Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are a delicious snack or appetizer featuring gooey mozzarella cheese coated in a crunchy breading. Perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, these cheesy treats are sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces mozzarella cheese sticks (cut in half if desired)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

Timing

Making Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 5-7 minutes for frying.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

1. Set Up Breading Stations: In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in the third.

Step 2: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Coat in Flour: Take each mozzarella stick and coat it lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Dip in Egg: Next, dip the floured mozzarella stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
3. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.

Step 3: Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Freeze: Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.

Step 4: Fry the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry: Carefully add the frozen mozzarella sticks to the hot oil in batches, frying for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain: Remove the sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve the crispy mozzarella sticks hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	14g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	1g

Tips for Customization

• Add Spice: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for varied flavors.
• Oven-Baked Option: For a healthier version, bake the mozzarella sticks at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are a fun and tasty treat that brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant right to your kitchen. Perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in, these cheesy delights are sure to please everyone. Enjoy this delightful recipe!