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Delicious homemade mozzarella cheese sticks served with marinara sauce

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Delicious and crispy homemade mozzarella cheese sticks served with a rich marinara sauce, perfect for snacking or sharing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Sticks
  • 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese Try to use high-quality mozzarella for the best flavor and stretchiness!
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour For coating and texture; gluten-free flour can be a substitute.
  • 2 large eggs Lightly beaten; helps the coating adhere to the cheese.
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs Use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, or panko for extra crunch.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds depth to the flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano For that classic touch.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Essential for enhancing flavor.
For the Marinara Sauce
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 ounces) Opt for a brand with no added sugar.
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil Adds richness to the sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced Fresh garlic works wonders!
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • Salt and black pepper to taste Adjust based on your preference.
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) Provides a nice touch and aroma.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a shallow bowl, place the flour. In another bowl, whisk the eggs together until smooth. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cut the mozzarella cheese into sticks about 1-inch thick.
  4. Coat each cheese stick in flour, shake off excess, dip in beaten eggs, then roll in breadcrumb mixture.
  5. Place the coated cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart, and lightly spray them with cooking spray.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Marinara Sauce Preparation
  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Serving
  1. Once the cheese sticks are ready, let them cool for a few minutes before serving with warm marinara sauce.

Notes

You can freeze prepared cheese sticks before baking for later use. Adjust seasoning in marinara sauce to your taste, and consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs or dairy-free cheese alternatives as needed.