TGI Friday’s franchise is renowned for its fun and casual dining experience, offering a wide range of delicious fast food items. Among the popular appetizers that keep customers coming back are their irresistible mozzarella sticks. The combination of crispy breading and gooey melted cheese inside makes them a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. If you’re a fast-food lover and want to recreate this iconic dish at home, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making TGI Friday’s mozzarella sticks from scratch, ensuring you capture that restaurant-quality taste.
Prepare The Necessary Materials
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. The key to replicating TGI Friday’s mozzarella sticks lies in using fresh, high-quality components.
Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for a block of low-moisture mozzarella cheese. It’s important to use low-moisture mozzarella because it ensures that the cheese will melt perfectly without becoming too watery. Cut the cheese into even-sized sticks, approximately 3-4 inches long and about ½ inch thick.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for creating that signature crunchy exterior. You can also mix in Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs to add a bit of flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour is needed to coat the mozzarella sticks before breading. This step helps the breadcrumbs adhere better.
Eggs: Large eggs will be used as a binding agent, ensuring the breadcrumbs stick to the mozzarella sticks. Be sure to whisk the eggs thoroughly.
Milk: A splash of milk added to the eggs will help achieve the right consistency for coating.
Seasonings: Season the flour and breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will add a burst of flavor to each bite.
Vegetable Oil: Choose a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil for frying. It’s essential to maintain the correct temperature for a crispy outcome.
SEE ALSO: How Much Is TGI Friday’s Bottomless Brunch?
Step-by-Step Preparation
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the preparation process. Follow these steps to create mozzarella sticks that are just as delicious as those served at TGI Friday’s franchise.
1. Preparing the Cheese Sticks
Start by cutting the block of mozzarella cheese into uniform sticks. Consistency is key here, as it ensures even cooking. Once the cheese is cut, place the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze them for at least 30 minutes.
Freezing the cheese helps it maintain its shape during frying and prevents it from melting too quickly.
2. Setting Up the Breading Station
While the cheese sticks are freezing, set up your breading station. You’ll need three shallow dishes: one for flour, one for the egg wash, and one for breadcrumbs.
In the first dish, add all-purpose flour seasoned with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
3. Breading the Mozzarella Sticks
Once the cheese sticks are frozen and your breading station is ready, it’s time to coat the mozzarella sticks.
First coating: Dip each frozen cheese stick into the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Egg wash: Next, dip the floured cheese stick into the egg wash, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
Breadcrumb coating: Roll the cheese stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
For an extra crispy texture, you can repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb steps a second time. This double breading will give the mozzarella sticks a thicker, crunchier exterior, much like TGI Friday’s.
4. Freezing Again
After breading, place the mozzarella sticks back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for an additional 15-30 minutes. This second freeze is crucial as it helps the breading set and prevents the cheese from oozing out too quickly during frying.
Frying The Mozzarella Sticks
Frying is the most critical step in achieving that perfect crispy exterior with a gooey, melted center. Here’s how to do it:
1. Heating the Oil
In a deep fryer or a large heavy-bottomed pot, pour in enough vegetable oil to submerge the mozzarella sticks completely.
Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, as it’s essential to maintain consistent heat.
2. Frying Process
Carefully drop the frozen, breaded mozzarella sticks into the hot oil, a few at a time. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy mozzarella sticks. Fry the sticks for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil, and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
TGI Friday’s mozzarella sticks are typically served hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Here are some tips to elevate your serving presentation:
Warm Marinara Sauce: Heat up a small bowl of marinara sauce and serve it on the side. You can use store-bought marinara or make your own with tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil.
Garnish: Sprinkle the mozzarella sticks with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Plating: Arrange the mozzarella sticks on a platter around the dipping sauce, making them easy to grab and enjoy.
Tips And Tricks for Perfect Mozzarella Sticks
Even though the process of making mozzarella sticks is straightforward, there are a few tricks that can help you achieve the best results:
Double Breading: As mentioned earlier, double breading ensures a thick, crunchy coating. It’s an extra step, but it’s worth it for that authentic TGI Friday’s experience.
Freezing: Don’t skip the freezing steps. This is crucial for preventing the cheese from melting too quickly and breaking through the breading.
Oil Temperature: Keep a close eye on the oil temperature. If it’s too low, the mozzarella sticks will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too high, the breading may burn before the cheese melts.
Batch Frying: Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. This will ensure even cooking and a crisp, golden-brown exterior.
Conclution
Making TGI Friday’s mozzarella sticks at home is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious appetizer that captures the essence of this beloved fast food treat.
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a snack, these mozzarella sticks are sure to impress.
Remember, the key to success is in the details: from choosing the right ingredients to mastering the frying process, each step contributes to the final result. So, put on your apron, heat up that oil, and get ready to enjoy the perfect homemade mozzarella sticks that rival those from TGI Friday’s!