Are you on the lookout for an appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering? Look no further than mini mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce! These bite-sized delights combine the irresistible pull of gooey cheese with a crisp outer coating, all paired with a side of tangy marinara sauce for dipping. Not only are they a crowd-pleaser, but they’re also surprisingly simple to make. Follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have a delicious appetizer that your guests will be talking about long after the party is over.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
– 1 lb of mozzarella cheese (preferably in a block for easy slicing)
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons of milk
– 1½ cups of breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned for extra flavor)
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon of salt
– ½ teaspoon of pepper
– Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
For the Marinara Sauce (Optional, you can also use store-bought):
– 1 can (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Marinara Sauce (if making from scratch):
- Cook the Aromatics: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Season: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, remove it from the heat. Let it cool while you prepare the mozzarella sticks.
Making the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Slice the Cheese: Cut the mozzarella block into ½ inch thick sticks. For mini mozzarella sticks, you can cut these into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Coating Station: Line up three bowls. In the first bowl, put the flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. Beat the eggs and milk together in the second bowl, and mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the third bowl.
- Coat the Cheese Sticks: Roll each cheese stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it in the egg mixture, and then roll it in the breadcrumbs. For a thicker coating, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more.
- Freeze: Place the coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial as it helps maintain the shape of the cheese sticks while frying and prevents cheese from oozing out too quickly.
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 365°F (185°C). Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches, without crowding them, until golden brown, usually about 1 minute per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Serve:
Arrange the freshly fried mini mozzarella sticks on a platter with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. With their crunchy exterior, molten cheesy interior, and the tangy sweetness of the marinara sauce, these mini mozzarella sticks are the perfect start to any party or gathering.
Additional Tips:
- For an extra crunchy exterior, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional ones.
- If you’re short on time, feel free to use a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce.
- These can also be made in an air fryer for a healthier option. Just make sure to spray them with a bit of oil before air frying at 400°F (200°C) for about 6-8 minutes.
Combining the comfort of cheese, the crunch of a perfectly fried coating, and the zest of marinara sauce, homemade mini mozzarella sticks are a game-changer when it comes to party snacks. They’re simple enough for any home cook to tackle but deliver a flavor and texture that feels restaurant-quality. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to dazzle your guests with this delectable appetizer!
