Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup water
• 1 ½ cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• 2 cups oil for frying, or as needed
• 1 (16 ounce) package mozzarella cheese sticks

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Breading Station:

• In a shallow dish, whisk together the beaten eggs and water to create an egg wash.
• In a separate dish, combine the Italian seasoned bread crumbs and garlic salt.
• In a third dish, mix together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch.

2. Cut and Coat the Cheese Sticks:

• Take each mozzarella stick from the package and cut it in half, resulting in bite-sized pieces.
• Dredge each mozzarella stick in the flour-cornstarch mixture, making sure to coat it evenly.
• Dip the flour-coated stick into the egg wash, ensuring it is well-covered.
• Roll the stick in the seasoned bread crumbs mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the cheese. Repeat the process for all sticks.

3. Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks:

• Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a tray lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze the sticks for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the breading adhere better during frying.

4. Heat the Oil:

• In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).

5. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:

• Carefully place a few frozen mozzarella sticks into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
• Fry the sticks for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
• Repeat the frying process with the remaining mozzarella sticks.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Allow the mozzarella sticks to cool slightly before serving.
• Serve with your favorite marinara sauce or dipping sauce of choice.

These homemade crispy mozzarella sticks are a delightful snack or appetizer, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunch!