Ultimate Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Six Dipping Sauces
These ultimate crispy mozzarella sticks are perfect for any occasion, featuring a double-breading for extra crispiness and served with a variety of six delicious dipping sauces to satisfy every craving.
Equipment
- Parchment-lined baking sheet
- Three shallow dishes
- Deep pot or Dutch oven
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towel-lined plate
- Oven
- Small bowls
Ingredients
Mozzarella Sticks
- 12-16 part-skim mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2-3 large eggs whisked
- 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3-4 cups vegetable oil or canola oil (for frying) OR cooking spray (for baking)
For the Dipping Sauces:
- Classic Marinara Store-bought or homemade, warmed.
- Tangy Ranch Store-bought or homemade.
- Sweet Chili Sauce Store-bought.
- Honey Mustard Store-bought or homemade.
- Garlic Herb Aioli Mayonnaise-based with fresh garlic and herbs.
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo Sriracha mixed with mayonnaise.
Instructions
Prepare the Cheese
- Unwrap and, if desired, cut mozzarella sticks in half; place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
Set Up Breading Stations
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with Panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Bread the Sticks (First Pass)
- Remove frozen mozzarella sticks, then bread each stick by rolling in flour, dipping in egg, and finally coating thoroughly in seasoned panko breadcrumbs; place back on the baking sheet.
Re-Freeze (Crucial Step)
- Return the breaded mozzarella sticks to the freezer for a minimum of 1 hour, or preferably 2-3 hours or overnight, to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
Cook Your Mozzarella Sticks
- **Frying Method:** Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry 3-4 sticks at a time for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
- **Baking Method:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange frozen sticks on parchment paper, lightly spray with cooking spray, and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cheese begins to ooze.
Prepare the Dips
- While sticks cook, prepare and arrange your chosen dipping sauces, warming any hot dips like marinara.
Serve Immediately
- Serve the mozzarella sticks immediately hot and fresh with your selection of dipping sauces.
Notes
For extra crispiness, consider a second pass of breading after the first freeze, repeating the egg and panko steps. Ensure the oil temperature is maintained steadily if frying to avoid greasy sticks or burnt breading. Do not thaw the mozzarella sticks before cooking for best results.