The mozzarella sticks are ideal appetizers for parties, for daily snacks and are also very popular with children. They can be cooked in many different ways, for example fried or baked if you prefer a healthier version with less fat.
Ingrediants
Baked Mozzarella Sticks
- 24 sticks of mozzarella
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 5 tablespoons of breadcrumbs seasoned with Italian herbs
- 5 tablespoons of plain breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons of grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon of parsley, dried
- Non-stick spray or oil for greasing
Fried Mozzarella sticks
- 450g of Mozzarella
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of milk
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs topped with Italian herbs
- 1/4 cup of flour
- 1 cup of vegetable oil for frying
Mozzarella Sticks in Fillo Paste (for Wonton)
- 12 pieces of Mozzarella
- 12 pieces of Fillo Dough (for wonton)
- 1 cup of vegetable oil for frying
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Step 1. Place the 24 sticks in the freezer
They must freeze completely, until they become hard. This step is essential to ensure that the mozzarella remains solid during cooking.
Step 2. Prepare the breading
Place each ingredient in a bowl large enough to submerge the sticks.
- Beat the egg with a whisk in a bowl.
- In another bowl, mix the herb breadcrumbs with the regular breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan and dried parsley.
- Pour the flour into a third bowl.
Step 3. Remove the mozzarella from the freezer
In the following steps, you need to dip the sticks into each bowl. Before you start, take a baking sheet and cover it with a sheet of parchment paper to set the breaded sticks on.
Step 4. First, roll the sticks in flour
Make sure each stick is evenly coated with flour.
Step 5. Dip the floured sticks into the beaten egg
Step 6. To finish, roll the sticks in flavored breadcrumbs
Again, make sure the sticks are well breaded. Place them on the sheet of parchment paper.
Step 7. Place the pan on which you placed the sticks in the freezer
Wait until they get hard again. If you skip this step, the sticks will melt during cooking.
Step 8. Preheat the oven to 200ºC
Step 9. Grease the pan with non-stick spray or oil
Check that the sticks are not touching each other, then place the pan in the oven. Let them cook for 5 minutes, then check for crunchiness. Use tongs to flip and cook another 4 to 5 minutes on the other side.
Step 10. Remove the pan from the oven when they seem ready and crunchy
Do not leave them unattended or in the oven for too long, otherwise they will melt completely. Now they are ready to be served!
- Serve them with a sauce of your choice, such as chili sauce, mayonnaise, or ketchup.
- For a party, arrange them on a circular plate, placing the sauces in the center. Serve them hot to enjoy them at their best.
Method 2 of 3: Fried Mozzarella Sticks
Step 1. Cut the mozzarella into sticks
Cut strips about 2cm x 2cm.
Step 2. Prepare the batter
Put the eggs in a bowl, add the milk and start beating with a whisk.
Step 3. Pour the flour into a bowl, then put the breadcrumbs in another bowl
Step 4. Roll the sticks in flour
They must be completely covered.
Step 5. Dip the floured sticks into the eggs
Cover them completely.
Step 6. Roll the egg-covered sticks in the breadcrumbs
At this point, you could repeat the above steps for a double breading. Then, if you prefer, dip the sticks back into the egg and breadcrumbs.
Step 7. Arrange the breaded sticks on a sheet of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together
Step 8. Heat the oil in a saucepan or frying pan
When the oil comes to temperature, fry two or three sticks at a time. Don't put too many in the pan, or they'll spoil. Fry them for one minute on each side, until golden brown.
Step 9. Remove the sticks from the pan using tongs
Place them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 10. Serve them still hot with your favorite sauce
For example, chili sauce, mayonnaise or ketchup.
Method 3 of 3: Variation: Mozzarella Sticks in Fillo Paste (for Wonton)
This recipe is not authentic, however it is a less complicated version and is perfect for children who will love it!
Step 1. Put the sticks in the freezer
Wait until they freeze completely.
Step 2. Take them out of the freezer and wrap them in phyllo dough (which is the pastry you would also use to make wontons / spring rolls) as follows:
- Place the stick on the phyllo dough.
- Fold the bottom side over the stick.
- Wrap the dough around the stick.
- Fold the sides in the middle to coat the mozzarella.
- Moisten the remaining end of the dough with a drop of water, then wrap it to seal.
Step 3. Repeat this process for each mozzarella stick
Arrange them on a plate while you heat the oil.
Step 4. Heat the oil in a saucepan or frying pan
Add enough oil to completely cover the sticks.
Step 5. Place 2 or 3 sticks in the pan at a time and let them fry for 30 to 60 seconds on each side
When they are ready, remove them from the pan with a slotted spoon.
Step 6. Place them on absorbent paper to remove excess oil
Step 7. Serve them still hot with a sauce of your choice, such as chili sauce, mayonnaise or ketchup
Step 8. Finished
Advice
- If you prefer, you can replace the light mozzarella with buffalo mozzarella or some other type of fatter mozzarella.
- Prepare the Italian breadcrumbs by adding chopped herbs to taste.
- The phyllo dough (the same you would use for wontons / spring rolls) can be stored on a damp tea towel or between damp napkins before use.
