Ingredients

1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour

4 large eggs

2 1/2 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 1/4 cups)

2 cups panko breadcrumbs

12 mozzarella cheese sticks

12 thin slices deli ham

4 cups vegetable oil

Flaky sea salt

6 tbsp mayonnaise

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

2 tsp balsamic vinegar

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Pour the flour into a shallow bowl large enough to fit a mozzarella stick. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until they are blended. In a third bowl, combine the grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Wrap each mozzarella stick in one slice of deli ham, leaving the ends exposed if needed. Arrange them on a plate or baking sheet.

Step 3: Dredge each ham-wrapped mozzarella stick in the flour, shaking off the excess, then coat it in the beaten eggs letting the excess drip off. Roll it in the Parmesan and panko mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.

Step 4: Dip the coated stick once more into the eggs, then again into the Parmesan mixture to create a double layer of breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for all the mozzarella sticks.

Step 5: Pour the vegetable oil into a large, heavy skillet fitted with a deep-fry thermometer. Heat the oil over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Step 6: Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches, turning occasionally with tongs, until they are golden brown, about 3 minutes per batch. Transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, and black pepper to make the dipping sauce.

Step 8: Arrange the fried mozzarella sticks on a platter and serve alongside the prepared dip.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, make sure to press the Parmesan and panko mixture firmly onto the mozzarella sticks during coating.

Try wrapping with prosciutto instead of deli ham for a saltier, more delicate flavor.

Use low-moisture mozzarella sticks to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.

Serve with marinara sauce for a classic twist instead of the mustard mayo dip.

FAQs

Can I bake these mozzarella sticks instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy. However, frying gives a superior crunch and faster cooking time.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking while frying?

Double coating with the egg and breadcrumb mixture helps seal the cheese inside. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying so the coating sets quickly, reducing leaks.