Mozzarella sticks may have single-handedly brought down the American health-care system. It’s fried cheese. Luckily, there are high-quality, reduced-fat mozzarella products available now, and in this recipe there is no deep frying. Fra diavolo means “brother devil” in Italian; in cooking terms, the phrase refers to fiery food. This favorite snack may be more angelic now, but the sauce is still devilish—in a very good way.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place a wire rack on a foil-lined baking sheet, and set it aside.
Step 2
Put the flour in a shallow dish. Put the panko in another shallow dish. In a medium bowl, whip the egg whites with a whisk until they are extremely foamy but not quite holding peaks.
Step 3
Working in batches, dredge the mozzarella sticks in the flour, shaking off any excess. Add the mozzarella sticks to the egg whites and toss to coat completely. Add the mozzarella sticks, a few pieces at a time, to the panko and coat completely.
Step 4
Spread the breaded cheese sticks out on the wire rack. Season them generously with garlic salt and pepper, and spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake until the breading is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted throughout, about 15 minutes.
Step 5
Meanwhile, heat the pasta sauce in the microwave or in a small saucepan for 2 minutes, or until it is hot.
Step 6
Serve the mozzarella sticks with the sauce for dipping.
nutrition information
Step 7
Fat: 41g (before), 7.6g (after)
Step 8
Calories: 730 (before), 232 (after)
Step 9
Protein: 20g
Step 10
Carbohydrates: 21g
Step 11
Cholesterol: 20mg
Step 12
Fiber: 4g
Step 13
Sodium: 471mg
