Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Zesty Marinara Sauce

Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Zesty Marinara Sauce

Hey there, friend! If you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, and downright irresistible, you’ve come to the right place.

These Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—perfect for game nights, cozy evenings, or anytime you need a little comfort food magic.

With a golden, crunchy coating and gooey, melty cheese inside, paired with a tangy homemade marinara sauce, this recipe is a shortcut to happiness.

And don’t worry, I’ve kept it super simple so you can whip these up without breaking a sweat.

How to Make It

Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Step 1: Prep the Mozzarella Sticks
Cut the mozzarella cheese into sticks, then coat them in flour, dip them in beaten eggs, and roll them in seasoned breadcrumbs. Make sure each stick is fully coated for that perfect crunch!

Step 2: Freeze for Firmness
Pop the coated sticks in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial—it keeps the cheese from oozing out too quickly when frying.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot, then fry the mozzarella sticks until they’re golden brown and crispy. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 4: Make the Marinara Sauce
While the sticks are frying, whip up a quick marinara sauce by simmering crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. It’s fresh, zesty, and the perfect dip for your cheesy sticks.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange the mozzarella sticks on a platter with the warm marinara sauce on the side. Grab one, dip it, and savor that crispy, cheesy goodness!

Pro Tips

• Use block mozzarella: Pre-sliced cheese won’t hold up as well during frying.
• Double coat for extra crunch: Dip the sticks in egg and breadcrumbs twice for an even thicker, crispier coating.
• Don’t skip the freezer step: It’s the secret to keeping the cheese inside the sticks.
• Air fryer option: For a lighter version, air fry the sticks at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
• Freezer: Freeze unbreaded or breaded sticks on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry or bake straight from frozen when ready to eat.
• Marinara Sauce: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  

Print Recipe

Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Zesty Marinara Sauce

Cooking Method: Frying, Simmering Cuisine: Italian Delights Courses: Appetizers & Snacks

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 10 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 1 hr

Servings: 4 Calories: 280

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Dietary:

Nut Free Vegetarian

Description

These Crispy Mozzarella Sticks are golden, crunchy, and filled with melty cheese perfection. Paired with a quick and flavorful homemade marinara sauce, they’re an easy, irresistible appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or anytime you need a cheesy treat.

Ready in under an hour, this recipe is a shortcut to deliciousness!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

• 12 oz block mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• ¹⁄₄ tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ¹⁄₂ tsp dried oregano
• ¹⁄₄ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cut the Cheese:

   Slice the mozzarella block into 12 even sticks, about 1/2-inch thick.

2. Set Up Coating Station:

   Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.

3. Coat the Sticks:

   Roll each mozzarella stick in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step.

4. Freeze:

   Place coated sticks on a plate or baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes.

5. Heat Oil:

   In a deep skillet or pot, heat 2 inches of oil to 375°F.

6. Fry:

   Working in batches, fry the sticks for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

7. Make Marinara Sauce:

   In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

8. Serve:

   Arrange mozzarella sticks on a platter with marinara sauce on the side. Enjoy immediately!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 280kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 14g22%

Total Carbohydrate 22g8%

Sugars 3g

Protein 16g32%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
• If you don’t have Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, mix plain breadcrumbs with 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
• Be careful not to overcook the mozzarella sticks, or the cheese will melt out completely.

These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.

Keywords: Mozzarella sticks, homemade marinara, easy appetizer, cheesy snacks