Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients


1 cup Italian-style dried breadcrumbs
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for topping at the end
1 teaspoon salt
1 (16-ounce) block pasteurized mozzarella cut into 4 by 1/2-inch sticks*
2 large eggs, beaten to blend
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
Marinara Sauce for dipping


Directions


Stir the bread crumbs, Parmesan and 1 teaspoon of salt in a medium bowl to blend. Dip the cheese in the eggs to coat completely and allow the excess egg to drip back into the bowl. Coat the cheese in the bread crumb mixture, patting to adhere and coat completely. Place the cheese sticks on a baking sheet. Repeat dipping the cheese sticks in the egg and bread crumb mixture to coat a second time. Cover and freeze until frozen, about 2 hours and up to 2 days.

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Working in batches, fry the cheese until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Transfer the fried cheese to plates. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and serve with Marinara Sauce.

*I cut string cheese sticks in half for this recipe.

(Giada De Laurentiis' recipe on Food Network)