Mozzarella Sticks with Homemade Marinara Sauce

Melty, stretchy mozzarella cheese in a golden and crispy breading. Pair with a homemade marinara sauce for party perfection!

Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks

• 24 pieces mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
• 4 eggs
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 cups dried breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan to garnish

For the Marinara Sauce

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and very finely chopped (or grated)
• 1 28oz can of crushed tomatoes
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

For the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Cut each mozzarella string cheese stick horizontally into half.
2. Place flour in a shallow bowl.
3. In a different bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
4. In a large plate, combine bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, spices, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
5. Dredge mozzarella sticks in flour, dip in egg mixture, and then roll in breadcrumbs mixture.
6. Repeat previous step so that sticks are fully covered.
7. Arrange fully breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Freeze for about 45 minutes till firm. Do not skip this step, or mozzarella sticks will burst when frying.
8. While sticks are in the freezer, add about 2 inches of oil to a deep, wide pan and heat to around 350 degrees F.
9. Once sticks are firm, remove sticks from freezer. Cook mozzarella sticks in batches, turning once or twice, for about 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
10. Remove sticks from oil and drain on a plate lined with a paper towel.
11. Garnish with grated Parmesan and serve hot with homemade marinara sauce.

For the Marinara Sauce

1. In a pan over medium heat, heat olive oil.
2. Add garlic and onions and cook until onions are translucent.
3. Add carrots and seasoning and cook for another 10 minutes, or until carrots are soft.
4. Add crushed tomatoes and bay leaf and simmer until sauce begins to thicken. This process should take about an hour.
5. Remove sauce from heat and remove bay leaf and discard. Season with extra salt and pepper, if needed.
6. To serve, pour into a serving bowl and sprinkle grated parmesan to garnish. Serve warm.