One of my favorite things about cooking is how it brings people together, especially when it involves delicious, shareable snacks. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s perfect for any gathering: Spinach Dip Mozzarella Sticks. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also reminds me of the time I spent with my best friends during our annual game nights. We always looked for something new and exciting to try, and these cheesy, savory sticks quickly became a favorite.
What I love most about these mozzarella sticks is the perfect balance between the creamy spinach dip filling and the crispy, golden-brown coating. It’s a great twist on the classic mozzarella stick, adding a bit more flavor and texture that everyone will enjoy. Plus, the marinara sauce on the side adds a tangy contrast that complements the richness of the cheese.
If you’re looking to tweak this recipe a bit, there are several variations you might find interesting. For a bit of a spicy kick, you can add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture. Alternatively, mixing in some finely chopped artichokes can add a nice texture and enhance the flavor profile, making it more like a classic spinach artichoke dip. You can also experiment with different types of cheese; a blend of mozzarella and cheddar or even a bit of parmesan can make the sticks even more flavorful.
One thing I’ve found helpful is preparing these sticks in advance and keeping them in the freezer. This way, they’re ready to fry whenever you need a quick and delicious snack. Whether it’s for a party, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, these Spinach Dip Mozzarella Sticks are sure to be a hit.
Now, let’s get cooking and bring some joy to your kitchen with this delightful recipe. I can guarantee it’ll become a favorite in your household just as it has in mine.
Spinach Dip Mozzarella Sticks
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Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 beaten eggs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup cooked, drained spinach
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
- canola oil, for frying
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- marinara sauce, for dipping
Directions
- Combine the cream cheese, spinach, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a medium bowl until well mixed.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a parchment-lined square baking pan and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Remove the frozen mixture from the pan, invert it onto a cutting board, and peel off the parchment paper.
- Slice the frozen block into strips about 1 centimeter wide, then cut each strip in half to form sticks.
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Dip each stick into the flour, then the eggs, then the breadcrumbs, followed by another dip in the eggs and a final coating of breadcrumbs. Place the breaded sticks on a plate.
- Heat canola oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Fry the sticks for 30 seconds to a minute until they are golden brown.
- Let the sticks cool slightly before serving them with marinara sauce.
- Enjoy your delicious Spinach Dip Mozzarella Sticks!
Storing Suggestions:
Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again.
FAQs:
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just make sure to cook it and drain any excess liquid thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients.
What is the best way to freeze the mixture?
Spread the mixture evenly in a parchment-lined square baking pan to freeze. This will make it easier to remove and cut into sticks once frozen.
Can I bake the mozzarella sticks instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the breaded sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
What can I use as a substitute for canola oil?
You can use any neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil, for frying the mozzarella sticks.
How can I make these sticks gluten-free?
To make the mozzarella sticks gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Is it necessary to double bread the sticks?
Double breading the sticks ensures a thicker, crunchier coating, which helps the sticks hold together better during frying. However, if you prefer a lighter coating, you can skip the second egg and breadcrumb dip.
Making Spinach Dip Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 beaten eggs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup cooked, drained spinach
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
- canola oil, for frying
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- marinara sauce, for dipping
Directions
- Combine the cream cheese, spinach, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a medium bowl until well mixed.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a parchment-lined square baking pan and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Remove the frozen mixture from the pan, invert it onto a cutting board, and peel off the parchment paper.
- Slice the frozen block into strips about 1 centimeter wide, then cut each strip in half to form sticks.
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Dip each stick into the flour, then the eggs, then the breadcrumbs, followed by another dip in the eggs and a final coating of breadcrumbs. Place the breaded sticks on a plate.
- Heat canola oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Fry the sticks for 30 seconds to a minute until they are golden brown.
- Let the sticks cool slightly before serving them with marinara sauce.
- Enjoy your delicious Spinach Dip Mozzarella Sticks!
Storing Suggestions:
Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again.
FAQs:
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just make sure to cook it and drain any excess liquid thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients.
What is the best way to freeze the mixture?
Spread the mixture evenly in a parchment-lined square baking pan to freeze. This will make it easier to remove and cut into sticks once frozen.
Can I bake the mozzarella sticks instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the breaded sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
What can I use as a substitute for canola oil?
You can use any neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil, for frying the mozzarella sticks.
How can I make these sticks gluten-free?
To make the mozzarella sticks gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Is it necessary to double bread the sticks?
Double breading the sticks ensures a thicker, crunchier coating, which helps the sticks hold together better during frying. However, if you prefer a lighter coating, you can skip the second egg and breadcrumb dip.
Spinach Dip Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- ½ cup cooked drained spinach
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 beaten eggs
- 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
- canola oil for frying
- marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, spinach, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, spread the mixture evenly in the dish, and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Remove the frozen mixture from the pan by inverting it onto a cutting board and peeling off the parchment paper.
- Cut the frozen block into 1-centimeter wide strips, then cut those strips in half to form sticks.
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Dip each spinach dip stick into the flour, then the eggs, then the breadcrumbs, followed by another dip in the eggs and a final coating of breadcrumbs. Place the breaded sticks on a plate.
- In a pot, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. Fry the sticks for about 30 seconds to a minute, until they turn golden brown.
- Allow the sticks to cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce.
