Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces mozzarella cheese sticks
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special Equipment Needed:
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the deep fryer to 375 degrees F.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Dip each cheese stick into the flour mixture, coating it completely.
4. Carefully place the cheese sticks into the preheated deep fryer and fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Remove the cheese sticks from the fryer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
6. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 minutes
Temperature: 375 degrees F
Serving Size: 4-6
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 456
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 19g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour
- Italian-style breadcrumbs can be substituted with panko breadcrumbs
- Mozzarella cheese sticks can be substituted with string cheese
Variations:
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick
- Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture for a cheesy flavor
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the cheese sticks are completely coated in the flour mixture before frying
- Fry the cheese sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer
Storage Instructions:
- Place the cooked mozzarella sticks in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Place the mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the mozzarella sticks with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.
- Place the mozzarella sticks on a platter with toothpicks for easy eating.
Garnishes:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
Pairings:
- Tomato soup
- Salad
- French fries
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cheese sticks are not crispy enough, increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to cook the cheese sticks to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F to ensure they are cooked through.
Food History:
Mozzarella sticks have been around since the 1980s and have become a popular appetizer in restaurants and bars.
Flavor Profiles:
The mozzarella sticks have a savory flavor with a hint of garlic, onion, oregano, and basil.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the mozzarella sticks as an appetizer or snack
- Serve them as a side dish with your favorite pasta dish
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A