Oh boy, do I have a treat for you! Whenever I think of comfort food, Spinach Dip Mozzarella Sticks spring to mind like a long-lost friend. You know, the kind of dish that combines two of my favorite snacks into one cheesy, crunchy delight? The first time I made these was for a family game night, and they vanished faster than I could say “cheesy goodness!” It was one of those moments where you realize you’ve hit the flavor jackpot, and now, I can’t help but make them for every party—big or small. Who knew that crispy, gooey bites of spinach and cheese could bring so much joy?
Not only do these mozzarella sticks score major points on taste, but they’re a hit with guests, kids, and even those skeptical friends you have who claim not to like vegetables (ha!). The best part? You can fry them for that extra crunchy bite or bake them if you want a slightly healthier version. Now let’s dig into how you can whip up these irresistible treats of happiness!
What’s in Spinach Dip Mozzarella Sticks?
- Fresh spinach: 1 cup, chopped. Fresh spinach is the star here, providing a pop of color and a nutritious touch.
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup, shredded. I love the gooey goodness of mozzarella, which gives these sticks their melty magic.
- Cream cheese: 1/4 cup, softened. Cream cheese brings a silky texture to the filling. Brands like Philadelphia work great!
- Sour cream: 1/4 cup. It adds just the right amount of tanginess and creaminess to balance the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup. This gives an extra layer of flavor; I always choose Reggiano for its robust taste!
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp. Because who doesn’t love garlic?
- Onion powder: 1/2 tsp. For that savory depth.
- Salt and pepper: to taste. Always essential in any dish!
- Package of mozzarella cheese sticks: Just grab your favorite string cheese brand; they are the real MVPs here.
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup. A light dusting is key to helping the filling stick.
- Eggs: 2, beaten. The perfect binder for our crunchy coating.
- Breadcrumbs: 2 cups (preferably panko). Panko gives that extra crunch we all crave!
- Vegetable oil: for frying. I usually go for canola or peanut oil; they’re great for frying!
Are Spinach Dip Mozzarella Sticks Good for You?
Well, let’s put it this way—in moderation, they certainly have their merits. With spinach packing a punch of vitamins and minerals, these sticks do offer some greens. Plus, cheese brings in protein and calcium. However, I have to be honest—these guys are not health food. Between the frying and the cream cheese, we’re veering toward indulgence territory! If you’re looking to reduce oil intake, opting for the baking method can cut back on calories while still giving you that satisfying crunch. Just remember, these are best enjoyed as a treat, not a daily staple!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- Vegetable oil for frying
How to Make Spinach Dip Mozzarella Sticks?
- In a bowl, combine the chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Take each mozzarella cheese stick and dip it into the flour, coating it lightly. This will help the cheese mixture adhere better.
- Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture around each mozzarella stick, rolling it to cover fully. Ensure the filling is tightly packed.
- Once all sticks are covered, dip each one into the beaten eggs, then roll it in breadcrumbs until fully coated. Repeat for each stick.
- After breading, place the sticks in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up. This prevents the cheese from leaking while frying.
- In a large pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place 2-3 sticks in the hot oil at a time and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the sticks from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve the spinach dip mozzarella sticks hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Spinach Dip Magic Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a little kick!
- If you prefer a slightly healthier version, you can bake them instead of frying. Just place them on a baking tray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- When frying, make sure the oil temperature is just right to ensure a perfect golden coat. Too cool and they’ll absorb more oil; too hot and they’ll burn!
There you have it! These Spinach Dip Mozzarella Sticks are sure to be a new staple in your recipe book. They are perfect for parties, movie nights, or pretty much anytime you want to wow your friends and family. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and maybe even pictures of your cheesy creations with me. Let’s get cooking! 🍽️
