Stuffing-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks Recipe Perfect for Holidays
These stuffing-crusted mozzarella sticks combine gooey cheese with a crispy, herb-infused crust, making them the perfect holiday appetizer or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Mozzarella cheese sticks
- Stuffing mix (crumbled and dry)
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Seasonings (optional: garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Dipping sauce (marinara or cranberry sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the stuffing crust: Crumble pre-made stuffing finely and spread it out on a plate. Add extra seasonings if desired.
- Set up the dipping stations: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and crumbled stuffing in a third bowl.
- Coat the mozzarella sticks: Roll each stick in flour, dip into the egg mixture, and coat generously with stuffing crumbs. Press crumbs onto the cheese stick to ensure they stick well.
- Chill the coated sticks: Place mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes.
- Heat the oil: In a frying pan or deep fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). If baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the mozzarella sticks: Fry sticks in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. If baking, place on a wire rack and bake for 10-12 minutes. For air-frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and serve: Transfer cooked mozzarella sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with dipping sauce.
Notes
Freezing the coated mozzarella sticks before cooking prevents cheese leakage and helps the crust stick better. Experiment with dipping sauces like marinara or cranberry for festive flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mozzarella sticks
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
Keywords: Mozzarella sticks, stuffing crust, holiday appetizer, cheesy snacks, party food