Why Use a Blackstone Griddle for Frying?

Frying mozzarella sticks on a Blackstone griddle is a game-changer for several reasons. The griddle provides a large, flat cooking surface that ensures even heat distribution, making it easier to cook multiple mozzarella sticks at once without the need for excessive oil. This method helps to achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly inside. Additionally, the griddle’s surface is easy to clean, making it a convenient choice for home cooking.

Another benefit of using a Blackstone griddle is the ability to control the temperature with precision. When frying, it’s essential to maintain the right temperature to avoid overcooking the crust or undercooking the cheese. The griddle’s temperature control ensures that the mozzarella sticks are cooked to perfection every time, providing a consistently crispy exterior and a gooey interior.

The Importance of Freezing the Mozzarella Sticks

One of the key steps in making Blackstone Fried Mozzarella Sticks is freezing the breaded mozzarella slices. This step is crucial because it prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during the frying process. If you skip the freezing step, you risk the cheese spilling out of the breading before it has a chance to crisp up.

Freezing the mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes allows the breading to set, creating a sturdy coating that holds up during frying. This ensures that the sticks maintain their shape and that the cheese stays contained inside. While it might be tempting to skip this step to save time, it is well worth the wait to achieve the perfect texture.

How to Achieve the Perfect Breaded Mozzarella Sticks

The breading process is an important part of making mozzarella sticks, as it contributes to the overall texture and flavor. For these Blackstone Fried Mozzarella Sticks, a simple yet effective breading station is created using three dishes: one with flour and garlic powder, another with egg and milk, and the third with panko breadcrumbs.

The flour and garlic powder mixture provides a dry base for the egg wash to stick to the mozzarella, while the egg and milk mixture helps to bind the breadcrumbs. The panko breadcrumbs are the star of the show, providing the perfect crunchy coating that fries up beautifully on the griddle.

For the best results, make sure each mozzarella slice is thoroughly coated in each step of the breading process. Be sure to gently press the breadcrumbs into the cheese to ensure an even coating, which will result in a consistent crunch when frying.

Why Panko Breadcrumbs Are Key

When it comes to breading, the choice of breadcrumbs can make a huge difference in texture. Panko breadcrumbs are larger and airier than traditional breadcrumbs, creating a lighter, crispier texture when fried. This is particularly important for mozzarella sticks, as the goal is to achieve a crunchy, golden-brown crust that contrasts with the soft, gooey cheese inside.

Panko breadcrumbs also absorb less oil than traditional breadcrumbs, which helps prevent the mozzarella sticks from becoming greasy during frying. The result is a much cleaner, crispier bite that enhances the overall eating experience.

Pairing with Homemade Marinara Sauce

No mozzarella stick is complete without a good dipping sauce, and homemade marinara sauce is the perfect accompaniment. The marinara sauce for this recipe is simple to make and uses basic ingredients such as garlic, tomato puree, and a blend of spices. The sauce is simmered on low heat to allow the flavors to meld, resulting in a rich, tangy dip that complements the crispy mozzarella sticks beautifully.

For an extra burst of flavor, you can adjust the seasoning in the marinara sauce. If you like your sauce a bit spicier, add a few extra red pepper flakes. Alternatively, you can experiment with herbs like basil or oregano to create a more aromatic sauce. The homemade marinara sauce takes these mozzarella sticks from good to great, enhancing the overall flavor and adding a touch of homemade goodness.

Frying on the Blackstone Griddle

Once the mozzarella sticks are breaded and frozen, it’s time to fry them on the Blackstone griddle. Preheat the griddle to medium heat and coat it with olive oil to prevent the sticks from sticking. The oil helps to create that golden-brown, crispy exterior that everyone loves.

Place the frozen breaded mozzarella slices on the griddle, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart. Fry the sticks for a few minutes on each side until they reach the perfect golden-brown color. Keep an eye on the temperature of the griddle to ensure the mozzarella sticks cook evenly and don’t burn. You may need to add a little more oil if necessary, especially if you’re cooking a larger batch.

Serving and Enjoying the Mozzarella Sticks

Once the mozzarella sticks are cooked to perfection, remove them from the griddle and serve them immediately while they are still hot and crispy. The gooey cheese inside should be perfectly melted, while the crust remains crispy and golden.

Serve the mozzarella sticks with the homemade marinara sauce for dipping. The combination of the crispy exterior, creamy cheese, and tangy marinara sauce is irresistible. These mozzarella sticks are perfect for serving at parties, game nights, or as an appetizer before a meal. They are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and everyone will want to grab a second (or third) helping.

Conclusion

Blackstone Fried Mozzarella Sticks are a delicious and fun snack that brings the flavors of a classic appetizer to the next level. With a crispy, golden-brown coating and a gooey, cheesy center, these mozzarella sticks are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves cheese. The homemade marinara sauce adds the perfect finishing touch, making this dish even more satisfying.

The process of breading, freezing, and frying the mozzarella sticks on a Blackstone griddle ensures the perfect texture and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering, a party, or just a casual snack, these mozzarella sticks are guaranteed to impress. Their crispy exterior, melt-in-your-mouth cheese, and flavorful dipping sauce make them an irresistible treat. So, fire up your Blackstone griddle and get ready to enjoy the ultimate cheese lover’s delight!