Fried Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce

One of the most delicious hot appetizers, famous for its crispy exterior and gooey melted cheese inside. Usually served with rich marinara sauce. Here’s how to prepare it from Nadormagazine.

Cooking Time: 60 minutes

Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

Marinara Sauce:

• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon

• Garlic: 2 cloves (finely minced)

• Tomatoes: 400 grams (peeled and chopped)

• Oregano (dried): ½ teaspoon

• Crushed chili flakes: a pinch

• Salt: to taste

• Black pepper: to taste

• Sugar: 1 teaspoon

• Fresh basil leaves: as desired

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

• Mozzarella cheese: 250 grams (firm, cut into sticks)

• All-purpose flour: 1 cup

• Eggs: 2 large

• Milk: 1 tablespoon

• Breadcrumbs (fine): 1½ cups

• Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon

• Oregano (dried): ½ teaspoon

• Paprika: a pinch

• Salt: to taste

• Black pepper: to taste

• Vegetable oil: enough for deep frying

Preparation Steps

1. In a small pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, without browning.

2. Add the chopped tomatoes, oregano, crushed chili flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper.

3. Simmer the sauce gently for 15-20 minutes until thickened and flavors meld. Mash any large tomato pieces with a spoon while cooking. Remove from heat.

4. Before serving, garnish the marinara sauce with chopped fresh basil and let it cool.

5. Place the mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too fast and leaking during frying.

6. Prepare three shallow dishes:

   • Dish 1: flour

   • Dish 2: beat the eggs with the milk

   • Dish 3: mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper

7. Coat each mozzarella stick first in flour, ensuring all sides are covered, then dip in the egg mixture fully, and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently for an even, thick layer.

8. Dip each coated stick again in the egg mixture, then back into the breadcrumb mixture for a second coating. This double breading enhances crispiness and prevents cheese leakage.

9. Place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 1 hour, or until very firm.

10. Heat vegetable oil in a deep, large pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be enough to fully cover the sticks when frying.

11. Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in batches (do not overcrowd the pan) for 1-2 minutes each batch until golden and crispy.

12. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

13. Serve immediately while very hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping.