{"id":"mozzarella_sticks_f709dc5b11","slug":"mozzarella-sticks","title":"Mozzarella Sticks","description":"Crispy, golden-brown mozzarella sticks with a gooey, melted cheese center. This classic American snack is perfect for parties or a cozy night in, especially when paired with marinara sauce.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":5,"totalMinutes":80,"activeMinutes":20},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"12 mozzarella string cheese sticks","name":"Mozzarella","quantity":12,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":12,"usUnit":"piece","form":"sticks","notes":"string cheese works best","group":"Main","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"1/2 cup all-purpose flour","name":"All-purpose flour","quantity":65,"unit":"g","usQuantity":0.5,"usUnit":"cup","form":"powder","notes":"all-purpose","group":"Coating","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"2 large eggs","name":"Egg","quantity":2,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"piece","form":"beaten","notes":"large","group":"Coating","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs","name":"Breadcrumbs","quantity":120,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"cup","form":"crumbs","notes":"Italian seasoned","group":"Coating","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"1 teaspoon garlic powder","name":"Garlic","quantity":3,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"powder","notes":"","group":"Coating","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"Vegetable oil for frying","name":"Vegetable Oil","quantity":500,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":16.9,"usUnit":"oz","form":"liquid","notes":"enough for deep frying","group":"Frying","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"Place the flour in a shallow bowl. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and garlic powder.","group":"Preparation","title":"Place the flour in a shallow bowl","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, then dip in the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.","group":"Coating","title":"Coat each mozzarella stick","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Coating"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Place the coated sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour. This is essential to prevent the cheese from exploding during frying.","group":"Chilling","title":"Place the coated sticks","timerMinutes":60,"sourceTitle":"Chilling"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Heat oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Fry the frozen sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan.","group":"Frying","title":"Heat oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer","timerMinutes":2,"sourceTitle":"Frying"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.","group":"Serving","title":"Drain on paper towels","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Serving"}],"notes":"Always freeze the cheese sticks before frying; this prevents them from melting and leaking out before the crust becomes crispy. For an extra thick crust, you can double-dip in the egg and breadcrumbs.","cuisine":{"group":"American","specific":["American"]},"course":["appetizer"],"cookingMethod":["fry"],"equipment":["Deep fryer or heavy pot","Shallow bowls","Baking sheet","Tongs","Paper towels"],"diet":["vegetarian"],"allergens":["milk","eggs","wheat","gluten"],"difficulty":"medium","yield":{"amount":12,"unit":"piece","note":"12 mozzarella sticks"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"You can coat the mozzarella sticks and keep them in the freezer for up to a month in an airtight container."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store leftover sticks in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to regain crispiness.","reheatingNotes":"Reheat at 350°F (177°C) for 5-7 minutes."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fmozzarella_sticks_f709dc5b11%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=f280ec84-13c6-404e-b6d7-b2ff68adb52c","imageAlt":"Mozzarella Sticks — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["cheese","fried","crispy","party food","appetizer","american"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Mozzarella Sticks","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-03T19:30:46.130Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-03T19:30:46.130Z","related":[{"id":"corn_dog_9276bdf477","slug":"american-corn-dogs","title":"American Corn Dogs","description":"A quintessential American fairground snack featuring juicy frankfurters coated in a sweet, crunchy honey-cornmeal batter and deep-fried to a perfect golden brown.","serves":8,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":30,"activeMinutes":30},"cuisine":{"group":"American","specific":["American"]},"course":["appetizer"],"difficulty":"medium","diet":["high_protein"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fcorn_dog_9276bdf477%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=b2c4f402-a5a2-422a-b061-b681042e4fab","imageAlt":"American Corn Dogs — recipe cover","tags":["corn dog","fair food","american snack","deep fried","comfort food"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":12,"stepCount":8},{"id":"onion_rings_b6689e2aaf","slug":"classic-american-onion-rings","title":"Classic American Onion Rings","description":"Crispy, golden-brown onion rings featuring a light batter and a crunchy Panko coating. These are the perfect American snack or side dish, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":30,"activeMinutes":30},"cuisine":{"group":"American","specific":["American"]},"course":["appetizer","side"],"difficulty":"medium","diet":["vegetarian"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fonion_rings_b6689e2aaf%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=99d356ae-4616-439b-bbcd-b41807d1e7c5","imageAlt":"Classic American Onion Rings — recipe cover","tags":["onion rings","crispy","fried","american classic","panko"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":8,"stepCount":7},{"id":"trail_mix_0efec5e7bb","slug":"classic-american-trail-mix","title":"Classic American Trail Mix","description":"A sweet, salty, and energy-packed blend of nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate, perfect for hiking, road trips, or an afternoon snack.","serves":8,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":5,"activeMinutes":5},"cuisine":{"group":"American","specific":["American"]},"course":["appetizer"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","high_protein"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Ftrail_mix_0efec5e7bb%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=74facbda-cc4b-4ae8-ab3c-684eaa200c83","imageAlt":"Classic American Trail Mix — recipe cover","tags":["trail mix","hiking snack","nuts","dried fruit","energy boost","portable snack"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":7,"stepCount":3}]}