Looking for the perfect appetizer that will make your taste buds sing? Look no further than these delectable Spinach Dip Mozzarella Sticks! Combining the creamy goodness of spinach dip with the crispy satisfaction of mozzarella sticks, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering or even just for a cozy night in.
**Ingredients:**
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 mozzarella sticks, halved
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
- Marinara sauce for dipping
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Spinach Dip Mixture:**
- In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed and drained spinach, shredded mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. **Assembly:**
- Take each halved mozzarella stick and spread a generous amount of the spinach dip mixture onto one side. Sandwich it with the other half of the mozzarella stick to form a whole stick again. Repeat with the remaining mozzarella sticks.
3. **Coating:**
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. Place the all-purpose flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and Italian breadcrumbs in the third.
- Roll each assembled mozzarella stick first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumbs. Ensure each stick is evenly coated.
4. **Frying:**
- In a deep frying pan or fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated mozzarella sticks in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried mozzarella sticks from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. **Serving:**
- Serve the Spinach Dip Mozzarella Sticks warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the melty, creamy goodness with the crispiness of the coating.
**Tips:**
- Make sure the spinach is well-drained to prevent the dip from becoming too watery.
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spinach dip mixture.
- If you prefer a baked version, you can bake the assembled mozzarella sticks in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
**Conclusion:**
These Spinach Dip Mozzarella Sticks are a delightful fusion of two classic appetizers that will surely leave your guests craving for more. Whether you're hosting a party or simply treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a culinary sensation that combines creamy spinach dip with gooey mozzarella goodness!
