Fried Mozzarella with Puttanesca Dipping Sauce
Crispy, golden perfection meets bold Italian flavors in this irresistible recipe for Fried Mozzarella with Puttanesca Dipping Sauce. Picture gooey mozzarella cheese encased in a crunchy Parmesan-infused breadcrumb coating, fried to perfection for that ultimate comfort food bite. What sets this dish apart is the robust puttanesca sauce, a zesty medley of garlic, anchovies, Kalamata olives, capers, and ripe tomatoes, simmered to create the perfect partner for the cheesy sticks. Ideal as an appetizer or party snack, this quick-to-prepare recipe combines classic Italian ingredients and techniques for a dish that's bursting with flavor. Whether you're entertaining guests or indulging yourself, these mozzarella sticks paired with a tangy, umami-rich sauce are guaranteed to impress—and keep everyone coming back for more!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 pieces Large eggs
- 2 tablespoons Milk
- 2 cups Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 4 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pieces Anchovy fillets, chopped
- 0.25 teaspoons Crushed red pepper flakes
- 14 ounces Canned diced tomatoes
- 0.25 cups Pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Capers, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Cut the mozzarella cheese into 3-inch-long sticks, about 1/2 inch thick. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 1 hour.
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with the flour, one with the eggs whisked together with the milk, and one with the breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
Dredge each frozen mozzarella stick in the flour, then dip it in the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating steps. Place breaded mozzarella sticks back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
To make the puttanesca dipping sauce, heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped anchovy fillets, and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chopped olives, and capers. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
Serve the fried mozzarella sticks hot with the warm puttanesca dipping sauce on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2946 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 284.6 g | 365% | |
| Saturated Fat | 56.6 g | 283% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 205 mg | 68% | |
| Sodium | 1823 mg | 79% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 74.4 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.5 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.8 g | ||
| Protein | 46.7 g | 93% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 913 mg | 70% | |
| Iron | 5.5 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 539 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
