Crispy Mozzarella Cheese Sticks with Marinara
Enjoy a classic appetizer with this delightful recipe for Crispy Mozzarella Cheese Sticks. This version pays homage to the beloved dish served at TGI Fridays, featuring gooey mozzarella cheese encased in a perfectly seasoned, crunchy breadcrumb coating. These cheese sticks are easy to make at home and are perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a snack. Pair them with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear at your next gathering!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mozzarella Cheese
1 lb (Cut into long sticks approximately 3/8 inch thick)
All-Purpose Flour
1 cup (Unseasoned)
Cornstarch
1/4 cup (N/A)
Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs
2 cups (N/A)
Whole Milk
1 cup (N/A)
Vegetable Oil
For frying (Heated to 350°F)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the mozzarella cheese into long sticks, approximately 3/8 inch thick.
2
In a medium bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch, mixing well.
3
Dredge each cheese stick in the flour-cornstarch mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
4
Dip the floured cheese stick into the whole milk, allowing any excess to drip off.
5
Next, roll the cheese stick in the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs until thoroughly covered. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs.
6
Transfer the coated cheese sticks to a wire rack and repeat the process for all sticks.
7
Once the cheese sticks are coated for the first time, return them to the milk and then roll them in the breadcrumbs again for a second coating. Shake off the excess breadcrumbs once more.
8
Preheat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
9
Carefully drop a few cheese sticks into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1 minute or until golden brown.
10
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried cheese sticks and place them on a wire rack to drain off excess oil.
11
Repeat the frying process for the remaining cheese sticks. Serve immediately with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
The dish is called Crispy Mozzarella Cheese Sticks with Marinara.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe pays homage to the beloved appetizer served at TGI Fridays.
How should the mozzarella cheese be cut?
The cheese should be cut into long sticks approximately 3/8 inch thick.
What is the first coating for the cheese sticks?
The first coating is a mixture of 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup cornstarch.
What type of breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
What liquid is used to dip the cheese?
1 cup of whole milk is used for dipping the sticks.
What is the ideal oil temperature for frying?
The vegetable oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C).
How long should the mozzarella sticks be fried?
They should be fried for about 1 minute or until golden brown.
How many times should the sticks be coated?
The sticks should be coated twice in milk and breadcrumbs for a thicker crust.
How should the fried cheese sticks be drained?
They should be placed on a wire rack to allow excess oil to drain off.
What is the recommended dipping sauce?
The sticks are best served with your favorite marinara sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 4 servings.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 6 main ingredients required for this recipe.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is cutting the mozzarella cheese into long sticks.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe uses unseasoned all-purpose flour.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
You will need 1 lb of mozzarella cheese.
How much cornstarch is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of cornstarch.
How much milk is used in the process?
You will need 1 cup of whole milk.
How many cups of breadcrumbs are required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
What kind of oil is used for frying?
Vegetable oil is used for frying the cheese sticks.
What tool should be used to remove the sticks from the oil?
A slotted spoon should be used to remove the sticks.
Should the sticks be served immediately?
Yes, they should be served immediately for the best texture.
Is this recipe suitable for entertaining?
Yes, these cheese sticks are perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a snack.
What texture should the final product have?
They should have a perfectly seasoned, crunchy breadcrumb coating with gooey cheese inside.
What should I do if the breadcrumbs are too thick?
The instructions recommend shaking off any excess breadcrumbs after each coating.
Should I fry all the sticks at once?
No, you should fry a few at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Is cornstarch mixed with flour?
Yes, you combine the flour and cornstarch in a medium bowl before dredging.
Where do you place the sticks after the first coat?
Transfer them to a wire rack before repeating the coating process.
Can this be considered a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe and a finger food.
Are these cheese sticks considered Italian cuisine?
They are tagged as Italian and feature Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.