1. How to Prepare Breaded Mozzarella Sticks
Before starting, gather all your ingredients and make sure to freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while cooking. Breaded mozzarella sticks are easy to prepare, and kids will love the crispy, cheesy result!
Ingredients For Making Easy Breaded Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional for extra flavor:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce
2. Preparing Ingredients for Breaded Mozzarella Sticks
- Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella cheese and cut it into 1 cm thick, 8 cm long sticks. The sticks should be firm but not too soft to hold up to the breading process.
- Flour: Lightly coat the cheese sticks in flour to help the egg wash adhere better.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs are essential for creating the perfect breading, and help the breadcrumbs stick firmly.
- Breadcrumbs: Choose either regular breadcrumbs or panko for an extra crispy texture. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for added flavor.
- Optional Seasoning: Add garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs to the breadcrumbs for extra seasoning.
3. Coating the Mozzarella Sticks
To ensure an even and crispy breading:
- First Step: Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour, coating it lightly.
- Second Step: Dip the floured cheese stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s completely covered.
- Third Step: Roll the egg-coated cheese stick in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well.
- Double Coat: For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process.
4. Freezing Mozzarella Sticks
Freezing is a crucial step to ensure the cheese doesn’t melt too quickly while cooking:
- Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks on a tray and place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
- Freezing helps the coating firm up and prevents the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
6. Achieving the Perfect Crisp
To ensure the mozzarella sticks are crispy on the outside and melty on the inside:
- Preheat the oven or air fryer to the right temperature so that they cook evenly.
- Avoid overcrowding: Ensure the mozzarella sticks are not touching each other while baking or air frying, so they crisp up evenly on all sides.
7. Serving Breaded Mozzarella Sticks
After cooking, let the mozzarella sticks rest for a minute to cool slightly before serving. This helps the cheese set and prevents it from spilling out.
Serving Tip: Serve with a side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or ketchup for dipping. Kids love the extra flavor from dipping sauces!
8. Let Kids Get Creative with Dips
Allow children to experiment with different dips and flavors:
- Offer a variety of sauces like barbecue, honey mustard, or even a cheesy dip.
- Let the kids choose their favorite sauces to dip the mozzarella sticks in.
9. Healthier Option for Mozzarella Sticks
For a healthier version:
- Use whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko for added fiber.
- Consider baking instead of frying to reduce fat content.
- You can also reduce the cheese slightly or use low-fat mozzarella for a lighter version.
