Introduction
Who doesn’t love a good plate of hot and crispy mozzarella sticks? While this popular appetizer is a crowd-pleaser, making them from scratch can be a struggle for some. The cheese might melt too quickly, the breadcrumbs might fall off, or the sticks might end up too greasy. Don’t worry, though! This article will provide you with everything you need to know to make perfect mozzarella sticks at home.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella sticks
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cups flour
- 3 eggs, beaten
- Oil for frying
Materials:
- Bowl for the flour
- Bowl for the beaten eggs
- Bowl for the breadcrumbs and spices mixture
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Deep frying pan
- Tongs or slotted spoon
Step 1: Start by cutting mozzarella cheese sticks into halves or thirds, depending on your preference. Keep them in the freezer for at least 20 minutes before using them. This will make them firm and less likely to melt during frying.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Set up three bowls for the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.
Step 4: Take a piece of mozzarella, dip it in the flour, making sure it is coated on all sides. Shake off excess flour.
Step 5: Dip the cheese in the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully coated.
Step 6: Roll the cheese in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the surface. Make sure the cheese is coated evenly and shake off excess breadcrumbs.
Step 7: Repeat steps 4 to 6 for all the cheese pieces.
Step 8: Place the coated cheese on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, longer if possible. This will help the cheese to set and hold its shape during frying.
Step 9: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before frying the cheese sticks. Drop a breadcrumb in the oil, if it starts sizzling, the oil is ready.
Step 10: Fry the cheese sticks in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 11: Serve the fried cheese sticks immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Tips:
- Do not overfreeze the cheese sticks, as they might become too hard to cook properly.
- Always double coat the cheese in the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs mixture to get a crispy exterior.
- The optimum oil temperature for frying is 350-375 F. Never add too many sticks at once as it can cool down the oil and make the sticks soggy.
Easy Mozzarella Sticks Recipe Using Few Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella sticks
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- Oil for frying
Step 1: Cut each cheese stick into halves or thirds.
Step 2: Roll cheese sticks in flour to coat completely.
Step 3: Next, dip cheese sticks in the beaten eggs, and then in the panko bread crumbs to coat.
Step 4: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat, or in a deep fryer to 375°F.
Step 5: Add a few cheese sticks to the hot oil, and fry for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown. Repeat until all cheese sticks are fried.
Step 6: Let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.
This recipe can be a great option for people who have limited ingredients in their pantry. However, please note that this recipe may result in a different texture and flavor compared to the regular mozzarella sticks recipes.
5 Cheese Hacks to Make the Most Delicious Mozzarella Sticks Ever
Mozzarella sticks are all about the cheese, and here are some cheese hacks to take your mozzarella sticks to the next level:
- Choose high-quality mozzarella cheese that is specifically made for frying. Low moisture, part-skim, or fresh mozzarella is not recommended as it tends to release moisture and turn the sticks soggy.
- Add more cheese varieties to your recipe, such as parmesan, cheddar, or monterey jack. This will add more complexity to the flavor and texture of the sticks.
- Replace the breadcrumbs with crushed pretzels or potato chips for a crunchier texture.
- To prevent cheese leakage during frying, double coat your cheese sticks in the flour and egg mixture before rolling them in breadcrumbs. This will create a protective barrier around the cheese.
- Use a cheese slicer to cut the cheese sticks instead of a knife. This allows for a more uniform size and shape, which can impact the frying time and evenness of the sticks.
How to Make Healthy Baked Mozzarella Sticks at Home
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to fried mozzarella sticks, try this baked version!
Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella sticks
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Non-stick cooking spray
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
Step 2: Cut the mozzarella sticks into halves or thirds.
Step 3: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: In another shallow dish, beat the eggs with a tablespoon of water.
Step 5: In a third shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 6: Working with one cheese stick at a time, coat it in the flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip the cheese stick in the egg mixture and then coat it in the panko mixture. Place the coated cheese stick onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining cheese sticks.
Step 7: Spray the coated cheese sticks with cooking spray. This will give them a crispy texture without deep-frying. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 8: Let the cheese sticks cool for a minute or two before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Advantages of baking mozzarella sticks instead of frying:
- Baking eliminates the use of oil for frying, making it a healthier option for those watching their calorie intake.
- Baking is a more convenient way of making mozzarella sticks, as they can be cooked in large batches in the oven.
- Baked mozzarella sticks can still achieve a crispy exterior, resembling the texture of fried mozzarella sticks.
Top Secret Tips for Making Perfect Mozzarella Sticks Every Time
Here are some additional tips to help you make perfect mozzarella sticks every time:
- Keep the temperature of your oil around 375°F. Any lower will cause the cheese to absorb the oil and turn soggy. On the other hand, any higher temperature will cause the cheese to melt too quickly and leak out.
- To prevent cheese leakage when frying, ensure that the cheese sticks are fully covered in both the flour and egg mixtures.
- Use a double coating of breadcrumbs to get extra crispy sticks.
- For even cooking and browning, make sure that your cheese sticks are of equal size and shape.
- For an even crisper texture, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the breadcrumbs mixture.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan or deep fryer, as it will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy sticks.
- If you’re making mozzarella sticks in advance, freeze them before frying. This will help the cheese to set and remain intact during frying.
- To store leftover mozzarella sticks, place them in airtight containers, and keep them in the freezer. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes for a crispy texture.
Three Mouth-Watering Dipping Sauces for Your Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
No mozzarella sticks are complete without a good dipping sauce, and here are three of our favorite recipes:
Roasted Red Pepper Dip
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Ranch Dressing
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Honey Mustard Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Conclusion
Mozzarella sticks are an all-time favorite snack that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. By following the tips and recipes detailed in this guide, you can make delicious, crispy mozzarella sticks in the comfort of your own home. Whether you prefer to fry or bake your sticks, with the right ingredients, techniques, and dipping sauces, your mozzarella sticks will always be a perfect appetizer and crowd-pleaser.
