Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce & Creamy Dip

Short Description

Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce & Creamy Dip are a quintessential appetizer that combines the gooey delight of melted mozzarella encased in a golden, crunchy shell. Paired with a tangy marinara sauce and a rich, creamy dip, these sticks offer a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making them a favorite at gatherings and as a savory snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Crispy Exterior: Achieved through a double-coating process using flour and panko breadcrumbs.

• Melty Cheese Center: Warm, gooey mozzarella that stretches with every bite.

• Flavorful Dips: Complemented by a zesty marinara sauce and a creamy, herb-infused dip.

• Versatile Appetizer: Ideal for parties, game nights, or as a delightful snack.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and fried when needed.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

• 1 lb mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1/4 cup milk

• Oil for frying

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 15 ounces tomato sauce

• Salt to taste

For the Creamy Dip:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinara Sauce:

   • In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

   • Add smashed garlic cloves and sauté until browned. Remove and discard garlic.

   • Stir in dried basil and oregano until fragrant.

   • Add tomato sauce and salt to taste. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Keep warm.

2. Prepare the Creamy Dip:

   • In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped parsley, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

   • Mix until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks:

   • Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with milk, and one with panko breadcrumbs combined with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

   • Dredge each mozzarella cube in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs.

   • For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.

   • Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent cheese from oozing during frying.

4. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:

   • In a deep fryer or large saucepan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).

   • Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.

   • Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

5. Serve:

   • Arrange the hot mozzarella sticks on a serving platter.

   • Serve immediately with the warm marinara sauce and chilled creamy dip on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Additional Time: 30 minutes (freezing)

• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for heat.

• Herb-Infused: Incorporate Italian seasoning into the breadcrumbs for added flavor.

• Cheese Alternatives: Use string cheese sticks for uniformity and convenience.

• Baking Option: For a healthier version, bake the breaded sticks at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover fried mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze uncooked, breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Reheat cooked sticks in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mozzarella for this recipe?

Fresh mozzarella has a higher moisture content, which can cause it to melt too quickly during frying. It’s recommended to use low-moisture mozzarella for best results.

How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out during frying?

Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes before frying helps the coating set and prevents the cheese from leaking.

Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce & Creamy Dip

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• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6–8
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: Fried
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

These Crispy Mozzarella Sticks are golden on the outside, gooey on the inside, and served with zesty marinara and a cool creamy dip—perfect as a party snack, appetizer, or cheesy indulgence that hits the spot every time!

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Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

• 1 lb mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch sticks

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1/4 cup milk

• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Pinch of sugar (optional)

For the Creamy Dip (Optional):

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

• Freeze the cheese sticks for at least 30 minutes until firm.

• In separate bowls, prepare flour, egg-milk mixture, and panko seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

• Dredge each cheese stick in flour, then egg mixture, then panko. Repeat for a thicker coating if desired.

• Place coated sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for another 30 minutes to prevent melting during frying.

• Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry 3–4 sticks at a time for 1–2 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels.

• For marinara sauce, heat olive oil in a saucepan, sauté garlic until fragrant, add tomatoes and seasonings, and simmer for 10–15 minutes.

• For creamy dip, whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.

• Serve hot mozzarella sticks with both dips.

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Notes

• Double coating improves crispiness and prevents cheese leakage.

• Can be air-fried or baked at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes.

• Freeze extras after coating and fry straight from frozen.