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.
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.