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Delicious crispy mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce and creamy dip
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Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce & Creamy Dip

Crispy Mozzarella Sticks are golden-fried cheese sticks served with a zesty marinara sauce and a creamy dip for the perfect snack.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cheesy Snack, comfort food, Fried Appetizer, Game Day Snack, Mozzarella Sticks
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 300kcal

Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks

  • 1 pound mozzarella cheese Cut into bite-sized 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour For coating
  • 1/2 cup crispy panko bread crumbs For extra crunch
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder To infuse flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt To enhance taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground
  • 2 large eggs Beaten for binding
  • 1/4 cup milk For a smooth batter
  • Oil as needed for frying Vegetable or canola recommended

For the Dips

  • 1 15-ounce jar marinara sauce Warmed for dipping
  • 1/2 cup smooth mayonnaise For the creamy dip
  • 1/4 cup tangy sour cream Adds richness
  • 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley For color and freshness
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Brightens the dip
  • 1 clove garlic Finely minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt To taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground

Instructions

Preparation

  • In a shallow dish, combine the flour, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and milk until smooth.
  • Dip each mozzarella cube into the egg mixture and then roll in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Frying

  • In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  • Carefully fry the coated mozzarella cubes for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Making the Creamy Dip

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped parsley, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  • Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serving

  • Arrange the mozzarella sticks on a serving plate with the marinara sauce and creamy dip.

Notes

Experiment with spices like paprika for a kick. For extra crunch, double the panko breadcrumbs. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.