Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce & Creamy Dip

If you’re looking for a delicious appetizer or snack that everyone will love, then Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce and Creamy Dip is the perfect choice. These cheesy treats are crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside. With homemade marinara sauce and a creamy dip, they are sure to impress your friends and family.

Why Make This Recipe

Making crispy mozzarella sticks at home is much more rewarding than buying them frozen. Not only do they taste better, but you can customize the spices and dipping sauces to suit your taste. Plus, they are fresh, hot, and perfect for sharing at parties or game days. This recipe is easy to follow, and you’ll love the flavor of the freshly fried cheese!

How to Make Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce & Creamy Dip

Ingredients

12 mozzarella cheese sticks
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for deep frying

For Marinara Sauce:

1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried basil

For Creamy Dip:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Freeze mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour before breading.
In three separate bowls, set up the breading station: place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs and milk in another bowl, and mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in the third bowl.
Dip each mozzarella stick in the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step.
Place the breaded sticks back in the freezer for another 30 minutes.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Drain them on paper towels.
For the marinara sauce, heat olive oil in a saucepan, sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute, then add the crushed tomatoes, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
For the creamy dip, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Serve the hot mozzarella sticks with both the marinara sauce and the creamy dip on the side.

How to Serve Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce & Creamy Dip

Serve your crispy mozzarella sticks hot out of the fryer and pair them with a side of marinara sauce and creamy dip. They make a perfect snack for movie nights, parties, or even a fun family dinner. Enjoy with friends and savor the delicious flavors!

How to Store Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce & Creamy Dip

If you have leftovers, allow the mozzarella sticks to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Tips to Make Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce & Creamy Dip

Ensure your mozzarella sticks are well-frozen before breading; this helps them hold their shape while frying.
Double-dipping in egg and breadcrumbs not only creates a thicker coating but also adds crunch.
Use high-quality oil for deep frying to achieve crispy cheese sticks.

Variation

You can experiment by adding spices to the breadcrumb mixture, such as cayenne pepper for heat or Italian seasoning for added flavor. For a twist, consider using shredded cheese or cheese blends instead of just mozzarella.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of cheese sticks?
Yes! You can cut fresh mozzarella into sticks, but keep in mind they may melt more quickly during frying, so freeze them well.

2. How do I know when the mozzarella sticks are done frying?
Look for a golden brown color and listen for a sizzling sound. Testing one stick can help determine if they are ready.

3. Can I bake these mozzarella sticks instead of frying them?
Yes! For a healthier option, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They may be less crispy, but still tasty.

Enjoy making and savoring these delightful Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce and Creamy Dip!

Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce & Creamy Dip

Delicious crispy mozzarella sticks, served with homemade marinara sauce and creamy dip, perfect for parties or family snacks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 12

Total Time 2 12

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks

12 pieces mozzarella cheese sticks Frozen for at least 1 hour before breading
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs Beaten
2 tablespoons milk
1.5 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste Salt and pepper
as needed Oil for deep frying High-quality oil recommended

For Marinara Sauce

1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
0.5 teaspoon sugar
to taste Salt and pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil

For Creamy Dip

0.5 cup mayonnaise
0.25 cup sour cream
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions

Preparation

Freeze mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour before breading.
In three separate bowls, set up the breading station: place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs and milk in another bowl, and mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in the third bowl.
Dip each mozzarella stick in the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step.
Place the breaded sticks back in the freezer for another 30 minutes.

Cooking

Heat oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Drain them on paper towels.

Making the Sauces

For the marinara sauce, heat olive oil in a saucepan, sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute, then add the crushed tomatoes, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
For the creamy dip, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Serving

Serve the hot mozzarella sticks with both the marinara sauce and the creamy dip on the side.

Notes

Ensure mozzarella sticks are well-frozen before breading to help them hold shape while frying. Double-dipping in egg and breadcrumbs adds crunch. Experiment with spices in the breadcrumb mixture for different flavors.

Keyword Appetizer Recipe, Creamy Dip, Crispy Mozzarella Sticks, Marinara Sauce, Party Snack