Irresistible Mozzarella Sticks Recipe with Zesty Marinara
Crispy, gooey mozzarella sticks paired with a tangy homemade marinara sauce—perfect for sharing or indulging solo.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- Mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into equal-sized pieces or use pre-cut mozzarella string cheese
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs, beaten
- Breadcrumbs, Italian-seasoned
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Dried oregano
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Dried basil
- Red pepper flakes
- Sugar
Instructions
- Cut mozzarella cheese sticks into halves or thirds and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, dip into the egg mixture, and roll in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for extra crunch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the coated mozzarella sticks for 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Remove mozzarella sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- For the marinara sauce, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and golden.
- Add canned crushed tomatoes, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and sugar. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm alongside mozzarella sticks.
Notes
[‘Freeze mozzarella sticks before frying to prevent cheese from oozing out.’, ‘Double coat in breadcrumbs for extra crunch.’, ‘Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C).’, ‘Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even frying.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mozzarella stick w
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 7
Keywords: Mozzarella sticks, zesty marinara, appetizer, comfort food, cheesy snack