Ooey Gooey Mozzarella Sticks

These crispy, golden mozzarella sticks are perfectly ooey-gooey on the inside, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack!

Ingredients:

• 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Oil for frying
• Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions:

1. Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and place them on a tray. Freeze for at least 1 hour or until completely frozen.
2. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
3. Remove the frozen mozzarella sticks from the freezer. Roll each stick in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and coat in the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process.
4. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
5. Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips:

• Double-coating the mozzarella sticks ensures a crispy outer layer.
• Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying helps prevent them from melting too quickly while frying.

FAQs:

1. Can I bake mozzarella sticks instead of frying?
   Yes, bake them at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy.
2. Can I freeze breaded mozzarella sticks for later use?
   Yes, after breading, freeze them on a tray and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Fry them directly from frozen.
3. What oil is best for frying mozzarella sticks?
   Vegetable or canola oil works well for frying because of their high smoke points.
4. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
   Make sure the mozzarella sticks are frozen solid before frying, and double-coat them with the breadcrumb mixture for extra protection.
5. Can I use string cheese instead of mozzarella sticks?
   Yes, string cheese works perfectly for this recipe.

These crispy, ooey-gooey mozzarella sticks are a surefire hit for any occasion, from game nights to casual snacks!