Mozzarella Sticks
User Reviews
5
Mozzarella Sticks
Description
The process begins by mixing seasoned panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder and Italian seasoning for a flavorful crust. String cheese sticks are first dipped in an egg and buttermilk mixture, then floured, dipped again, and finally coated with the breadcrumb mixture pressed gently to adhere. Freezing the breaded sticks before frying helps prevent the cheese from leaking and ensures even cooking.
Deep frying in oil heated to 350°F quickly crisps the breading in about two minutes while melting the cheese inside without overcooking. The result is crunchy, golden sticks with a creamy, stretchy interior. Serving with ranch dressing or marinara provides contrasting flavors and textures, while chopped parsley adds freshness if desired.
This recipe calls for a high smoke point oil such as vegetable or canola for stable frying temperatures. Monitoring oil heat is important to maintain a consistent, golden crust. The use of string cheese simplifies portioning and cutting.
Ingredients
- 16 oz string cheese
- 2 c. panko breadcrumbs
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg large
- 1 c. buttermilk
- 1 c. all-purpose flour
- cooking oil for frying
For Serving
- ranch dressing
- marinara sauce
- parsley optional, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl or plate add breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning to shallow bowl or plate and mix with fork.
- In another shallow bowl or plate add flour.
- In a small bowl whisk together egg, salt, pepper and buttermilk, then add to a third shallow bowl or plate.
- Dip cheese stick into egg mixture, then into flour, back into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumbs. Press crumbs into cheese gently.
- Place on a sheet pan and freeze for 20-30 minutes.
- Add about 2 inches of oil to heavy skillet and heat to 350 degrees F.
- Add to hot oil in batches and fry until golden on all sides, about 2 minutes or until golden brown, turning frequently.
- Remove from oil and drain on a plate lined with a paper towel. Serve immediately with favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Using string cheese makes uniform-size sticks and eliminates slicing.
- Freezing the breaded sticks for 20-30 minutes before frying helps maintain shape and texture during frying.
- Choose a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil for frying at 350°F.
- Maintain frying oil temperature at 350°F to achieve crispy, golden coating without burning.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 266 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 266kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 27mg | 9% |
| Sodium | 496mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 101mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 43IU | 1% |
| Calcium | 98mg | 10% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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