Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce & Creamy Dip

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These crispy mozzarella sticks offer the perfect balance of crunchy texture and creamy, gooey cheese. The addition of a zesty marinara sauce and a rich, creamy dip elevates the flavor, creating an irresistible bite every time. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but is also incredibly versatile—add a little kick with red pepper flakes or turn it into a meal with a side salad. Whether served at parties, game days, or just as a snack, this dish is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

• 1 lb mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup milk
• Oil for frying

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 1 jar (15 oz) marinara sauce

For the Creamy Dip:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Make the Mozzarella Sticks: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In another dish, whisk together the eggs and milk. Dip each mozzarella cube into the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated.

2. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the mozzarella cubes for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and melted inside. Once fried, drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Creamy Dip: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, parsley, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.

4. Serve: Arrange the fried mozzarella sticks on a plate and serve with the marinara sauce and creamy dip.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Mozzarella Sticks: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture to give the mozzarella sticks a spicy kick.
• Cheese Options: Swap the mozzarella for other melty cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a different flavor.
• Make it a Meal: Serve the mozzarella sticks with a side of fresh vegetables or a mixed green salad for a more substantial dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover mozzarella sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy again. Avoid microwaving as this can make them soggy.

FAQs

How do I keep my mozzarella sticks from leaking cheese when frying?

Make sure the mozzarella is well-coated in the flour mixture and egg wash, and that the oil is hot enough before frying. This helps seal the cheese inside while frying.

Can I make mozzarella sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mozzarella sticks ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Fry them just before serving for the best results.

Can I bake these mozzarella sticks instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They will be less crispy than fried, but still delicious.

Can I use low-fat mozzarella cheese for this recipe?

While you can use low-fat mozzarella, it may not melt as well as full-fat mozzarella. The texture might also be slightly different.

How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out while frying?

Make sure the mozzarella sticks are fully coated and that the oil is hot before frying. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan, as this lowers the temperature of the oil and increases the likelihood of the cheese leaking out.

Can I make the marinara sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade marinara, simply simmer crushed tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a pinch of salt for a delicious homemade sauce.

How long do these mozzarella sticks stay fresh in the fridge?

They can stay fresh for up to 2 days when properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I freeze mozzarella sticks?

Yes, you can freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks before frying. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Fry them directly from frozen.

Can I use a deep fryer instead of a skillet for frying?

Yes, a deep fryer works great for mozzarella sticks. Just make sure the oil is preheated to around 350°F for optimal frying.

Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for the regular panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Conclusion

Crispy mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce and creamy dip are an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Whether you're preparing them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a larger meal, these cheese-filled treats are sure to please everyone. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll have a fun and tasty dish that everyone will love.