Kamil Perry
Mozzarella sticks are a popular snack that can be made at home with just a few basic ingredients. While traditional mozzarella can be used, string cheese is the easiest option as it comes in perfectly portioned sticks that are ready to fry. The cheese is coated in a breadcrumb mixture and then dunked in oil to create a crispy, golden exterior with melted gooey cheese on the inside. This simple recipe can be customised with different seasonings and sauces, and the sticks can be fried, baked, or air-fried to perfection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Ingredients | Mozzarella cheese, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, vegetable oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning |
| Equipment | Frying pan, deep fryer, air fryer, oven, baking sheet, parchment paper, digital thermometer, spider spoon or tongs |
| Preparation | Cut cheese into sticks, coat in flour, dip in egg, coat in breadcrumbs, freeze, fry, bake or air-fry |
| Serving Suggestions | Serve hot with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the cheese
If you are using fresh mozzarella, you may want to remove some of the moisture by squeezing it between paper towels or letting it rest for 15-20 minutes before frying. You can also let it air-dry for 10-15 minutes before coating it.
If you are baking your mozzarella sticks, it is recommended to freeze the cheese before breading and baking to prevent it from melting too quickly. If you are frying your mozzarella sticks, freezing them before frying is essential to prevent the coating from coming off and the cheese from disintegrating in the hot oil.
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Coating the cheese
To make mozzarella sticks, you'll need to coat your cheese in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. This process is known as dredging. Here's a step-by-step guide to coating the cheese:
Step 1: Prepare the Flour
Start by placing some all-purpose flour in a bowl. You can season the flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if desired. The flour will help the egg mixture adhere to the cheese.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together some eggs and a small amount of water. The egg mixture will act as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese.
Step 3: Prepare the Breadcrumbs
In a third bowl, mix together breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko, which has a crispier texture. If using regular breadcrumbs, you may want to season them with Italian seasoning, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 4: Coat the Cheese
Now it's time to coat your cheese sticks! Using one hand, dip a frozen piece of string cheese into the flour, then tap off any excess. Next, use your other hand to dip the floured cheese into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, use your dry hand to sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese and toss it to coat evenly. Repeat this process until all your cheese sticks are coated.
Step 5: Freeze the Coated Cheese (Optional)
At this stage, you can choose to freeze your coated cheese sticks before frying. Freezing helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out of the coating when fried. Simply place the coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm.
Remember, coating the cheese is a crucial step in achieving the perfect mozzarella stick. By following these steps and allowing for adequate freezing time, you'll be well on your way to crispy, golden, and gooey homemade mozzarella sticks!
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Cooking methods
Mozzarella sticks can be fried, baked, or air-fried. They can be enjoyed right away or frozen for later. If you are baking them, it is recommended to freeze the cheese before breading and baking to avoid a melted disaster. Bake in a 450-degree oven until golden brown. If you are frying, it is recommended to use a cast-iron fryer, which has deep walls perfect for containing splattering oil and maintaining a steady temperature. You can also use a deep fryer.
If you are new to frying, it is recommended to watch a video to learn the tips and tricks. One source recommends using a wok, small saucepan, or air fryer. Another source recommends freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying, to prevent the coating from coming off and the mozzarella stick from disintegrating.
To fry, heat up a couple of inches of vegetable oil. You can also use canola, corn, or peanut oil. Carefully place a few cheese sticks into the hot oil and cook until golden brown. This should take about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels. Repeat to fry remaining mozzarella sticks.
If you are using an air fryer, one source recommends frying at 400 for a few minutes to get a nice color and crunch before the cheese heats up too much.
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Choosing a cooking oil
Mozzarella sticks are a popular deep-fried appetizer, with a gooey melted cheese interior and a crispy golden exterior. When making mozzarella sticks, choosing the right cooking oil is important to ensure the cheese is cooked evenly and achieves the right texture.
Vegetable oil is a popular choice for frying mozzarella sticks, as it has a neutral flavour and a high smoke point. This means it can withstand the high temperatures required for deep frying without smoking or burning. Other neutral cooking oils with high smoke points that can be used include canola oil, corn oil, and peanut oil.
If you are using an air fryer, you will not need to fill a saucepan with oil. Instead, use a cooking spray to lightly coat the air fryer basket before adding your mozzarella sticks. Set your air fryer to 390°F and cook for 7-9 minutes, or until the mozzarella sticks are golden and crisp.
It is important to note that the oil temperature will drop when the mozzarella sticks are added, so you may need to increase the heat to maintain the correct temperature. Additionally, allowing the oil to come back up to temperature between batches will help prevent the sticks from becoming greasy.
Finally, when frying mozzarella sticks, it is recommended to freeze the cheese before frying to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out of the breading.
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Dipping sauces
Mozzarella sticks are often served with a classic marinara sauce, but there are many other dipping sauces that can be used. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces that will elevate your mozzarella sticks:
First up is the Melba sauce, a condiment made from puréed raspberries. This sweet and fruity sauce is a perfect match for mozzarella sticks, especially if you're looking for something different from the usual tomato-based sauces. It's a popular choice in New York's Capital Region, where it's known to bring out the flavours in mozzarella sticks.
If you're a fan of spicy food, then a peppercorn ranch sauce might be the perfect dip for you. This sauce combines the creaminess of ranch with a kick of black pepper, making it an excellent choice for those who like their food on the spicier side.
For those who crave a little creaminess to complement the crunch of the mozzarella stick, spicy mayo is an excellent choice. It offers a perfect blend of warming and cooling elements, making it a versatile dip that pairs well with various dishes.
Another option is pesto, a classic Italian sauce made with basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. Pesto provides a herby and light alternative to the bold and acidic marinara sauce, making it a refreshing choice for your mozzarella sticks.
Hot honey is another unique but delicious option. The sweetness of the honey pairs well with the creamy mozzarella, while the piquant notes of chilli add a surprising twist that enhances the overall flavour.
Lastly, don't shy away from the rich and cheesy Alfredo sauce. This simple-to-make sauce, with its silky texture, provides a delightful contrast to the crispy exterior of the mozzarella stick.
So, there you have it—a variety of dipping sauces to elevate your mozzarella sticks and impress your guests!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need cheese sticks, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and vegetable oil for frying. You can also add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
Low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella cheese is recommended for the best flavour and texture. You can use string cheese, but it may be chewier and not stretch as much.
Set up a dredging station with three bowls: one for flour, one for whisked eggs, and one for breadcrumbs. First, coat the cheese sticks in flour, then dip them in the egg, and finally, toss them in the breadcrumbs. You can season the breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning for extra flavour.
You can fry, bake, or air-fry mozzarella sticks. If frying, use a deep fryer or a pot with enough vegetable oil to cover the cheese sticks. Heat the oil to 365 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Carefully place the coated cheese sticks in the hot oil and fry for about 30 seconds to one minute, or until golden brown. If baking, freeze the cheese sticks before breading and bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown.
