Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup water
- 1 ½ cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 2 cups oil for frying, or as needed
- 1 (16 ounce) package mozzarella cheese sticks
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Breading Station:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the beaten eggs and water to create an egg wash.
- In a separate dish, combine the Italian seasoned bread crumbs and garlic salt.
- In a third dish, mix together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch.
2. Cut and Coat the Cheese Sticks:
- Take each mozzarella stick from the package and cut it in half, resulting in bite-sized pieces.
- Dredge each mozzarella stick in the flour-cornstarch mixture, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Dip the flour-coated stick into the egg wash, ensuring it is well-covered.
- Roll the stick in the seasoned bread crumbs mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the cheese. Repeat the process for all sticks.
3. Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze the sticks for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the breading adhere better during frying.
4. Heat the Oil:
- In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Carefully place a few frozen mozzarella sticks into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the sticks for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining mozzarella sticks.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the mozzarella sticks to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve with your favorite marinara sauce or dipping sauce of choice.
These homemade crispy mozzarella sticks are a delightful snack or appetizer, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunch!
