Fried Mozzarella Stick Dip Recipe

Mozzarella sticks are undeniably scrumptious, however typically architectural failures: Ceaselessly, you’re taking one chew and the crunchy breadcrumb shell crumbles, whereas scorching mozzarella cheese oozes out. Battering and deep-frying do-it-yourself mozzarella sticks is a chore, too. My answer to each of those issues is to rework this basic appetizer right into a dip that’s simpler to make, eat, and share.

One of many issues that makes the dip work so nicely is utilizing a combination of shredded low-moisture mozzarella and cream cheese, which leads to a luxuriously creamy dip when gently baked at 350ºF (175°C). Holding the warmth average slowly melts the cheeses, stopping them from splitting and changing into grainy or greasy. It additionally helps to begin with room-temperature cream cheese, which makes it simpler to include the shredded mozzarella and ensures each cheeses bake evenly. As soon as the cheese combination goes into the baking dish, you may high it with a layer of marinara sauce, then bake it uncovered to permit the surplus moisture prepare dinner off, additional concentrating the sauce’s taste.

You is likely to be tempted to shred your personal low-moisture mozzarella or make your personal marinara sauce, however for ease and comfort, I like to recommend utilizing the pre-shredded and jarred stuff. I am an expert meals stylist, so belief me once I say that the shredded cheese produces a satisfying pull. And there are various nice marinara sauce choices immediately that work splendidly on this dip.

To evoke the crispy coating of a breaded and deep-fried cheese stick, I toast breadcrumbs in a skillet with loads of butter till golden brown and crunchy, then scatter them over the baked dip. Panko is non-negotiable right here, as Italian breadcrumbs are too high quality to ship sufficient chew. A contact of Italian seasoning—usually basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme—brings basic Italian-American taste. Served with crusty bread and topped with torn contemporary basil, it is a dip that tastes identical to the favored appetizer—with out the effort of deep-frying.