Why You’ll Love These Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara
Get ready for a snack that hits all the right notes!
- Incredible crunch.
- Gooey, cheesy centers.
- Perfectly paired with our simple marinara.
- Easy enough for any night.
- A true crowd-pleaser for sure.
These mozzarella sticks with marinara are simply irresistible. They’re a guaranteed hit.
Gooey Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara: 4 Easy Tips
Crispy fried mozzarella sticks served with a vibrant marinara sauce, perfect for a delicious snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For Marinara Sauce:
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Pinch of sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the mozzarella sticks dry with paper towels.
- In three shallow dishes, set up your breading station: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Dredge each mozzarella stick first in flour, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
- Coat the stick thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.
- Place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during frying.
- While the mozzarella sticks are freezing, prepare the marinara sauce. In a small saucepan, combine tomato sauce, minced garlic, oregano, basil, and sugar (if using).
- Simmer the marinara sauce over low heat for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully add a few frozen mozzarella sticks to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove the fried mozzarella sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Serve immediately with the warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For an extra crispy coating, you can double-bread the mozzarella sticks: after the first breading, dip them in egg again and then in breadcrumbs.
- If you don’t have fresh mozzarella, pre-shredded mozzarella can be used, but it might not hold together as well.
- Adjust the seasonings in the marinara sauce to your preference. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 sticks
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg