🧀 Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce & Creamy Dip
🧀 Ingredients for Mozzarella Sticks:
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12 sticks of low-moisture mozzarella string cheese
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs
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2 tbsp milk
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2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but tasty!)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp dried oregano
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Oil for deep frying (vegetable or canola)
🍅 Quick Marinara Sauce:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1 tsp dried basil
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½ tsp dried oregano
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Pinch of sugar (optional)
🥣 Creamy Dipping Sauce:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup sour cream
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1 tsp lemon juice
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½ tsp garlic powder
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1 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
🔪 Instructions:
1. Prep the Cheese Sticks
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Cut mozzarella sticks in half if you want smaller portions.
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Place them on a tray and freeze for at least 1 hour. This prevents melting during frying.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
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Bowl 1: Flour + a pinch of salt & pepper.
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Bowl 2: Beaten eggs + milk.
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Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs + Parmesan + garlic powder + oregano.
3. Bread the Cheese
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Roll each frozen stick in flour, then dip in egg, then breadcrumbs.
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Repeat egg and breadcrumb coating once more for extra crispiness.
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Return to freezer for at least 30 minutes before frying.
4. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
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Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan.
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Fry sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes, turning until golden brown.
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Drain on paper towels.
🍅 Marinara Sauce:
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Heat olive oil in a saucepan.
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Add garlic, sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).
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Stir in crushed tomatoes, herbs, salt, pepper, and sugar.
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Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Blend for smoothness if desired.
🥣 Creamy Dip:
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Chill until serving.
✅ Serving:
Serve mozzarella sticks hot with warm marinara and chilled creamy dip. Garnish with parsley or more Parmesan if you like!