Mozzarella Sticks

appetizer cheese dairy mozzarella panko snack super bowl

Andy Baraghani

Makes about 24 pieces

Source

Ingredients

1 pound mozzarella (preferably Polly-o)

¾ cup all-purpose flour

3 large eggs

3 tablespoons whole milk

2 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)

1½ teaspoons garlic powder

1½ teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Vegetable oil (for frying; about 6 cups)

Kosher salt

Spicy Marinara Sauce (for serving)

A deep-fry thermometer

Method

Cut mozzarella into 3x½" pieces. Place flour in a shallow dish. Whisk eggs and milk in another shallow dish. Mix panko, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme in third shallow dish.

Working with one piece of mozzarella at a time, dredge in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then coat in panko mixture, pressing to adhere. Repeat steps for a second coating. Transfer to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with remaining mozzarella. Transfer rack with mozzarella to freezer and freeze at least 1 hour.

Fit a large pot with deep-fry thermometer and pour in oil to come 2" up sides. Heat over medium-high until thermometer registers 350°. Working in batches, fry mozzarella, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, 2–2½ minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and season with salt while still hot. Serve with Spicy Marinara Sauce.

Do Ahead: Mozzarella sticks can be breaded 3 days ahead; keep frozen.