Fried Mozzarella Sticks

By HeatherS

To save time, the herb-coated mozzarella sticks can be covered and refrigerated until ready to cook.

Ingredients

• 1 package (16 ounces) Mozzarella Cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned fine dry bread crumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 cup PREGO Regular Spaghetti Sauce or PREGO Tomato and Basil Spaghetti Sauce

Preparation

Step 1

1. Cut cheese into 13/4- by 1- by 1/2-inch sticks (32 sticks). On waxed paper, combine flour and pepper. In small bowl, beat together eggs and water. Dip cheese sticks in flour mixture, coating well; then dip in egg mixture and roll in bread crumbs.
2. In 10-inch skillet, heat 1/2 inch oil to 375°F. Meanwhile, in 1-quart saucepan over medium heat, heat spaghetti sauce until hot.
3. Fry cheese sticks in single layer, a few at a time, until golden brown and just until cheese begins to melt, turning once. Drain on paper towels; keep warm. Repeat with remaining cheese sticks. Serve cheese sticks with hot spaghetti sauce for dipping.
Makes 32 appetizers or 8 appetizer servings