Mini Mozzarella Sticks With Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipes

MINI MOZZARELLA STICKS WITH MARINARA DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Make room for the baking sheet in your freezer.
• Blitz the panko in a food processor until it has the texture of coarse sand. Make a dredging station by preparing 3 large resealable plastic bags. In the first bag, whisk together the eggs with 3 tablespoons water. In the second, combine the flour and 1 tablespoon salt. In the third, combine the panko and Parmesan, as well as the dried basil, dried oregano and/or dried parsley if using.
• Working in an assembly line, add the mozzarella to the egg mixture, tossing to coat. Allow any excess egg to drip off, then transfer the mozzarella to the flour mixture and shake to coat. Transfer the mozzarella back to the egg mixture, tossing to coat. Transfer the mozzarella to the panko mixture and shake to coat. Transfer the mozzarella back to the egg mixture and then the panko mixture one more time, then place on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet with the mozzarella sticks in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes (see Cook's Note).
• Meanwhile, make the marinara sauce. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the fennel seeds and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, 1 minute more. Stir in the tomato sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt to taste and keep warm.
• When ready to fry the mini mozzarella sticks, add a 1/2 inch of neutral oil to a large skillet or Dutch oven and heat over medium heat until shimmering. Set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet or line with paper towels.
• Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches until golden, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to the wire rack and immediately season with salt.
• Pour the marinara sauce into a ramekin, then place the mozzarella sticks on a serving platter, top with some Parmesan and the chopped parsley and enjoy!

GARLIC AND HERB MOZZARELLA STICKS WITH MARINARA DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat 1 inch of oil in a deep pan to 330 degrees F.
• Place the flour in a shallow dish, season with salt and pepper then stir. Beat together the egg with salt and pepper in a second shallow dish. Place the finely crushed garlic and herb pita chips in a third shallow dish. Dip each cheese stick half in flour, shaking off the excess, then in the egg, then repeat the flour and egg. Lastly, dip each in the pita chips, pressing to coat. At this point, freeze for 15 minutes to firm the sticks before frying.
• Combine the marinara, cream and pesto in a small sauce pot. Stir and heat through.
• Fry the mozzarella sticks in the hot oil, turning, until golden brown on all sides, about 30 seconds. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce.