Spinach Mozzarella Sticks

by

Spinach Mozzarella Sticks

Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and packed with a flavorful spinach twist—these Spinach Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate cheesy snack! Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, party finger food, or a fun side dish, they’re always a hit—especially when dipped in warm marinara sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 12 sticks
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1½ cups breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Marinara sauce, for dipping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spinach:

  • If using fresh spinach, sauté it in a skillet with a small amount of olive oil until wilted (about 2–3 minutes). Let it cool, then finely chop.
  • If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s fully thawed, drained well, and finely chopped.

2. Set Up the Breading Station:

  • In one shallow bowl: place the flour.
  • In a second bowl: beat the eggs.
  • In a third bowl: mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:

  • Wrap a bit of spinach around each mozzarella stick.
  • Dredge the stick in flour, shake off the excess.
  • Dip into the beaten eggs until fully coated.
  • Roll in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.
  • Repeat the process for all sticks.

4. Freeze:

  • Arrange the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Freeze for at least 1 hour—this prevents the cheese from leaking out during frying.

5. Fry:

  • Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
  • Fry in small batches for 2–3 minutes, until golden and crispy.
  • Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

6. Serve:

  • Serve immediately while hot, with marinara sauce for dipping.

Recipe Notes:

  • Baked Version: For a lighter option, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix for extra heat.
  • Make Ahead: These freeze well. Coat and freeze, then fry directly from frozen.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour freezing)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 sticks
Calories: ~150 per stick

These cheesy spinach mozzarella sticks are a flavorful twist on a beloved classic—perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or anytime you need a comforting snack!

 

Leave a Comment