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Homemade Mozzarella Sticks in 30 Minutes

When it comes to comfort food, few things can rival the deliciousness of deep-fried mozzarella sticks. With a crispy exterior and gooey, melted centre, they are the ultimate indulgence, perfect for snacking, entertaining, or as a side dish. The good news is that making homemade mozzarella sticks is surprisingly quick and straightforward. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these delightful treats that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

To make homemade mozzarella sticks, you will need the following ingredients:

• 400g mozzarella cheese sticks (or a block of mozzarella cut into thick strips)
• ½ cup plain flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)

Equipment

• Large frying pan or deep fat fryer
• Three shallow bowls
• Tongs or a slotted spoon
• Kitchen towel for draining

Steps to Create the Perfect Mozzarella Sticks

1. Prepare Your Station

Start by setting up your breading station. In one shallow bowl, place the plain flour. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This assembly line will help streamline the coating process.

2. Coat the Cheese

Take each mozzarella stick and first dip it into the flour, ensuring it is evenly coated. Then, shake off any excess flour before dipping it into the whisked eggs. Finally, roll the stick in the seasoned breadcrumbs until it’s fully covered. For extra crunch, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating. This method creates a thicker shell that protects the cheese as it melts.

3. Heat the Oil

In a large frying pan, heat about 5cm of vegetable oil over medium heat. You can test the oil’s readiness by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle on contact. If you have a deep fat fryer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for heating the oil.

4. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks

Carefully place a few breaded mozzarella sticks into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to turn them gently and remove them once done. Drain the cooked sticks on a kitchen towel to absorb any excess oil.

5. Serve Immediately

Mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the fryer. Serve them warm, accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping. You could also offer a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh parsley to elevate the presentation.

Tips for Success

• Freeze Before Frying: If you want to prepare the sticks in advance, consider freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks for 30 minutes before frying. This helps them hold their shape and reduces the chances of the cheese oozing out during cooking.

• Experiment with Flavours: Feel free to add other herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture, such as Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or even some grated parmesan for an extra kick of flavour.

• Baking Option: If you’d like a healthier version, you can bake mozzarella sticks. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and place the sticks on a lined baking tray. Lightly spray them with cooking oil and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

Conclusion

Homemade mozzarella sticks are not only a delightful treat but also a fantastic way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can create a crowd-pleasing snack that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy these cheesy, crispy morsels straight from your own kitchen!