Mozzarella Cheese Sticks 🧀✨🍟
Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside – these Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are a snack-time favorite! 🧀🥳 Perfect for dipping in marinara sauce and sharing with friends (or not 😉).
Ingredients (Makes about 12 sticks):
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, halved 🧀
- 1 cup all-purpose flour 🌾
- 2 large eggs, beaten 🥚
- 2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs 🍞🌿
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀✨
- 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
- 1 tsp dried oregano 🌿
- 1 tsp paprika 🌶️
- Cooking oil for frying (or air fryer option) 🛢️🔥
- Marinara sauce for dipping 🍅
Instructions:
- Prep the Mozzarella:
- Cut mozzarella sticks in half for smaller portions. Freeze them for 30-60 minutes to ensure they hold their shape while frying. ❄️🧀
- Set Up Breading Station:
- Place flour in one bowl. 🌾
- Beat eggs in a second bowl. 🥚
- In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika. 🧄🧀🌿
- Bread the Cheese:
- Coat each stick in flour, then dip in egg, and finally roll in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a double coating. 🧀🌀
- Fry or Air Fry:
- Frying Method: Heat oil in a deep pan to 180°C (350°F). Fry the sticks for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. 🛢️🔥✨
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat to 200°C (390°F). Spray sticks lightly with cooking oil and air fry for 5-6 minutes until crispy. 🌬️🔥
- Serve:
- Warm up some marinara sauce for dipping and serve the sticks while they’re hot and melty! 🍅🔥🧀
Tips for the Best Mozzarella Cheese Sticks:
- Freezing the cheese is key to prevent it from oozing out while frying! ❄️🧀
- Double breading ensures extra crunch and holds everything together. ✨🍟
- Use an air fryer for a lighter option with the same crispy goodness. 🌿🔥
Enjoy these Mozzarella Cheese Sticks – they’re the ultimate cheesy snack everyone will love! 🧀🍅❤️