Indulge in the delightful experience of Mini Mozzarella Sticks, a crispy and cheesy appetizer that will tantalize your taste buds. These bite-sized treats are made with gooey mozzarella cheese, coated in a golden-brown breadcrumb crust, and served with a luscious marinara dipping sauce. Prepare to be captivated by the symphony of flavors and textures in each crispy morsel. The rich and stretchy mozzarella cheese provides a satisfying pull, while the crispy breadcrumb coating adds a delightful crunch. Immerse each Mini Mozzarella Stick in the tangy and flavorful marinara sauce for an explosion of taste that will leave you craving more. This article presents two irresistible recipes: one for the Mini Mozzarella Sticks and another for the Marinara Dipping Sauce. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you'll be able to create these culinary delights in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds singing.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
MINI MOZZARELLA STICKS WITH MARINARA DIPPING SAUCE
Mozzarella sticks are a must-order whenever I see them on a menu, but the truth is they are really easy to prepare at home, too. All it takes is a few basic ingredients you probably already have on hand and a little patience. Once you try this recipe, I guarantee you're going to want to make it over and over again! I chose to make them mini because I always feel badly double-dipping my mozz sticks in the group marinara, and these mini ones are perfect for just one dunk. Enjoy the mozzarella sticks dunked into marinara sauce or on a salad. They can also be assembled in advance and stored in the freezer, ready to fry anytime you want an appetizer or snack.
Provided by Elena Besser
Categories side-dish
Time 50m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Make room for the baking sheet in your freezer.
- Blitz the panko in a food processor until it has the texture of coarse sand. Make a dredging station by preparing 3 large resealable plastic bags. In the first bag, whisk together the eggs with 3 tablespoons water. In the second, combine the flour and 1 tablespoon salt. In the third, combine the panko and Parmesan, as well as the dried basil, dried oregano and/or dried parsley if using.
- Working in an assembly line, add the mozzarella to the egg mixture, tossing to coat. Allow any excess egg to drip off, then transfer the mozzarella to the flour mixture and shake to coat. Transfer the mozzarella back to the egg mixture, tossing to coat. Transfer the mozzarella to the panko mixture and shake to coat. Transfer the mozzarella back to the egg mixture and then the panko mixture one more time, then place on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet with the mozzarella sticks in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes (see Cook's Note).
- Meanwhile, make the marinara sauce. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the fennel seeds and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, 1 minute more. Stir in the tomato sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt to taste and keep warm.
- When ready to fry the mini mozzarella sticks, add a 1/2 inch of neutral oil to a large skillet or Dutch oven and heat over medium heat until shimmering. Set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet or line with paper towels.
- Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches until golden, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to the wire rack and immediately season with salt.
- Pour the marinara sauce into a ramekin, then place the mozzarella sticks on a serving platter, top with some Parmesan and the chopped parsley and enjoy!
MARINARA DIPPING SAUCE
Serve this traditional marinara sauce with warm bread. Garlic bread would also be delicious!
Provided by Jackie Smith
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes
Time 55m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large skillet, heat oil and saute garlic until light brown and softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in tomatoes, sugar, water, basil, and salt and pepper.
- Bring contents of the pan to a boil. Cover and simmer on low heat for approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 63.9 calories, Carbohydrate 7.6 g, Fat 3.7 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 1.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 8 mg, Sugar 5.1 g
GARLIC AND HERB MOZZARELLA STICKS WITH MARINARA DIPPING SAUCE
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Categories appetizer
Time 30m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat 1 inch of oil in a deep pan to 330 degrees F.
- Place the flour in a shallow dish, season with salt and pepper then stir. Beat together the egg with salt and pepper in a second shallow dish. Place the finely crushed garlic and herb pita chips in a third shallow dish. Dip each cheese stick half in flour, shaking off the excess, then in the egg, then repeat the flour and egg. Lastly, dip each in the pita chips, pressing to coat. At this point, freeze for 15 minutes to firm the sticks before frying.
- Combine the marinara, cream and pesto in a small sauce pot. Stir and heat through.
- Fry the mozzarella sticks in the hot oil, turning, until golden brown on all sides, about 30 seconds. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce.
EASY MARINARA DIPPING SAUCE FOR THE LAZY
For those of us who don't like sauces laden with tomato chunks (much as I like tomato-based foods, tomato chunks just gross me out!) and also happen to be way too lazy to peel and cut tomatoes (that's what cans are for.) For some variation ideas try replacing one of the cans of tomato sauce with tomato paste if you like it thicker. Like it really spicy? Replace one plain can with one can of pre-seasoned tomato sauce. Yummy dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks, serve 1/4 cup in a ramekin. Recommended dishes to have with this sauce: Recipe #394477, Recipe #30977, and Recipe #91274 if making pretzel cheese logs!
Provided by the80srule
Categories Sauces
Time 10m
Yield 2 cups, 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Blend all the ingredients together in a food processor or blender.
- To gently heat, pour 1/4 cup (or the desired amount) into a microwave-safe ramekin or container, and put a paper plate over it so tomato splats won't get all over the microwave. Nuke for 30 seconds on 50% power. You may have to adjust up or downward depending on microwave strength.
FRIED MOZZARELLA CHEESE STICKS
These fried cheese sticks are very easy to prepare and sooo good. Enjoy!
Provided by NANCI RENN
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Cheese
Time 30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a small bowl, mix the eggs and water.
- Mix the bread crumbs and garlic salt in a medium bowl. In a medium bowl, blend the flour and cornstarch.
- In a large heavy saucepan, heat the oil to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).
- One at a time, coat each mozzarella stick in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, then in the bread crumbs and finally into the oil. Fry until golden brown, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 400.2 calories, Carbohydrate 29.5 g, Cholesterol 82.8 mg, Fat 22.5 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 19.4 g, SaturatedFat 7.5 g, Sodium 805.5 mg, Sugar 1.5 g
Tips:
- To ensure the mozzarella sticks are crispy, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying them. You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
- To prevent the mozzarella from leaking out of the breadcrumb coating, make sure to seal the edges of the breadcrumb coating well before frying.
- For a gooey and stretchy mozzarella center, use fresh mozzarella cheese. You can also use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese, but it will not be as gooey.
- Serve the mozzarella sticks immediately after frying them, while they are still hot and crispy.
- If you are making the marinara dipping sauce ahead of time, be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating it. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
- You can also use store-bought marinara sauce if you are short on time.
Conclusion:
These mini mozzarella sticks with marinara dipping sauce are a delicious and easy appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. They are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and served with a flavorful marinara dipping sauce. Whether you are hosting a party or just want a quick and easy snack, these mozzarella sticks are sure to be a hit.
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