Ooey Gooey Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Freeze Cheese Sticks: Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and cut them in half. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly when frying.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Stations

1. Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, place the all-purpose flour.
2. Egg Mixture: In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
3. Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Coat in Flour: Take each frozen mozzarella stick half and roll it in the flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Dip in Egg: Dip the flour-coated stick into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
3. Coat in Breadcrumbs: Roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
4. Double Coat: For an extra crispy exterior, dip the breadcrumb-coated stick back into the egg mixture and then again into the breadcrumbs.
5. Freeze Again: Place the breaded mozzarella sticks back on the baking sheet and freeze for another 30 minutes. This helps the breading stick better during frying.

Step 4: Fry the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Heat Oil: In a deep frying pan or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry: Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches, without overcrowding the pan, for about 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcook, as the cheese can start to ooze out.
3. Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried mozzarella sticks and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve Immediately: Mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.

Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Sticks:

• Freezing: Freezing the cheese sticks before and after breading helps prevent them from melting too quickly when frying.
• Double Coating: Double coating the mozzarella sticks ensures a thicker, crispier crust that holds the cheese inside better.
• Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for best results. If the oil is too hot, the breading will burn before the cheese melts; if too cool, the sticks will absorb more oil and become greasy.
• Baking Option: For a healthier option, bake the breaded mozzarella sticks in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Turn them halfway through baking.

Enjoy your ooey gooey mozzarella sticks as a delightful appetizer or snack!