Ever wonder how they fry mozzarella sticks without the cheese running everywhere? This recipe teaches you all the tricks (psst, use your freezer!). You'll coat cheese sticks in batter and irresistibly crunchy seasoned panko. Then shallow fry to a deep golden brown. Serve with marinara AND ranch dressing dippers for the perfect party appetizer!
The quantities provided above are averages only.
Produced in a facility that processes eggs, milk, fish, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.
5 ounce
Marinara Cup
1.5 ounce
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
(Contains: Eggs, Milk)
82 g
Tempura Mix
(Contains: Eggs, Milk, Wheat)
1 teaspoon
Dried Oregano
1 teaspoon
Garlic Powder
8 unit
String Cheese
(Contains: Milk)
1.5 cup
Panko Breadcrumbs
(Contains: Wheat)
2 unit
Cornstarch
Salt
Pepper
Cooking Oil
PREP
• Halve string cheese crosswise. • In a medium bowl, mix together cornstarch, salt, and pepper. • In a second medium bowl, whisk together tempura batter mix, half the garlic powder, half the oregano, salt, pepper, and ½ cup cold water (1 cup for 4 servings). • In a third medium bowl, combine panko with remaining garlic powder, remaining oregano, salt, and pepper.
COAT CHEESE STICKS
• Add cheese to bowl with cornstarch; toss until evenly coated. Working a few pieces at a time, transfer cheese to second bowl with batter; toss to evenly coat. Let any excess batter drip off and transfer cheese to third bowl with panko; gently toss until evenly coated. Transfer panko coated cheese to a parchment-lined baking sheet. • Transfer baking sheet to freezer for at least 30 minutes before frying. (This is key to prevent the cheese from melting excessively when frying!)
FRY CHEESE STICKS
• Heat a ⅓-inch layer of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once oil is hot enough that a pinch of panko sizzles when added to the pan, add coated cheese in a single layer. (Work in batches and keep cheese sticks in freezer until ready to fry!) Cook, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides, 2-3 minutes (lower heat if cheese begins to brown too quickly). • Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate; immediately season with salt.
SERVE
• Serve cheese sticks with marinara and ranch dressing on the side for dipping.