornstarch together thoroughly.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy saucepan to 365 degrees Fahrenheit (185 degrees Celsius), ensuring the oil reaches the correct frying temperature.
- Coat Cheese Sticks: Take each mozzarella stick and dredge it first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then press into the bread crumbs to coat evenly. Repeat the egg dip and bread crumb coating one more time for a double coating. Place coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze Coated Sticks: Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks for about 45 minutes until firm. This helps the coating set and prevents the cheese from oozing out during frying.
- Fry Cheese Sticks: Working in batches, carefully lower 3 to 4 frozen mozzarella sticks into the hot oil using a spider spoon or tongs. Fry them for about 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even golden browning. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain proper oil temperature.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried mozzarella sticks with tongs and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, cheesy appetizer.
Notes
- Freezing the breaded sticks before frying is key to preventing cheese leakage and ensuring a crisp crust.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan or deep fryer for steady oil temperature and even frying.
- Double coating the cheese sticks ensures maximum crunchiness and flavor.
- Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
- Be careful to not overcrowd the frying pan to keep oil temperature steady for perfect frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 sticks)
- Calories: 789 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 806 mg
- Fat: 67 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 54 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 83 mg
