Mozzarella Sticks

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Freeze 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 24 sticks

INGREDIENTS

* 12 Mozzarella string cheese sticks (or 5oz vegan mozzarella sticks)

* 1/2 cup flour

* 1/4 cup cornstarch

* 2 eggs

* 3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs

* 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs

* Salt and pepper for taste

* oil, for frying

DIRECTIONS

1. Open the cheese strings and cut each in half. Cover and place in the freezer until completely frozen.

2. Combine flour and cornstarch in a small bowl. Combine the Italian and Panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish. In a third small bowl, whisk eggs with 1/8 tsp of each salt and black pepper.

3. Dip each cheese stick half into the egg mixture and then gently roll into the flour mixture.

4. Put back into the egg mixture and roll until coated. Finally, place into the bread crumbs pressing the crumbs on each piece of cheese to make sure it's coated all around so the cheese doesn't leak out.

5. Quick tip while the oil preheats place the sticks in the freezer. Preheat oil to 350 degrees.

6. Test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a few breadcrumbs and see if they bubble.

7. In small batches, place breaded cheese sticks into the hot oil for about 2 minutes or until browned. Do not overcook or the cheese will leak out. Do not overcrowd the pan.

8. Serve hot with warm marinara pasta sauce. Enjoy!