Italian Fried Mozzarella Sticks with Roasted Red Pepper Dipping Sauce
Italian Fried Mozzarella Sticks with Roasted Red Pepper Dipping Sauce

A must-have appetizer on any menu, these Italian-style mozzarella sticks are simply irresistible.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

 

   Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

  • 2 red bell peppers
  • 4 whole cloves garlic, unpeeled
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh basil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • ¼ tsp each salt and pepper

   Mozzarella Sticks

  • 8 oz (250 g) Galbani Professionale ® Pizza Mozzarella 22% Block
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning blend
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Canola oil, for deep-frying
  • ½ tsp each salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: Preheat broiler. Arrange peppers on foil-lined baking sheet. Slice sliver from tip of each garlic clove; add to baking sheet with peppers.
  2. Broil, turning occasionally, until red peppers are charred all over and garlic is tender. Transfer peppers to heatproof bowl; cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let stand for 15 minutes. Remove skins, seeds and stems from peppers. Squeeze out garlic from skins.
  3. In food processor, pulse together roasted peppers, roasted garlic, oil, basil, vinegar, salt and pepper until smooth.
  4. Mozzarella Sticks: Cut Galbani Professionale Pizza Mozzarella Block 22% into 3 x 1 x ½-inch (8 x 2.5 x 1 cm) sticks.
  5. In shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs and Italian seasoning. Dredge mozzarella fingers in flour, dip in egg, then coat in bread crumb mixture.
  6. Deep-fry breaded mozzarella sticks in oil preheated to 350ºF (180ºC) until golden brown all over. Transfer to paper towel–lined tray. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve mozzarella sticks with red pepper sauce for dipping.

Tips

Substitute balsamic vinegar for red wine vinegar if desired.