Mozzarella Sticks

My daughter and I love these sticks to munch on while watching TV.

Ingredients

• Oil for frying
• 1 (8 oz.) pkg. Mozzarella cheese
• 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup water
• 2/3 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder, or to taste (optional)

Directions

Pour oil into medium-size saucepan or deep skillet to a depth of 1-inch. Over medium heat, bring oil to 365 degrees F on cooking thermometer, {about 12 minutes}. If oil is hot before cheese sticks are ready, turn off the heat and bring back to temperature when ready to fry.

Meanwhile, cut cheese into strips 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch. Line baking sheet with paper towels; set aside. Place flour on paper plate; roll cheese strips in flour to coat.

In shallow bowl, combine egg and water. In another shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and garlic powder.

One stick at a time, coat cheese sticks in egg wash, then in bread crumbs. Repeat process to coat each stick. Place sticks in single layer on paper plate.

Frying in small batches, carefully place sticks in hot oil. Cook until golden brown, about 30 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon to lined baking sheet. Let oil return to 365 degrees between batches.

Serves: 4

By Connie from Cotter, AR

Answers:

Mozzarella Sticks

I've read that one should cut and freeze the mozzarella pieces first, to avoid the possibilty of them getting too gooey when frying. (01/24/2008)

By Nance

Mozzarella Sticks

I found a similar recipe on the recipezaar.com site, where you can bake on an ungreased cookie sheets at 400 deg. for 6-8 minutes, for a huge calorie reduction! Gonna try this. (02/03/2008)

By Kim