Description

These Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara and Creamy Garlic Dip are the ultimate indulgence—golden and crunchy on the outside, with gooey, stretchy cheese inside. Perfect for parties, game nights, or anytime you’re craving a cheesy snack.

Ingredients

Mozzarella Sticks:

1 lb low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch sticks
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
Vegetable oil, for fryingmortadellahead.com+5The Modern Proper+5Bon Appétit+5Sahara’s Cooking+1The Modern Proper+1Reddit+2punchfork.com+2Sugar Spun Run+2

Marinara Sauce:

1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to tasteModern Meal Makeover+2how-tasty.com+2punchfork.com+2

Creamy Garlic Dip:

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinara Sauce:

In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
Add crushed tomatoes and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Prepare the Creamy Garlic Dip:

In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped parsley.
Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.CenterCutCook

Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks:

Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
Place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour to prevent cheese leakage during frying.nevernothungry.com+1Sahara’s Cooking+1Sahara’s CookingHouse of Nash Eats+1mortadellahead.com+1Reddit+1Sahara’s Cooking+1

Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Serve:

Arrange the hot mozzarella sticks on a platter. Serve with warm marinara sauce and chilled creamy garlic dip on the side.

Notes

Freezing: Freezing the breaded sticks before frying is crucial to maintain their shape and prevent cheese from oozing out.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare and freeze the breaded sticks up to a week in advance. Fry them straight from the freezer when ready to serve.
Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, bake the breaded sticks at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.