Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce & Creamy Dip
Golden, melty, cheesy perfection with two incredible dips
Introduction
Craving something cheesy, crispy, and totally addictive? These homemade mozzarella sticks are the perfect bite-sized indulgence. With a golden panko crust and a gooey cheese center, they’re everything you love about the classic appetizer—only better.
And we’re not stopping there. You’ll get not one, but two dips: classic marinara and a zesty creamy garlic dip that brings balance and richness to every bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
These mozzarella bites are:
- Crispy on the outside, melty in the middle
- Easy to fry in under 10 minutes
- Perfect for parties, movie nights, or snack attacks
- Packed with flavor thanks to garlic and herb seasoning
- Even better when paired with both marinara and the homemade creamy dip
Serve these as a snack, side, or part of a game day spread, and watch them vanish in minutes.
Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 1 lb mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 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, warmed
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
🧀 1. Bread the Mozzarella
- In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, panko, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate dish, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Dip each mozzarella cube into the egg mixture, then coat fully in the flour mixture.
- Optional: Double coat for extra crunch (dip back into egg and re-coat in flour).
🔥 2. Fry the Sticks
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat (about 350°F).
- Carefully fry mozzarella cubes in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
🥣 3. Make the Creamy Dip
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Chill until ready to serve.
🍽️ 4. Serve & Enjoy
- Arrange mozzarella bites on a serving platter.
- Serve with warm marinara sauce and cool creamy dip on the side.
Tips & Tweaks
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning to the breading for heat.
- Freezer-Friendly: Bread the cheese and freeze on a tray. Fry from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to cooking time.
- Baked Version: Spray with oil and bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes for a lighter version.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in an air fryer or oven for best crispiness—avoid microwaving if possible.
- The creamy dip can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Perfect Pairings & More Recipes You’ll Love
These bites go great with a spread of fun, shareable recipes like:
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter
- How I Turned a Classic Sandwich Into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie Is My Favorite Quick Dessert Hack
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, these Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara and Creamy Dip bring the crunch, the melt, and all the flavor. They’re easy to make and impossible to resist.
If you try this recipe, tag us @ChefManiac so we can drool over your cheesy creations.
And don’t forget to follow for more craveable snacks and comfort classics!
Stay cheesy,
Jason Griffith – ChefManiac.com
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