Introduction

Forget the deep fryer! These Tortilla Mozzarella Sticks offer a delightful crunch and gooey, cheesy center, all with a simpler preparation. We're swapping traditional breadcrumbs for seasoned tortillas, creating a unique and irresistible appetizer or snack. They're quick, easy, and guaranteed to disappear in a flash!

Yields

Approximately 12-16 sticks

Prep time

15 minutes

Cook time

10-12 minutes

Ingredients

• 8-10 medium flour tortillas (burrito size or fajita size work well)
• 12-16 string cheese mozzarella sticks, thawed if frozen
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup finely crushed tortilla chips (plain or lightly salted)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or a little oil for baking

Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or foil
• Shallow bowls or plates (3)
• Spatula

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Tortillas

Lay your tortillas flat. If you're using larger tortillas, you might want to cut them in half to create smaller, more manageable sticks. You want them to be roughly the width of a mozzarella stick.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

In three separate shallow bowls or plates, set up your breading station.

Bowl 1: All-purpose flour.

Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.

Bowl 3: Combine the crushed tortilla chips with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 3: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks

Take one mozzarella stick and place it in the center of a tortilla. Fold the tortilla around the mozzarella stick, tucking in the sides to create a snug wrap. Repeat with the remaining mozzarella sticks and tortillas.

Step 4: Bread the Tortilla-Wrapped Sticks

Working one at a time, dip each tortilla-wrapped mozzarella stick into the flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll it in the seasoned tortilla chip mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere all over. Place the coated sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the coated mozzarella sticks with cooking spray or brush with a little oil. This will help them get extra crispy.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tortilla coating is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is starting to melt.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Let the Tortilla Mozzarella Sticks cool for a minute or two before serving. They are best enjoyed warm while the cheese is delightfully gooey. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or salsa.

Tips and Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tortilla chip coating for a little heat.
• Herbacious Twist: Incorporate dried Italian herbs into your tortilla chip mixture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortillas and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Air Fryer Method: You can also make these in an air fryer at 380°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.