Nacho Cheese Doritos Mozzarella Sticks with Zesty Marinara

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Pat the mozzarella sticks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Cut each stick in half if desired for smaller portions.

2. 2

   Prepare your breading station: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the finely crushed Doritos.

3. 3

   Dredge each mozzarella stick piece first in the seasoned flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off excess flour.

4. 4

   Next, dip the floured stick into the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off.

5. 5

   Finally, roll the stick generously in the crushed Doritos, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating. Repeat this entire breading process (flour, egg, Doritos) a second time for each stick for an extra crispy crust and to prevent cheese leakage.

6. 6

   Place the double-breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely solid. This is crucial for preventing melting during frying.

7. 7

   While the sticks are freezing, prepare the Zesty Marinara: Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

8. 8

   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm or reheat before serving.

9. 9

   To fry the mozzarella sticks: In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.

10. 10

    Carefully place 3-4 frozen mozzarella sticks into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1-2 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and crispy. They cook very quickly!

11. 11

    Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried mozzarella sticks and place them on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.

12. 12

    Serve immediately with the warm Zesty Marinara dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

13. 13

    Repeat frying in batches until all mozzarella sticks are cooked, ensuring the oil temperature remains consistent between batches.