---
project: "[[00_MANIFEST-recipes]]"
folder: "[[00_INDEX-appetizers-recipes]]"
title: Mozzarella Sticks
pack: founders-pack
servings: 4
ingredients:
  - 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (low-moisture, not fresh mozz)
  - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  - 2 large eggs, beaten with 1 tbsp water
  - 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs (or panko + 1 tsp Italian seasoning)
  - 1/4 cup grated parmesan
  - 1 tsp garlic powder
  - 1/2 tsp salt
  - Neutral oil for frying (about 4 cups)
  - Marinara for serving — [[Classic Marinara Sauce]] is the go-to; [[Quick Marinara Sauce]] or [[Weeknight Marinara]] work great too
instructions:
  - "**Cut cheese sticks** — Cut cheese sticks in half for 24 pieces or leave whole."
  - "**Set up stations** — Arrange three bowls: flour / egg wash / breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan, garlic powder, and salt."
  - "**Double bread sticks** — Dredge each stick: flour → egg → breadcrumbs → egg again → breadcrumbs again. The double breading is non-negotiable — single coats leak."
  - "**Freeze thoroughly** — Freeze on a sheet pan at least 1 hour, ideally 2. Frozen solid is the goal."
  - "**Heat oil** — Heat oil to 350°F in a heavy pot (2–3 inches deep)."
  - "**Fry in batches** — Fry in batches of 4–6 for 1–2 minutes, until golden. Don't walk away — the window between golden and rupture is short."
  - "**Drain and serve** — Drain on a rack, salt lightly, serve hot with marinara."
notes:
  - "summary: Double-breaded mozzarella sticks frozen solid before frying — the freeze prevents cheese from rupturing, leaving a crisp coat and molten center."
  - Make a big batch and keep them breaded in the freezer; fry straight from frozen anytime.
  - "Air fryer: 390°F for 6–8 min from frozen, spray with oil first. Decent, not equal."
  - Fresh mozzarella has too much water — it will explode. Low-moisture only.
  - Servings not found in the source — set to 4.
  - "components: [[Classic Marinara Sauce]] (marinara), [[Quick Marinara Sauce]], [[Weeknight Marinara]]"
---