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Chili's Mozzarella Sticks

Deliciously crispy mozzarella sticks with a spicy kick, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
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Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheese sticks, Fried Appetizer, Mozzarella Sticks
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 150kcal

Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks

  • 12 oz mozzarella cheese sticks Cut into 3-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour For dredging
  • 2 large eggs Beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Use Italian-style for added flavor
  • 1 tsp garlic powder For seasoning
  • 1 tsp onion powder For seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried oregano For seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper Adjust to taste for spiciness
  • 1/2 tsp salt To taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper To taste
  • 2 cups vegetable oil For frying

For the Marinara Sauce

  • 1 cup marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

  • Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 3-inch pieces if not already done. This size is ideal for dipping and ensures they melt properly.
  • Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Bread the Mozzarella Sticks

  • Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off the excess. This helps the egg adhere better.
  • Dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is completely coated.
  • Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well. Repeat for all sticks.
  • Place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for at least 15 minutes. This step helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.

Fry the Mozzarella Sticks

  • In a deep fryer or large pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the right temperature for frying.
  • Carefully add a few mozzarella sticks to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Remove the sticks using tongs and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining sticks.

Serve

  • Serve the mozzarella sticks hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy treat!

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy exterior.

Nutrition

Serving: 1stick | Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 100mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Calcium: 200mg | Iron: 0.5mg