Dairy-Free Mozzarella Sticks

Disclaimer* These are NOT vegan! I use organic, free range eggs for the coating, but the cheese itself is in fact dairy free. I have no problem using ethically and sustainably sourced eggs in my cooking, and that is why these are made with real egg rather than a vegan version.

The recipe is super duper easy. The cheese is made in a saucepan (takes about 2 minutes) and then frozen in one of those water bottle ice cube trays. Once the cheese sticks are frozen, you dip it in beaten egg and then roll it in breadcrumbs and repeat once more. This is to ensure none of the melted cheese escapes the coating while you are frying them.

Be sure to keep a watchful eye on the mozza sticks while you are frying them because they will burn easily and quickly! Fry them for about 30 seconds and then turn them, and keep doing this until they are golden brown.

All done! Super easy, delicious, and much healthier than regular mozzarella sticks. To top it off the cheese is super stretchy and melty, which is all thanks to the xanthan gum!

*makes 10 mozza sticks

Ingredients:

Vegan Cheese

1 can coconut milk

1/2 tsp xanthan gum

4 tbsp nutritional yeast 

1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)

pinch of salt

Breading

`1 cup breadcrumbs

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

salt & pepper to taste

2 organic free range eggs, beaten

canola oil for frying

In a medium saucepan, whisk together all cheese ingredients over high heat and bring to a boil. Keep whisking! Reduce heat to simmer and whisk for about a minute.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Pour the vegan cheese into the icecube tray and freeze.

Mix together the dry breading ingredients (breadcrumbs, dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper) in a small bowl and pour onto a plate.

In a small bowl, beat your eggs and set aside.

Take a frozen vegan cheese stick and coat it in egg. I find it helpful to use a fork (see pictures above).

Roll the egg-coated cheese stick in the breadcrumbs and then repeat. Cover the breaded cheese stick in egg and breadcrumbs one more time.

Once all the of the sticks are coated heat about a 1/2 inch of canola oil in a skillet to medium-high heat, once the oil begins to shimmer you can fry the mozza sticks.

Fry 4-5 at a time and turn them every 30 seconds until golden brown.

Enjoy!