Craving a unique twist on classic mozzarella sticks? These Spinach Mozzarella Sticks combine the gooey, cheesy goodness of traditional mozzarella sticks with a flavorful spinach filling, offering a healthier take on a beloved appetizer. Perfect for parties, game nights, or just a fun snack, these sticks are crispy on the outside and melty on the inside, with a burst of spinach that adds extra flavor and nutrients. Dip them in marinara or your favorite sauce, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing snack that’s sure to disappear quickly! Let’s dive into how to make these delicious Spinach Mozzarella Sticks.
Ingredients
To create these flavorful Spinach Mozzarella Sticks, you’ll need a mix of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (12 sticks): Mozzarella cheese sticks are easy to use and provide the perfect shape and meltiness for this recipe. Cut them in half if you prefer shorter sticks.
- Fresh Spinach (1 cup, finely chopped): Fresh spinach adds a subtle flavor and bright green color to the filling. If using frozen spinach, thaw, drain, and squeeze out excess moisture before chopping.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Cream cheese helps bind the spinach to the mozzarella sticks and adds a creamy, rich texture.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Garlic powder enhances the spinach filling with a mild, savory flavor.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Italian seasoning adds an herbal, aromatic touch to the filling, complementing the cheese perfectly.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Season the spinach mixture to your preference, balancing the flavors.
- Flour (1/2 cup): Flour is used to coat the sticks before breading, helping the egg and breadcrumbs adhere properly.
- Eggs (2 large, beaten): Eggs help bind the breadcrumbs to the mozzarella sticks, creating a crispy coating.
- Panko Breadcrumbs (2 cups): Panko breadcrumbs give the mozzarella sticks an extra crispy texture. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko adds a superior crunch.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Parmesan adds an extra layer of flavor and helps create a golden, crispy coating.
- Vegetable Oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, for frying the mozzarella sticks.
- Marinara Sauce (for dipping): Marinara sauce is a classic dipping option that pairs perfectly with these cheesy sticks.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make Spinach Mozzarella Sticks that are crispy, cheesy, and packed with spinach goodness.
- Prepare the Spinach Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined and the spinach is evenly distributed.
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks: Pat the mozzarella sticks dry with a paper towel. Spread a thin layer of the spinach mixture around each mozzarella stick, pressing gently to adhere. The mixture should cover the stick evenly without being too thick.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Place the flour in a shallow dish. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bread the Mozzarella Sticks: Roll each spinach-coated mozzarella stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double breading.
- Freeze the Sticks: Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to ensure the coating sets and the cheese doesn’t melt too quickly when frying.
- Heat the Oil: Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, as maintaining consistent heat is key to perfectly crispy sticks.
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Working in batches, carefully add the mozzarella sticks to the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lower the oil temperature and affect the crispiness.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Duration Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus freezing time)
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus freezing time)
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 340mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugars: 1g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
FAQs
1. Can I bake these mozzarella sticks instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the frozen sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy.
3. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, if using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before chopping and mixing with the cream cheese to prevent the mixture from becoming too watery.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bread the mozzarella sticks and freeze them for up to 3 months. Fry or bake straight from the freezer whenever you’re ready to enjoy them.
5. What other dipping sauces go well with these sticks?
Aside from marinara, try serving these with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a delicious twist.
6. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during frying?
Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying helps the coating stay intact and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly. Also, make sure the oil is hot enough to form a crispy crust quickly.
7. Can I add extra cheese to the spinach mixture?
Yes, you can add grated mozzarella or Parmesan to the spinach mixture for an extra cheesy filling. Just be sure not to overfill, as it could cause the mixture to fall off during frying.
8. Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Sure! You can substitute spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula. Just be sure to cook and chop them finely before mixing with the cream cheese.
9. How can I make these sticks gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of the regular versions to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
10. Can I air fry these mozzarella sticks?
Yes, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. This method reduces oil and still gives you a crispy, delicious bite.
These Spinach Mozzarella Sticks are a fun and delicious twist on the classic appetizer, combining the creamy, cheesy goodness of mozzarella with the added nutrition and flavor of spinach. Perfect for parties, snacks, or any time you want to indulge, these mozzarella sticks are sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients and treat yourself to this tasty, crowd-pleasing snack today!