Potato-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks

Embark on a flavor adventure with these Potato-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks, where gooey cheese meets an innovative crispy coating made from crushed potato chips and Italian seasonings.

Whether it's game day snacking or a fun appetizer night, these Potato-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks bring an exciting twist to the classic cheese stick that everyone loves.

Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, this recipe elevates the beloved mozzarella stick to new heights. Ready to create the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer? Let's dive into this crispy and utterly rewarding recipe.

Master the Art of Potato-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks

These Potato-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks aren't just another appetizer – they're a perfect fusion of creamy cheese and potato chip crunch. The double-coating technique ensures a perfectly crispy exterior that protects the melty center.

Here's your guide to creating these spectacular Potato-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks, complete with professional tips to ensure your appetizers turn out perfectly every time.

Serving Suggestions for Potato-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks:

• Pair with warm marinara sauce for classic enjoyment
• Serve alongside ranch dressing for extra indulgence
• Include garlic aioli for sophisticated dipping
• Arrange with fresh basil leaves for presentation
• Complement with an array of Italian-inspired sauces

Pro Tips for Perfect Potato-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks:

1. Temperature Matters: Freeze cheese sticks thoroughly to prevent melting during frying
2. Coating Success: Press coating firmly onto cheese sticks for better adherence
3. Oil Control: Maintain oil at 350°F for optimal crispiness without burning
4. Batch Management: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature
5. Immediate Service: Serve hot while the cheese is perfectly melted

Potato-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks Recipe:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Freezing time: 2 hours
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 24 sticks
• Equipment: Deep fryer or large pot, thermometer, mixing bowls

Transform your kitchen into a gourmet snack haven with these spectacular Potato-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks.

Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

• 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, unwrapped
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 4 cups potato chips, crushed very finely (about 8 oz)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Vegetable oil for deep frying

For the Marinara Dipping Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cut each string cheese stick in half to make 24 pieces. Place them on a plate and freeze for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) until firm but not completely frozen.
2. Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes:
   • In the first dish, combine flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
   • In the second dish, whisk together eggs and milk
   • In the third dish, combine crushed potato chips, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley
3. Working with a few cheese sticks at a time (keeping the rest in the freezer), dredge each stick in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the potato chip mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat the entire breading process again for each stick (double coating) for extra crispiness.
5. Return the breaded cheese sticks to the freezer for at least 1 hour or overnight. This step is crucial to prevent premature melting during frying.
6. While the sticks are freezing, prepare the marinara sauce: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add oregano and red pepper flakes if using, stirring for another 30 seconds.
7. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Keep warm or refrigerate until ready to serve.
8. When ready to fry, heat 3 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F.
9. Working in batches of 4-5 sticks at a time, fry the frozen mozzarella sticks for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot.
10. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Let rest for 1-2 minutes before serving.
11. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

• The double-coating process is essential for preventing cheese leakage during frying.
• Use very finely crushed potato chips for the best coating - a food processor works well for this.
• If the cheese starts to melt during frying, your oil temperature might be too low or the sticks weren't frozen long enough.
• For a flavor variation, try using flavored potato chips like sour cream & onion or barbecue.
• These can be prepared up to the freezing stage and kept frozen for up to 1 month. Fry directly from frozen when ready to serve.

Ready to Enjoy!

These Potato-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks offer an incredible combination of textures and flavors that will elevate any gathering. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of crunchy coating and melted cheese.

Storage Solutions:

• Freezing Uncooked: Store coated sticks in freezer bags for up to 2 months
• Make Ahead: Prepare marinara sauce up to 5 days in advance
• Reheating: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be reheated in an oven at 350°F
• Storage Tips: Keep uncooked sticks frozen until ready to fry

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