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4.14 from 22 votes

Breaded Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce

Homemade Mozzarella Sticks with marinara sauce are perfect for a party or game day. Gooey and melty on the inside and golden and crunchy on the outside, they're addictive!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Freezing Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Appetizer/ Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 440kcal

Ingredients

  • 12 pieces mozzarella sticks
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • oil

For Marinara Sauce

  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Remove mozzarella sticks from the packaging. Cut them into half, if you like.
  •  In a shallow bowl, place flour.
  • In another shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
  • In another shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Dredge mozzarella sticks in flour, dip in egg mixture and then roll in breadcrumbs mixture.  
  • Dredge again in flour, dip in egg mixtures, and then roll in breadcrumbs to fully coat.
  • Arrange breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Freeze for about 30 to 40 minutes or until firm.
  • In a deep, thick-bottomed pan over medium heat, heat about 2-inch deep of oil to 350 F. 
  • Add mozzarella sticks in batches and cook, turning once or twice, for about 1 to 2 minutes or until golden and crisp. 
  • With a slotted spoon, remove from pan and drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Serve hot with marinara sauce.

For Marinara Sauce

  • In a blender or food processor, pulse tomatoes until blended
  • In a pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add garlic and cook until aromatic. 
  • Add crushed tomatoes and bring to a boil. 
  • Add Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. 
  • Lower heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 to 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Video

Notes

  • Arrange the breaded cheese sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 to 40 minutes to keep cheese from bursting and melting out of the bread coating during frying.
  • Ensure the oil is at 350 F to 375 F. Too hot, and the breading will brown before the cheese inside is soft and melted. Too low, the cheese will melt and leak out before the outside is sufficiently browned. At optimal temperature, the breaded mozzarella should take about 1 to 2 minutes to turn golden and crispy on the outside and gooey and melty on the inside.
Nutritional Info calculated at four pieces per serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 440kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 780mg | Potassium: 243mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 165IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 3.7mg