Apparently there is a big game tonight. My main squeeze says something like the championship college basketball game. Is it called something specific? I mean I know there is the sweet sixteen, elite eight and final four, but the final game, just the championship, maybe? O my poor husband (who knows way too much about sports), I’m sure is ashamed that I am even making this public knowledge. My lack of sports trivia or as he would say common sense. Well I will apologize now, I’m sorry to embarrass you. I’m in these big games more for the food or maybe more honestly to get a couple of extra hours of shut-eye. Lame, yes very lame, I know. Either way, if you plan to watch a big game, or maybe have people over to play cards (more my cup of tea) this would make a great appetizer!
Crunchy, baked, ooey-gooey, grain free mozzarella sticks dipped in warmed marinara sauce. Is your mouth watering yet? I always used to think that mozzarella sticks were extremely time consuming and difficult to make. I’m not even sure what shaped this thought process other than you can buy them pre-made and boxed at the grocery store which used to go under my radar as, if they are going to make it for me, they must be difficult to make on my own.
However, this is just a myth of the food industry. “Convenience foods” don’t necessarily mean that making them yourself isn’t just as convenient. They just want you to think that you can’t make it as easily or cost effectively as the food manufacturer. And as that is partially true in the fact that they use extremely cheap, processed, chemical-laden, anything-but-real-food, products. So don’t believe the lie that if you can buy it processed, it means that you shouldn’t need worry about ever making it.
I’m telling you, these are EASY. Like if you can butter bread (not that you would), you can make these amazing grain free mozzarella sticks. Your friends and family will think you are da bomb!
As you will notice, this is the same breading from the chicken parmesan recipe. I use this “breading” often when coating foods for the crispy, crunchy final product, just change the seasonings to your liking.
- ¼ cup flaxseed meal
- ¼ cup pysllium husks
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, whisked
- ¼ cup tapioca starch
- 8-10 Mozzarella cheese sticks (or fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into strips), halved
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut mozzarella cheese sticks in half or slice a mozzarella cheese ball into strips.
- On a plate place the starch.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs.
- In another bowl mix flaxseed meal, pysllium husks, garlic powder, oregano, basil and salt and pepper.
- Roll cheese sticks in starch, dip in egg and coat with the breading. Repeat process for a double breading (this prevents the cheese from seeping out too bad).
- Bake for 8-12 minutes. They will turn quick so make sure you watch them.
- Remove and serve warm with fresh basil and warmed marinara sauce.
