Crispy Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
Indulge in the ultimate cheesy delight with these Crispy Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks. Perfect for a party appetizer or a cozy snack, these golden-brown bites are filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and seasoned to perfection. The crunchy exterior contrasts beautifully with the melty interior, making each bite a savory treat. Serve them hot with your favorite marinara sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon for an extra zing, and get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mozzarella Cheese
8 ounces (Cut into sticks (approximately 3x1/2x1/2 inches))
All-Purpose Flour
1 cup (For dredging)
Egg
1 large (Slightly beaten)
Breadcrumbs
1 cup (For coating)
Oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons (Dried, for seasoning)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Olive Oil or Vegetable Shortening
For frying (Heated to 350°F)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the mozzarella cheese into sticks about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
2
Set up a dredging station with three bowls: one filled with flour, the second with the slightly beaten egg, and the third with breadcrumbs mixed with oregano and salt.
3
Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, ensuring it is fully covered.
4
Next, dip the floured cheese stick into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off.
5
Finally, roll the cheese stick in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Place each coated cheese stick on a plate in a single layer.
6
Once all sticks are coated, refrigerate them for 1 hour to help the coating adhere better during frying.
7
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or vegetable shortening until it's about 1/2 inch deep, and the temperature reaches 350°F.
8
Working in small batches, carefully add the mozzarella sticks to the hot oil. Fry them for about 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides.
9
Use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
10
Serve the fried mozzarella sticks hot with lemon wedges or marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary ingredient in Crispy Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks?
The primary ingredient is 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks.
How long should I fry the mozzarella sticks?
Fry them for about 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides.
What is the required oil temperature for frying?
The oil or vegetable shortening should reach a temperature of 350°F.
Why do the mozzarella sticks need to be refrigerated before frying?
Refrigerating them for 1 hour helps the breading coating adhere better to the cheese during the frying process.
What size should the mozzarella sticks be cut into?
Cut the mozzarella into sticks approximately 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
What are the three components of the dredging station?
The station consists of three bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with a slightly beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with oregano and salt.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of standard breadcrumbs mixed with dried oregano and salt.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What seasonings are added to the breadcrumbs?
The breadcrumbs are seasoned with 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried oregano and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What kind of oil is best for frying these cheese sticks?
You can use either olive oil or vegetable shortening for frying.
How deep should the frying oil be in the skillet?
The oil should be about 1/2 inch deep in a large skillet.
What should I serve with the fried mozzarella sticks?
They are best served hot with lemon wedges or marinara sauce for dipping.
How do I remove excess oil after frying?
Use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks from the skillet and drain them on paper towels.
Can I fry all the cheese sticks at once?
No, you should work in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and the oil temperature stays consistent.
What is the texture of these cheese sticks?
They have a crunchy exterior and a gooey, melty interior.
What is the first step in the coating process?
The first step is to coat each mozzarella stick in all-purpose flour until fully covered.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires one large egg, slightly beaten.
How much flour is needed for the dredging station?
You will need 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
What cuisine category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under Italian cuisine and Cheese dishes.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 7 ingredients: mozzarella cheese, all-purpose flour, egg, breadcrumbs, oregano, salt, and oil/shortening.
Can I use these as a party appetizer?
Yes, they are described as a perfect party appetizer or a cozy snack.
Is the egg used whole or beaten?
The egg should be slightly beaten before using it in the dredging station.
Should the cheese sticks be coated in a specific layer sequence?
Yes, the sequence is flour first, then beaten egg, and finally the seasoned breadcrumbs.
How do I know when the oil is ready?
The oil is ready when it reaches a temperature of 350°F.
What is the purpose of the flour in this recipe?
The flour provides the first layer of coating which helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick to the cheese.
Can I use dried oregano?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried oregano.
What tools are needed to remove the sticks from the oil?
A slotted spoon is recommended to safely remove the sticks and allow oil to drain.
Is this a snack or a main course?
It is intended as a snack or an appetizer.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What makes these cheese sticks 'crispy'?
The combination of the three-step dredging process and frying in 350°F oil creates the crispy golden-brown exterior.