A favorite amongst elders and kids alike, mozzarella sticks are a quick fix to the hunger pangs. They are perfect as party appetizers or during a play date of kids and Mozzarella Sticks are easy to cook too!
These cheesy bites are so delicious that can’t stop binging on them!
Preparatory tips for Mozzarella Sticks
The recipe is simple but you need to be careful. Handle one cheese stick at a time. Coat the entire stick properly and leave no scope for any open ends for the cheese uncoated, or it will melt while frying.
Proper coating over cheese
You need to be very careful while applying the coat over the cheese. If your hand slips or you hold it too firmly, the coating might go off the cheese.
A double coating of the breadcrumbs is highly recommended to be doubly safe while frying to see that the cheese doesn’t melt from any uncoated side.
Freeze the sticks
You need to freeze the sticks for at least an hour before frying. This is very crucial and you should not escape it.
If you skip the freezing bit, then in all probability, you will see the cheese melting and everything disintegrating.
Fresh breadcrumbs please!
Cooking is an art of patience and each step in the process is important. Use fresh breadcrumb mixture and no left over please!
Deep-frying technique
Let the oil reach an appropriate temperature. It needs to be a moderately hot temperature.
It’s recommended that you use tongs with long handles to be cautious while cooking in hot oil. Move it very gently and be very careful.
After you are done with your cooking, let the oil cool properly. Use a filter to remove the crumbs and store it in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.
Delectable treats
Following the right steps during the cooking process lessens any hassle later and what turns out is a delectable dish for you to relish!
Mozzarella Sticks
This Italian recipe is a lip-smacking appetizer! Enjoy the yummy bites!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Quantity: 12 sticks
- Cooking method: Stovetop
These scrumptious mozzarella sticks are easy to cook! The cheese sticks are coated with batter and deep-fried until deep golden color is seen.
A cheesy treat, it’s hard to stop binging on it! Accompanied with red spaghetti sauce, it makes for a great meal to relish anytime!
Ingredients:
Mozzarella Sticks
- 12 mozzarella long cheese strings
- All purpose flour – 1/4 cup
- Salt – 1/4 tsp.
- Ground black pepper – 1/4 tsp.
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp. milk
- Dried basil – 1/2 teaspoon
- 1/2 tsp. Dried oregano
- Dried parsley – 1/2 tsp.
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp. grated Parmesan
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil
- Dip it in Red sauce (recipe as under)
- Red Spaghetti Sauce
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1–2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- salt as per test
- bit of crushed red pepper
- small quantity (approx. 250-300 gms.) of crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 tsp. dried basil
- 1/4 tbs. dried pregano
Cooking Instructions:
Set aside a container with baking paper. Prepare the ingredients separately in different plates to avoid any hassle and to make it convenient to include everything thoroughly well.
Three separate shallow dishes, prepare the following:
For the first plate, combine salt pepper and flour and mix thoroughly.
In second plate, mix eggs and milk and whisk thoroughly.
And, In third plate, mix breadcrumbs, parmesan, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and whisk to mix properly.
Coating the long cheese strings
Now take one piece of cheese at a time, pour each piece of long cheese string into the flour mix, then egg mix and then coat it with the breadcrumb mix.
Ensure that the coating is adequate and it doesn’t slide off. If the cheese is not properly coated, it will melt during frying.
Follow all three steps properly and do it with accuracy. Repeat it twice to for a proper coating over the cheese strings. Press to check the coating.
Freezing Time
Transfer the container to the freezer and let it freeze for about an hour or so.
Frying Time
Now heat oil in a large deep pan. The oil should be heated properly. You can try inserting a thermometer inside and check the temperature.
It should reach 190 degree C, a standard moderately heated temperature that’s safe to cook.
At one time, don’t pour more than 4 sticks into the hot oil and turn carefully till the stick turns golden brown in color. It should turn crispy. It will take approx. 2 minutes to reach the desired color and crispness.
Serve Hot
Once it looks properly done, transfer it to a plate covered with paper tissue to soak excess oil, and sprinkle a bit of salt over it, if you feel like.
Serve hot along with the dipping sauce of your choice. Below is the recipe of red sauce for your quick reference.
Red Spaghetti Sauce
Heat oil in a shallow pan with medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, approx. close to 1-2 minutes.
Add salt, basil, oregano and tomatoes. Keep the gas flame on medium to low, let it simmer. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes. Add red pepper and keep stirring. Let it simmer for a bit.
Transfer to a serving bowl and serve hot. Relish its irresistible taste!
Quick Tips
In the absence of spices such as oregano, red chilly flakes, garlic powder, basil or parsley, you can add approx. 2-3 tsp. of Italian seasoning mix to the recipe.
The Red Sauce can be stored in a closed container in the fridge close to 5 days approximately.
Mozzarella Sticks are best served immediately after friend, but if you wish to, you can prepare it with the coating in advance and keep it frozen until used.
A serving size of 1 stick has 138 calories per serving, but to enjoy those freaky food days, these delicious and yummy treats are amazingly savory and quick bites!