Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly crispy mozzarella sticks in no time:

1. Start by slicing each mozzarella stick in half, creating shorter sticks for easy handling.
2. Prepare a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the last with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off the excess, then dip into the eggs, and finally roll in the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.
4. Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the frozen mozzarella sticks, frying in batches for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove the sticks with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!

Cooking is all about creating memories, and I fondly recall my abuela guiding me through similar steps in her warm, bustling kitchen. Feel free to involve your family in the process — it’s a fun activity for all ages!