Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 16–18 mozzarella sticks, cut in half (so they resemble thick fries)
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough to submerge the fries)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing (for dipping)
Ingredient Highlights
- Mozzarella Sticks: The key ingredient for this recipe, mozzarella sticks bring the gooey, cheesy goodness that makes these fries so irresistible.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a light, crispy coating that gives the fries their satisfying crunch.
- Garlic and Onion Powder: These add flavor to the batter, infusing each bite with savory goodness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adding a bit of grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs enhances the flavor and adds depth to the crust.
- Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the mozzarella stick fries, ensuring a golden and crispy exterior.
Instructions
Prepare the Mozzarella Stick Fries Batter:
- Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks: Start by cutting the mozzarella sticks in half, so you end up with 32 smaller pieces, resembling thick fries. Set them aside.
- Set Up the Dipping Stations: In three shallow bowls, set up your dipping stations:
- Bowl 1: Combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Bowl 2: Crack the eggs into the bowl and whisk them together until well-beaten.
- Bowl 3: In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks: Start by dipping each mozzarella stick in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour, then dip it into the egg mixture. Afterward, roll the coated stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well. Repeat this process for all the mozzarella stick halves.
- Chill the Coated Mozzarella Sticks: For best results, place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and chill them in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. This step helps the cheese stay intact during frying and prevents it from oozing out too early.
Fry the Mozzarella Stick Fries:
- Heat the Oil: While the mozzarella sticks chill, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep pot over medium-high heat. The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the fries. Heat it to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Mozzarella Stick Fries: Carefully drop a few mozzarella stick fries into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Repeat: Continue frying the remaining mozzarella stick fries in batches, ensuring they are all crispy and golden.
Serve the Mozzarella Stick Fries:
- Serve and Garnish: Arrange the mozzarella stick fries on a serving plate and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while they’re still hot.
- Dip and Enjoy: Serve the fries with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce. These fries are best enjoyed while warm, so the cheese inside remains gooey and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 12g