Mediterranean Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce & Creamy Dip
These Mediterranean Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce & Creamy Dip are a delicious twist on the classic comfort snack. Each golden stick has a crisp, seasoned coating that gives way to gooey, melty mozzarella inside. Paired with a tangy marinara and a cool, garlicky dip, they strike the perfect balance between crunchy and creamy. They make an excellent appetizer, party snack, or indulgent treat for cheese lovers.
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
1 lb mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes (or sticks)
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup panko bread crumbs
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 eggs, beaten
¼ cup milk
Oil for frying
For the Marinara Sauce:
1 jar (15 oz) marinara sauce
For the Creamy Dip:
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Mozzarella:
Cut the mozzarella into sticks or cubes and place them in the freezer for about 20–30 minutes. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly when frying.
Set Up Breading Stations:
Place flour in one shallow bowl.
In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
In a third bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the Cheese:
Dip each mozzarella stick first in flour (shake off excess), then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumb mix.
For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more for a double coating.
Chill Again:
Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for 10–15 minutes before frying. This step helps the coating stay firm.
Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches for 1–2 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Warm the Marinara Sauce:
In a small saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over low heat until warm.
Make the Creamy Dip:
In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, parsley, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serve:
Serve the crispy mozzarella sticks hot with marinara sauce and the creamy dip on the side.
Tips
Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Sticks:
Freeze before frying: This is key. It keeps the cheese from oozing out before the coating crisps up. Even 20 minutes in the freezer makes a big difference.
Double coat for crunch: Dip the cheese twice in the egg and breadcrumb mixture for a thicker, crispier shell.
Use panko breadcrumbs: They create a lighter, crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Maintain oil temperature: Keep your oil around 350°F (175°C). If it’s too hot, the coating burns before the cheese melts; too cool, and the sticks get greasy.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches so the oil stays hot and the sticks cook evenly.
Drain well: Place fried sticks on a paper towel or wire rack immediately after frying to remove excess oil.
Serve right away: Mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed hot and fresh while the cheese is perfectly melted.
Variations:
Herb upgrade: Mix dried basil, oregano, or thyme into the breadcrumb coating for a Mediterranean flair.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs for a subtle kick.
Cheese mix: Try blending mozzarella with a little provolone or fontina for richer flavor.
Baked option: For a lighter version, bake the coated sticks at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray them lightly with oil for extra crispiness.
Air fryer method: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Alternate dips: Instead of the creamy garlic dip, try tzatziki, roasted red pepper sauce, or pesto for a Mediterranean touch.
Make it a platter: Pair with olives, cherry tomatoes, and pita chips for a shareable appetizer spread.
Q&A
Q: Can I make mozzarella sticks ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can bread them and freeze before frying. When ready, fry straight from frozen—just add an extra 30 seconds to the cooking time.
Q: Can I bake them instead of frying?
A: Definitely. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll be lighter but still crisp.
Q: What if I don’t have panko?
A: You can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even a mix of both for extra crunch.
Q: Can I use string cheese instead of block mozzarella?
A: Absolutely. String cheese works perfectly and saves time since it’s already portioned.
Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp texture—avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Nutrition
(per serving, about 4–5 sticks with dips)
Calories: ~390
Protein: 19g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 27g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Calcium: 35% DV
Sodium: 620mg
Values may vary depending on frying method and dip portions.
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce & Creamy Dip are the perfect balance of texture and flavor—crispy on the outside, irresistibly gooey inside, and bursting with herbed, garlicky notes. They’re simple to make yet feel indulgent, ideal for parties, family gatherings, or a cozy weekend snack. Pair them with the tangy marinara and refreshing creamy dip for a restaurant-quality experience right at home. Enjoy them fresh, hot, and with plenty of napkins on hand.