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If you’re craving a snack that’s crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, this Easy Mozzarella Sticks with Homemade Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine golden, perfectly crisp mozzarella sticks wrapped in delicate egg roll wrappers, seasoned just right, paired with a rich, deeply flavorful marinara sauce that you make yourself. It’s comfort food elevated to an art form, combining simple ingredients to create an irresistible treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet impactful, each playing a vital role in building the perfect texture and taste. From the creamy mozzarella to the aromatic herbs and spices, every element complements one another beautifully to bring this dish to life.
- 12 Mozzarella cheese sticks: The star of the show, providing gooey, melty goodness inside each crispy wrap.
- 1 package egg roll or wonton wrappers: These create the delicate, crunchy shell that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Spray Olive oil: Adds just enough healthy fat to crisp up the wrappers without heaviness.
- Garlic salt: Infuses savory flavor throughout the cheese stick and wrapper for a tasty punch.
- Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that brings aromatic depth and Italian flair.
- 1 jar julienne sun dried tomatoes: Adds chewy bursts of tangy sweetness and vibrant color inside each roll.
- 1 small can tomato sauce (6 ounce): Forms the base of the homemade marinara, creating a rich, smooth sauce.
- 1 small can tomato paste (6 ounce): Thickens and intensifies the marinara’s flavor.
- Coarse ground garlic salt (to taste): Season generously to perfectly balance the marinara sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the sauce.
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning: Continues the aromatic herb theme inside the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sweet basil: Lends a sweet, fragrant note to the marinara.
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano: A must-have herb, rich and earthy, classic in tomato sauces.
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar: Balances acidity with subtle sweetness, perfect for marinara perfection.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mellow onion undertone to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic flavor brightens every bite of the dip.
- 1/2 cup filtered water: Adjusts the sauce texture to smooth, rich consistency.
How to Make Easy Mozzarella Sticks with Homemade Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roll the Mozzarella Sticks
Start by laying out your egg roll or wonton wrappers on a plate, giving each a light spray with olive oil to help them crisp nicely. Place one mozzarella stick in the center and season it generously with garlic salt and Italian seasoning. Add a few strips of sun dried tomatoes right on top to infuse bursts of tangy flavor. Carefully roll the wrapper around the cheese, sealing it tightly so the cheese stays inside as it cooks.
Step 2: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Place the wrapped mozzarella sticks into your air fryer basket, then give them another quick spray of olive oil. Sprinkle with more garlic salt and Italian seasoning to ensure every bite is well-seasoned. Cook at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. For an extra crunch, feel free to add 2 more minutes—there’s nothing like that golden crackle!
Step 3: Make the Homemade Marinara Dipping Sauce
While the mozzarella sticks are cooking, combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, and filtered water in a heavy-bottom saucepan. Add coarse ground garlic salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, sweet basil, oregano, brown sugar, onion powder, and minced garlic. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle bubble over medium heat. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes to develop a thick, rich flavor that will be the perfect companion to your mozzarella sticks.
How to Serve Easy Mozzarella Sticks with Homemade Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley sprinkled over the marinara can elevate your presentation and add a lovely fresh aroma. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sticks or sauce adds a savory finish that’s irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair these mozzarella sticks with a crisp green salad or crunchy vegetable sticks to balance the richness with freshness. A tangy coleslaw or a simple Caesar salad also work beautifully to brighten the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the mozzarella sticks stacked in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper alongside small ramekins of the warm marinara sauce. For a party, create a platter filled with colorful sides like olives, roasted red peppers, and garlic knots to complement the cheese sticks and create an irresistible appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be tough), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them from getting soggy, it’s best to reheat them in the air fryer or oven rather than the microwave.
Freezing
These mozzarella sticks freeze beautifully. After rolling them up but before cooking, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To revive that perfect crispness, reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through and golden again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the wrappers soft and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a deep fryer instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely! Deep frying your mozzarella sticks will give you an even crunchier exterior. Just watch them closely and fry until golden brown, usually about 2-3 minutes per batch.
What can I use instead of egg roll or wonton wrappers?
If you don’t have wrappers on hand, you can use phyllo dough sheets or spring roll wrappers for a similar crisp texture. Just be gentle while rolling since they can be delicate.
How spicy is the homemade marinara sauce?
This marinara is mild and balanced, focusing on herbal and savory flavor rather than heat. You can easily add red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The marinara sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
This Easy Mozzarella Sticks with Homemade Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe is naturally vegetarian as long as you use vegetarian-friendly cheese and check that your wrappers don’t contain animal products.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Mozzarella Sticks with Homemade Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple, satisfying, and a total crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for anytime you want a snack or appetizer that impresses. Give it a go—you might just find that it quickly becomes a new favorite to share with friends and family!
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Easy Mozzarella Sticks with Homemade Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and cheesy Mozzarella Sticks wrapped in egg roll or wonton wrappers, air-fried to golden perfection and served with a rich, homemade marinara sauce infused with Italian herbs and sun-dried tomatoes. This easy recipe offers a delightful appetizer or snack perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Mozzarella Sticks
- 12 Mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 package egg roll or wonton wrappers
- Spray Olive oil (for coating and cooking)
- Garlic salt (to taste)
- Italian seasoning (to taste)
- 1 jar julienne sun dried tomatoes
Marinara Sauce
- 1 small can tomato sauce (6 ounce)
- 1 small can tomato paste (6 ounce)
- 1/2 cup filtered water
- Coarse ground garlic salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sweet basil
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Prepare Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks: Lay out egg roll or wonton wrappers on a plate. Spray each wrapper lightly with olive oil. Place one mozzarella stick in the center of each wrapper, then sprinkle with garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and some julienne sun-dried tomatoes. Carefully roll up the wrappers around the cheese sticks, sealing the edges to prevent leakage.
- Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Place the wrapped mozzarella sticks into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil and sprinkle again with garlic salt and Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 10 minutes. If you prefer a crunchier texture, continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Make the Marinara Sauce: While the mozzarella sticks cook, combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, and filtered water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add coarse garlic salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, sweet basil, oregano, brown sugar, onion powder, and minced garlic. Stir thoroughly, bringing the sauce to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
- Serve: Remove mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and serve hot with the freshly made marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy this delicious appetizer as a snack or party treat!
Notes
- Ensure wrappers are sealed well to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
- The marinara sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- For extra crispiness, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Adjust seasoning in marinara sauce to your taste preference.
