Target: 6 × 4 inches · landscape

Fried Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara

75 min · 6 appetizer servings

Ingredients

□ 16 oz low-moisture whole-milk mozzarella block

□ 1 cup all-purpose flour

□ 1 tsp kosher salt

□ 1/2 tsp garlic powder

□ 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning

□ 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

□ 2 large eggs

□ 1 tbsp water

□ 2 cups panko breadcrumbs

□ 4 to 6 cups neutral high-heat oil, as needed for 1 1/2 to 2 inches in the pot

□ 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce

1. Cut mozzarella into 12 sticks. Set up seasoned flour, egg wash, and panko in order.

2. Coat each stick in flour, egg, panko, then egg and panko again. Freeze on a tray for 30 minutes.

3. Warm marinara and heat oil in a heavy pot to 350 F. Fry 3 or 4 sticks for 1 to 2 minutes, turning once.

4. Drain on a wire rack and rest about 1 minute. Serve immediately with warm marinara.

Cook’s note: Double-coat the ends and freeze briefly so cheese stays inside the crisp panko shell.