Description
Crispy fried mozzarella cheese sticks with a seasoned breadcrumb coating, perfect as a quick appetizer or snack. The cheese sticks are double-coated, frozen to set, then deep-fried to golden perfection for a gooey, melty inside and crunchy outside.
Ingredients
Scale
Batter and Coating
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 0.25 cup water
- 1.5 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic salt
- 0.6667 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.3333 cup cornstarch
Frying
- 2 cups oil for frying, or as needed
- 1 (16 ounce) package mozzarella cheese sticks
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all ingredients and have them ready for preparation to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Prepare Coatings: In a small bowl, whisk together water and beaten eggs. In a separate medium bowl, combine Italian seasoned bread crumbs and garlic salt. In a third bowl, blend all-purpose flour and cornstarch thoroughly.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy saucepan to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C) to prepare for frying the cheese sticks.
- Coat Cheese Sticks: Dredge each mozzarella stick first in the flour-cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Press the stick into the bread crumb mixture, coating thoroughly. Repeat dipping into egg and bread crumbs to apply a double coating. Place coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze to Set Coating: Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks for about 45 minutes until firm to help the coating set and prevent the cheese from oozing during frying.
- Fry Cheese Sticks: Working in small batches, carefully lower 3 to 4 frozen mozzarella sticks into the hot oil using a spider spoon or tongs. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and Serve: Remove fried sticks with tongs and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, melty goodness!
Notes
- Freezing the coated sticks before frying is essential to prevent the cheese from leaking during frying.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 365°F for perfect frying results.
- For a spicier twist, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Can be served with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the frying pan to maintain consistent oil temperature and even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (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
