Mozzarella Sticks (Print-Friendly Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese

01 - One pound mozzarella sticks

→ Dry Mix

02 - One teaspoon garlic powder
03 - One teaspoon salt
04 - One cup plain flour
05 - Half a teaspoon black pepper
06 - One teaspoon onion powder
07 - One cup Italian breadcrumb blend
08 - One teaspoon dried oregano

→ Wet Mix

09 - Two large eggs

→ Extras

10 - Vegetable oil for frying
11 - Marinara sauce for dipping

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Pop the cheese sticks into the freezer and leave them about 30 minutes so they get firm before breading.
02 - Get three shallow dishes ready. Put flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and mix the breadcrumbs, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in the last one.
03 - Roll each cold cheese stick in flour first, dip it in egg next, then cover with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat this step twice.
04 - Fry a few sticks at once on medium-high heat. Let each side cook about 1 to 2 minutes till golden and crisp.
05 - If you're not using pre-cut sticks, slice the mozzarella into pieces about 3 to 4 inches long and half an inch thick. Arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
06 - Warm vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot till it hits 350°F (175°C).
07 - Use a slotted spoon to scoop the sticks out and set them on paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
08 - Serve the sticks while hot with marinara for dipping. Toss some parsley or oregano over them if you want a fresh touch.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Keep the oil temperature steady around 350°F so the cheese doesn’t melt too fast. If you want to skip frying, baking works well too. You can also freeze the coated sticks and cook them later.