When it comes to comforting and delicious finger food, mini mozzarella sticks are an absolute favorite. These bite-sized treats feature melty mozzarella cheese encased in a crispy coating, served with a rich and flavorful marinara dipping sauce. Whether you're hosting a party, game night, or simply craving a tasty snack, these mini mozzarella sticks are sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a batch of these golden brown delights that will satisfy any craving.
Let's cook with our recipes!
MINI MOZZARELLA STICKS WITH MARINARA DIPPING SAUCE
Mozzarella sticks are a must-order whenever I see them on a menu, but the truth is they are really easy to prepare at home, too. All it takes is a few basic ingredients you probably already have on hand and a little patience. Once you try this recipe, I guarantee you're going to want to make it over and over again! I chose to make them mini because I always feel badly double-dipping my mozz sticks in the group marinara, and these mini ones are perfect for just one dunk. Enjoy the mozzarella sticks dunked into marinara sauce or on a salad. They can also be assembled in advance and stored in the freezer, ready to fry anytime you want an appetizer or snack.
Provided by Elena Besser
Categories side-dish
Time 50m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Make room for the baking sheet in your freezer.
- Blitz the panko in a food processor until it has the texture of coarse sand. Make a dredging station by preparing 3 large resealable plastic bags. In the first bag, whisk together the eggs with 3 tablespoons water. In the second, combine the flour and 1 tablespoon salt. In the third, combine the panko and Parmesan, as well as the dried basil, dried oregano and/or dried parsley if using.
- Working in an assembly line, add the mozzarella to the egg mixture, tossing to coat. Allow any excess egg to drip off, then transfer the mozzarella to the flour mixture and shake to coat. Transfer the mozzarella back to the egg mixture, tossing to coat. Transfer the mozzarella to the panko mixture and shake to coat. Transfer the mozzarella back to the egg mixture and then the panko mixture one more time, then place on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet with the mozzarella sticks in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes (see Cook's Note).
- Meanwhile, make the marinara sauce. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the fennel seeds and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, 1 minute more. Stir in the tomato sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt to taste and keep warm.
- When ready to fry the mini mozzarella sticks, add a 1/2 inch of neutral oil to a large skillet or Dutch oven and heat over medium heat until shimmering. Set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet or line with paper towels.
- Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches until golden, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to the wire rack and immediately season with salt.
- Pour the marinara sauce into a ramekin, then place the mozzarella sticks on a serving platter, top with some Parmesan and the chopped parsley and enjoy!
MARINARA DIPPING SAUCE
Serve this traditional marinara sauce with warm bread. Garlic bread would also be delicious!
Provided by Jackie Smith
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes
Time 55m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large skillet, heat oil and saute garlic until light brown and softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in tomatoes, sugar, water, basil, and salt and pepper.
- Bring contents of the pan to a boil. Cover and simmer on low heat for approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 63.9 calories, Carbohydrate 7.6 g, Fat 3.7 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 1.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 8 mg, Sugar 5.1 g
EASY MARINARA DIPPING SAUCE FOR THE LAZY
For those of us who don't like sauces laden with tomato chunks (much as I like tomato-based foods, tomato chunks just gross me out!) and also happen to be way too lazy to peel and cut tomatoes (that's what cans are for.) For some variation ideas try replacing one of the cans of tomato sauce with tomato paste if you like it thicker. Like it really spicy? Replace one plain can with one can of pre-seasoned tomato sauce. Yummy dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks, serve 1/4 cup in a ramekin. Recommended dishes to have with this sauce: Recipe #394477, Recipe #30977, and Recipe #91274 if making pretzel cheese logs!
Provided by the80srule
Categories Sauces
Time 10m
Yield 2 cups, 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Blend all the ingredients together in a food processor or blender.
- To gently heat, pour 1/4 cup (or the desired amount) into a microwave-safe ramekin or container, and put a paper plate over it so tomato splats won't get all over the microwave. Nuke for 30 seconds on 50% power. You may have to adjust up or downward depending on microwave strength.
MARINARA-MOZZARELLA DIP
Talk about easy! With three ingredients and two loaves of baguette-style French bread, this marinara mozzarella dip is an easy appetizer that will please your family and guests. For variation, try using goat cheese instead of mozzarella cheese. -Janie Colle, Hutchinson, Kansas
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 2h40m
Yield 12 servings (3 cups).
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Pour marinara into a 1-1/2-qt. slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low about 2 hours, until hot. Stir in mozzarella and basil. Cook until cheese is melted, about 30 minutes longer. If desired, top with crushed red pepper flakes and additional basil. Serve with toasted baguette slices.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 76 calories, Fat 5g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 16mg cholesterol, Sodium 219mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella cheese. This will ensure that your mozzarella sticks are gooey and flavorful.
- Cut the mozzarella cheese into 1-inch cubes. This will make them the perfect size for dipping.
- Coat the mozzarella cheese cubes in a mixture of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. This will help them to brown evenly and get a crispy coating.
- Fry the mozzarella cheese cubes in hot oil until they are golden brown. Don't overcrowd the pan, or the mozzarella cheese cubes will not cook evenly.
- Serve the mozzarella sticks immediately with marinara dipping sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh basil.
Conclusion:
Mini mozzarella sticks are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. They are crispy, gooey, and flavorful, and they are sure to be a hit with your friends and family. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy snack, give mini mozzarella sticks a try!
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