We have a running joke in our house that no matter what time our guests come over for dinner, the meal won’t be ready for at least an hour after their arrival. We say that we make sure our guests are really hungry so that they think whatever it is we’ve prepared is outstanding. When I decide to plan ahead (which doesn’t happen near as often as I wish), I like to have something for guests to nibble on while they wait.
When I saw this recipe for Fried Mozzarella on Tasty Kitchen it caught my attention as a perfect appetizer for waiting guests. For starters, it’s fried which automatically makes it delicious. But really, who doesn’t like fried cheese? The crispy outside and gooey inside are a winning combination. Served with marinara or ranch dressing, your guests will gobble up this tasty treat.
This is great to prepare ahead of time as they need to flash freeze in the freezer. I’ve tried making these before and they were a total flop. I think this recipe works so well because of the freezing and because the cheese sticks are cut in half. This simple recipe is a sure crowd pleaser and is perfect for all your summer entertaining.
Fried Mozzarella Sticks
16 pieces String Cheese, Removed From Wrappers
½ cups All-purpose Flour
2 whole Eggs
3 Tablespoons Milk
1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley Flakes
Canola Oil, For Frying
Marinara Sauce or Ranch Dressing, For Dipping
2 cups Panko Bread Crumbs
Cut string cheese sticks in half, for a total of 32 pieces.
Set up a dredging station with 3 small, shallow bowls. Place flour in the first bowl. Mix the eggs and milk in the second bowl. Combine the bread crumbs and parsley flakes in the third bowl.
TO ASSEMBLE: Taking 1 cheese stick at a time, roll the mozzarella sticks in flour, then dip in the egg/milk mixture, and then roll in panko crumbs. Use your hands to cover the mozzarella stick in bread crumbs. Carefully place cheese sticks on parchment lined cookie sheet.
Once all cheese sticks are complete, place the cookie sheet in freezer for 20 to 30 minutes to flash freeze.
TO COOK: Heat 1 1/2 inches canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add mozzarella sticks 6-8 at a time. Make sure not to crowd them in the oil. Watch closely and turn over to evenly brown, cooking less than 2 minutes. Do not allow cheese to bubble and leak.
Remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately with ranch dressing or warm marinara sauce.
Adapted from Tasty Kitchen