🧀🔥 Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara & Creamy Garlic Dip — Melty, Crunchy, Totally Addictive! 😍
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Perfect For: Parties, appetizers, snacks
🎉 Why You’ll Love These Mozzarella Sticks
These Crispy Mozzarella Sticks are everything you love about cheese sticks — crunchy, golden breadcrumbs, gooey, melty mozzarella on the inside, and a side of rich marinara sauce and creamy garlic dip to take them to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a quick snack, or making appetizers for game day, these cheese sticks are always a hit. And the best part? They’re freezer-friendly, so you can always have a batch ready for when the craving strikes!
🛒 Ingredients (For the Mozzarella Sticks and Dips)
Mozzarella Sticks:
1 lb mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
1½ cups regular breadcrumbs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Marinara Sauce (for dipping):
1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Creamy Garlic Dip:
½ cup sour cream
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
👨🍳 How to Make Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara & Creamy Garlic Dip
🧀 Step 1: Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks
Set up your breading station: In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In another, place the beaten eggs. In a third, combine the panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Bread the mozzarella: Coat each mozzarella cube in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, and then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crispy texture, repeat the breading process: dip back in the egg and breadcrumbs.
Freeze the mozzarella sticks: Arrange the breaded cheese cubes on a tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour). This helps the cheese stay intact while frying.
🔥 Step 2: Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over 350°F (175°C).
Fry in batches: Carefully drop the frozen mozzarella sticks into the hot oil, cooking them for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
🍝 Step 3: Make the Dips
For the marinara sauce, simply heat the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat or use it straight from the jar. You can also warm it in the microwave for 30 seconds.
For the creamy garlic dip, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until well combined and creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
🍽️ Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve the hot crispy mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce and creamy garlic dip on the side. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a little extra Italian seasoning.
💡 Tips & Tricks
🍝 Double Breading for Extra Crunch:
For an extra crunchy crust, do a double breading. After the first coat, dip the mozzarella again in egg and breadcrumbs, then freeze. This ensures a crispier bite with more texture.
🍴 Air Fryer Version:
If you want to skip frying, you can make these in an air fryer. Spray the breaded mozzarella sticks with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
🍳 Make-Ahead & Freezing:
You can freeze these mozzarella sticks after breading them (before frying). Freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, fry straight from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cook time.
🧂 Make It Spicy:
Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs for a bit of heat, or serve with a spicy marinara or chipotle dipping sauce.
🧺 Meal Prep & Storage
🧊 Freezing:
If you make a big batch, freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks on a tray and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Fry them from frozen whenever you need a quick snack or appetizer!
🏷️ Storage:
Fridge: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to get them crispy again.
Freezer: You can also freeze leftover fried mozzarella sticks for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven for 10 minutes.
🍴 Perfect For Any Occasion
🍕 Parties: Perfect for game day, cocktail parties, or any gathering where you need an irresistible snack.
🧀 Appetizers: Serve as an appetizer with a side of marinara and garlic dip.
🧺 Family Snack Time: Crispy, cheesy goodness the whole family will love.
🍝 Dinner Side: Pair them with a pasta dish or salad for a fun meal!
📸 Picture-Perfect Moment
For the perfect Instagram shot, arrange your mozzarella sticks on a rustic platter with dipping sauces on the side. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top and a drizzle of marinara sauce will add a vibrant pop. Don’t forget to catch that gooey mozzarella stretch!
📸 Tag @zacrecipes.online and use #CrispyMozzarellaSticks when you recreate this cheesy delight!
🏁 Final Bite: Crunchy, Cheesy, and Irresistible
These Crispy Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect balance of crunchy, golden coating and gooey melted cheese. Paired with a tangy marinara sauce and a creamy garlic dip, these bites are an appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and totally addictive.