Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce & Creamy Dip

🧀 Crispy Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

• 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (or block mozzarella cut into sticks)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tbsp milk

• 1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko for extra crisp)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• Oil for deep frying

🍅 Marinara Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 cup crushed tomatoes

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• ½ tsp sugar

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried basil

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Chili flakes (optional)

🥛 Creamy Dip

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt to taste

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Coating

1. Set up 3 bowls:

   • Bowl 1: Flour

   • Bowl 2: Eggs + milk (whisked)

   • Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs + all spices

Step 2: Coat the Cheese

1. Roll each mozzarella stick in flour.

2. Dip into egg mixture.

3. Coat with seasoned breadcrumbs.

4. Repeat egg + breadcrumb coating again for extra crisp.

5. Freeze sticks for 1–2 hours (important step!).

Step 3: Fry

1. Heat oil to 175°C (350°F).

2. Fry sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden.

3. Remove and place on paper towels.

🍅 Marinara Sauce Method

1. Heat olive oil in a pan.

2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

3. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, herbs, salt, and pepper.

4. Simmer for 10–12 minutes.

5. Blend slightly if you want smooth texture.

🥛 Creamy Dip Method

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving.

❓ Q & A

Q1: Why do mozzarella sticks burst while frying?

They burst if they are not frozen enough. Always freeze for at least 1–2 hours before frying.

Q2: Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes!

• Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)

• Bake for 8–10 minutes

• Flip halfway

• Spray lightly with oil

Q3: Can I use air fryer?

Absolutely!

• Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 6–8 minutes

• Flip halfway

Q4: Which mozzarella is best?

Low-moisture mozzarella or string cheese works best.

Q5: How to store them?

Freeze coated (uncooked) sticks in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Q6: Can I make them spicy?

Yes! Add:

• Chili powder

• Cayenne pepper

• Hot sauce in egg mixture