If you are somebody that loves TGI Fridays and their mozzarella stick appetizers, you are about to discover something remarkable. This copycat recipe is so authentic, you will never have to visit the restaurant again!
INGREDIENTS:
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
8 pieces of mozzarella string cheese
1 quart vegetable, peanut, or canola oil
DIRECTIONS:
Add the flour to a shallow bowl or pie plate. In a second shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together the eggs and milk. Mix together the Panko, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, and seasoning salts in a third shallow bowl or pie plate.
Slice the pieces of string cheese in half lengthwise to make 16 mozzarella sticks.
One at a time, bread the mozzarella sticks by dipping them in the flour mixture, then the egg wash, then in the bread crumbs, and then the egg wash and breadcrumbs once more for an extrathick breading. Arrange the breaded cheese sticks on a baking tray lined with wax paper and freeze for at least 1 hour.
When ready to serve, heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or electric deep fryer to 350°F. Working with a few cheese sticks at a time, fry them until golden brown, about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and drain on paper towels. Enjoy warm with marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
Makes 16 mozzarella sticks