Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 oz. mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup pork rinds, crushed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or large pot for frying
- Food processor or plastic bag and rolling pin for crushing pork rinds
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cut mozzarella cheese sticks in half and set aside.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed pork rinds, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. In another shallow dish, whisk together eggs and milk.
4. In a third shallow dish, place all-purpose flour.
5. Dip each mozzarella stick half into the flour, shaking off any excess.
6. Next, dip the floured mozzarella stick half into the egg mixture, making sure it is fully coated.
7. Finally, roll the mozzarella stick half in the pork rind mixture, pressing the pork rinds onto the cheese to ensure they stick.
8. Repeat with all mozzarella stick halves.
9. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F.
10. Fry the mozzarella stick halves in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
12. Serve hot and enjoy!
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Temperature:
Oil temperature for frying: 375°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes 16 pork rind crusted mozzarella stick halves, serving 4-6 people as an appetizer.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 190
Total fat: 14g
Saturated fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 350mg
Total carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork rinds can be substituted with breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for a less crunchy coating.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with almond flour for a gluten-free option.
- Mozzarella cheese sticks can be substituted with any other cheese that can hold its shape when fried, such as cheddar or pepper jack.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pork rind mixture for a spicy kick.
- Use different seasonings in the pork rind mixture, such as Italian seasoning or ranch seasoning.
- Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to fully coat each mozzarella stick half in each step to ensure the coating sticks and doesn't fall off during frying.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil to avoid excess oil on the finished product.
- Let the mozzarella sticks cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
Storage instructions:
Leftover pork rind crusted mozzarella sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, preheat the oven to 375°F and place the mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the pork rind crusted mozzarella sticks on a platter with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Pairings:
Pair with a cold beer or a glass of red wine for a delicious appetizer.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the coating falls off during frying, make sure to fully coat each mozzarella stick half in each step and press the pork rinds onto the cheese to ensure they stick.
- If the coating burns before the cheese is fully melted, lower the oil temperature slightly and fry for a shorter amount of time.
Food safety advice:
- Use caution when working with hot oil to avoid burns.
- Make sure the cheese is fully melted before serving to avoid any potential choking hazards.
Food history:
Mozzarella sticks are a popular appetizer in American cuisine, believed to have originated in the United States in the 1970s.
Flavor profiles:
The pork rind crust adds a crunchy texture and savory flavor to the gooey, melted mozzarella cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or snack before a meal, or as a party food for guests to enjoy.
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