Mozzarella sticks make for classic, cheesy, and delicious snacks, perfect to be served as easy appetizers. This version is made with cornmeal, which gives the mozzarella sticks the most deeply golden-brown, flavorsome and crisp crust, which hides a very gooey melted cheese interior.
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Things You’ll Need
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1/2 cup | 2.1 ounces | 60 grams all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons whole milk
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2 large eggs
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1 1/2 cups | 6.5 ounces | 185 grams panko bread crumbs
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1/2 cup | 2.6 ounces | 75 grams cornmeal
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 pound | 450 grams individual mozzarella string cheese or block mozzarella cut into 16 x 3 1/2 inch thick individual pieces
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1/2 cup | 3.9 ounces | 110 grams marina sauce, warmed for serving
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Vegetable oil, for frying
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
Place the flour in a small mixing bowl.
In a separate shallow mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until well combined and foamy.
In another separate medium size mixing bowl, whisk together the bread crumbs, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, thyme, and salt.
Step 2: Coat the Mozzarella
Toss a piece of mozzarella into the bowl with the flour until it is well coated and tap off any excess. Immediately dip the mozzarella piece into the egg mixture until it is lightly covered. Toss it in the bowl with the bread crumb mixture until well coated.
Place on a baking sheet lined with non-stick parchment paper. Repeat this process with the remaining mozzarella sticks, then set the sheet in the freezer to chill whilst you bring the frying oil to temperature.
Step 3: Fry
Fill a non-stick skillet with a couple of inches of vegetable oil. Heat, on medium, until the oil reaches 350° Fahrenheit (180° Celsius). Line a baking sheet with a few layers of paper towel.
Fry four sticks at a time and using tongs to turn each side every so often, until the mozzarella sticks are deeply golden brown, 2 ½ minutes. Remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and transfer them to the paper towel lined sheet or wire cooling rack to drain the excess oil. Repeat with the remaining mozzarella sticks.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the mozzarella sticks while they are still warm along with marina sauce for dipping.
They're best eaten straight after making whilst the middles are still warm and gooey.
