Spicy Mozzarella Sticks
These spicy mozzarella sticks are the ultimate cheese stick made with hot Italian sausage, three types of cheese, zesty seasonings, and deep-fried to crispy perfection.
Servings: 45 Cheese Sticks
Ingredients
Spicy Mozzarella Sticks
- 2 pounds ground hot Italian sausage
- 1 white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ teaspoon ground oregano
- 1½ teaspoon ground basil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup gouda cheese, diced small
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced small
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup marinara sauce
Crispy Coating
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs, crushed
- 2 teaspoons slap ya mama seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1-2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
Spicy Mozzarella Sticks
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add Italian sausage, onions, and the seasonings for the bites, and cook until the sausage is no longer pink and the onions are tender. Add minced garlic and cook for another two minutes. Drain.
- Add the Italian sausage mixture to a large bowl. Once the mixture has cooled a bit, add cream cheese, marinara sauce, gouda, and mozzarella cheese.
- Roll into 2-inch thin sticks and place on a baking sheet.
- Flash freeze for an hour.
- While the mozzarella sticks are in the freezer, set up a dredging station with 3 shallow containers.
Crispy Coating
- In the first container, add flour.
- The second container, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
- In the third container add breadcrumbs and all the seasonings for the coating.
- Heat oil over medium-high heat.
- Add each stick into the flour, then into the egg mixture, and then into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place about 6-8 sticks into the hot oil and deep fry until golden on all sides.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Make sure to work in batches so the oil keeps the perfect temperature.
- Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- It's important to freeze the sticks until solid. This keeps them from melting and coming apart as they fry.
- Always freeze the sticks on an uncovered baking sheet. This freezes them more quickly and efficiently.
- Preheat the oil and work in small batches so it stays hot, ensuring a crispy coating rather than a soggy one.
- Don't cook the garlic too long! It just needs to soften a little. Otherwise, it can get bitter.