Mozzarella Sticks

When I was a kid, these were one of my favourite snacks. I would love to order them as appetizers at every restaurant. I have not had this delicious treat in years! Yes, years!

But lately I had been craving this snack, so I decided to give it a try at home. I mean, I already make the crispiest schnitzel, how hard can it be to make crispy fried cheese. Guess what? Not hard at all. Same schnitzel method, but with a cheesy taste. Also, for extra crispy goodness, I rolled these babies in the panko crumbs twice! Oh, and do not forget the pizza dipping sauce… Do not!

Grab your stretchy pants because you will want to eat the entire plate of these mozzarella sticks and then gossip about it to your friends!

Mozzarella Sticks

Yield: 16 sticks

INGREDIENTS:
8 mozzarella cheese strings, cut in half
1/4 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup panko crumbs
1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika
Salt/pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying
Marinara sauce, for dipping

DIRECTIONS:
1. In 3 separate bowls, set up a dredging station. First bowl, flour, salt and pepper. Second bowl, beaten eggs. Third bowl, panko crumbs, Italian seasoning and paprika.
2. In this order, coat the mozzarella sticks: flour, egg, panko, egg, panko. Set aside on plate until all the sticks are coated.
3. In a pot, fill up about half way with oil for frying. Bring up the oil to 375 degrees.
4. Drop in about 4 mozzarella sticks at one time, working in batches, until golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, about 2-3 minutes. Place on paper towel.
5. Serve with your favourite marinara sauce. Enjoy!