Keto Low Carb Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Mozzarella sticks are a beloved snack and appetizer, but their traditional preparation, typically involving breadcrumbs and frying, is not suitable for those following a keto or low-carb diet. This comprehensive recipe provides a keto-friendly alternative that maintains the deliciousness of the classic dish while keeping it within the bounds of a low-carb lifestyle. This recipe has been meticulously crafted to deliver the same crispy, cheesy goodness without the high carb content.

Ingredients

  • Mozzarella Cheese: 12 ounces of part-skim mozzarella cheese, cut into 4-inch long sticks (approx. 12 sticks)
  • Almond Flour: 1 cup (for coating)
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, finely grated (for coating)
  • Eggs: 2 large, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Psyllium Husk Powder: 1 tablespoon (for additional crispiness and binding)
  • Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (for flavor)
  • Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon (for flavor)
  • Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon (for flavor)
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: For frying (approx. 1 cup for deep frying or enough to coat the pan for shallow frying)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Begin by cutting the mozzarella cheese into uniform sticks, each approximately 4 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. This ensures that each stick will cook evenly and maintain a consistent texture.
  2. Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes in a row. In the first dish, place the almond flour. In the second dish, beat the eggs thoroughly to prepare the egg wash. In the third dish, combine the finely grated Parmesan cheese, psyllium husk powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Coat the Cheese Sticks: Start by rolling each mozzarella stick in the almond flour, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured cheese stick into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the cheese stick with the Parmesan cheese mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres well.
  4. Chill the Coated Sticks: Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the coating adhere better during frying and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.
  5. Heat the Oil: While the cheese sticks are chilling, heat your chosen oil (olive oil or avocado oil) in a large skillet over medium heat. If deep frying, preheat the oil to 350°F (175°C). For shallow frying, ensure the oil covers the bottom of the skillet and is hot but not smoking.
  6. Fry the Cheese Sticks: Carefully place the chilled mozzarella sticks into the hot oil. Fry in batches if necessary, to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side until golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. Serve: Serve the hot, crispy mozzarella sticks immediately with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauce. Options include marinara sauce made with low-carb ingredients or a creamy ranch dip.

Nutritional Information

  • Serving Size: 1 mozzarella stick
  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Protein: 9g

SmartPoints (WW)

For those using the Weight Watchers system, each mozzarella stick is approximately 4 SmartPoints. This is based on the combination of ingredients and their nutritional profile, focusing on the fat and protein content relative to the points system.

Useful Information

  • Almond Flour vs. Traditional Flour: Almond flour is a staple in keto cooking due to its low carbohydrate content and nutty flavor. Unlike traditional breadcrumbs, almond flour keeps the carb count low while providing a crunchy texture.
  • Psyllium Husk Powder: This ingredient helps to add a bit more crispiness to the coating. It is also a source of soluble fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health.
  • Freezing Before Frying: Chilling the coated mozzarella sticks helps to keep the cheese from oozing out during cooking. It also makes the coating crispier.

Tips for Success

  1. Consistency in Coating: Ensure each mozzarella stick is evenly coated with the almond flour, egg wash, and Parmesan mixture. This consistency helps in achieving a uniform crispy exterior.
  2. Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial. Too hot, and the coating will burn before the cheese melts; too cool, and the coating will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
  3. Batch Cooking: Frying in small batches helps in maintaining the oil temperature and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.

Conclusion

This keto low-carb mozzarella sticks recipe offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings while adhering to your dietary goals. The use of almond flour and Parmesan cheese in place of traditional breadcrumbs provides a crunchy and satisfying coating without the carbs. With detailed instructions and nutritional information, this recipe is designed to fit seamlessly into your keto lifestyle, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and indulgent snack without compromising on your dietary preferences.

Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking. Enjoy your keto mozzarella sticks as a delicious snack or a perfect party appetizer!