How To Make Marinara Sauce For Mozzarella Sticks

What To Serve With Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

You can make the homemade marinara sauce I included in the recipe card below or use your favorite brand. You can also serve them with carrot and celery sticks to complement the gooey, creamy cheese with fresh veggie flavor and texture.

Want more finger foods and make it a real party? Try these Philly cheesesteak sliders and jalapeno poppers theyre a guaranteed crowd pleaser!

Easy + Homemade For The Win

Homemade is always better than store-bought, dont you agree? This homemade marinara sauce is such a cinch to make and it tastes better than anything you can get at the supermarket.

Its great to make ahead of time, or right when you need itperfect for mixing with your favorite pasta or using as a pizza sauce. We also love using it as a dip for breadsticks or cheesy mozzarella sticks.

? Marinara sauce is tomato based sauce seasoned with garlic, herbs and onions. Spaghetti sauce is also tomato based and seasoned similarly, but is typically thicker and includes meat.

How To Make Homemade Marinara Sauce

How To Make Homemade Marinara Sauce so cheap to make and so much better than store bought marinara sauce!

Have you ever done something the same way your entire life and then changed it, and went WOW what a difference? That happened to me yesterday when I listened to a song Ive been obsessed with on my headphones for the first time. Im totally not a headphones person, but the difference is SO amazing! You hear all sorts of magical things you cant hear usually.

Do I sound like a crazy lady?

Anyway, the same thing happened when I made homemade marinara sauce for the first time. You know how youre so used to store bought marinara sauce and youre thinking wow this is great and then you make it at home from scratch.

Hashtag mind-blown.

The sauce starts with 9 simple ingredients that you probably already have in your house, most of them being seasonings. Then you boil them together and voila! Homemade marinara sauce. The flavour in this sauce is so powerful in terms of bringing out the tomatoes, and the seasonings blend perfectly together. I prefer it even more after everything has cooled down together and married together. This sauce is great for your pizzas, pastas, sandwiches…the list goes on. Im currently dreaming of some mozzarella sticks to dip into thisYUM.

P.S. How was your 4th of July? Im not American but I celebrated in my own way by taking a swim and taking a very long nap. Score!

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Fresh Tomatoes Or Canned Tomatoes For Marinara Sauce

You can make marinara with any type of tomato, but Italian tomatoes in the plum family work the best. Roma tomatoes are perfect, but for a truly classic and traditional version, choose San Marzano tomatoes if you can find them!

You can make a great-tasting marinara sauce with either fresh or canned tomatoes. Using canned tomatoes, especially the San Marzano, helps you cut down on the prep and cooking times.

However, I really like making my marinara with fresh Italian Roma tomatoes. The little bit of extra time involved in the prep and cookingabout 15 minutes in allbrings a delightfully fresh taste to marinara that cant be beat.

I Am A Big Dr Pepper Fan

You guys, I am a BIG Dr Pepper fan. Like, ridiculously big. I have even visited the Dr Pepper museum in Waco TX. Did you know it is the oldest major soft drink in America? It is!

Dr Pepper is the perfect game day drink because it makes people happy. It is always original. And it has that signature blend of 23 flavors, which makes every sip of Dr Pepper truly unique. Paired with the Farm Rich snacks and appetizers , you have your #homegatinghero.

Farm Rich helps make snack and mealtime easier and more fun! Find them at grocery stores across the U.S., visit FarmRich.com/homegating to plan an easy, delicious and exciting game day spread from home. And dont forget this simple homemade marinara that comes together in just 10 minutes, and is perfect for all your dipping needs!

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Ways To Use Marinara Sauce:

There are sooo many delicious ways that you can put this marinara recipe to use! For example, feel free to serve it with

• Pasta: Spaghetti marinara is a classic, of course. But you could stir this sauce into any other kinds of pasta, baked ziti, lasagna and more. Or if you really want to go for the gold, make some homemade pasta!
• Meat or seafood: You could make Italian meatballs marinara, chicken marinara, shrimp marinara, mussels marinara, or whatever else might sound good!
• Parmigiana: Im also partial to using this sauce in my favorite baked eggplant Parmesan and chicken Parmesan recipes.
• Pizza: This recipe can also double as a marinara pizza sauce in any of your favorite pizza or flatbread recipes.
• Dipping sauce: Its also a fantastic dipping sauce for everything from breadsticks to mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, calamari, toasted ravioli and more.
• Subs and sandwiches: You know, Joey Tribbiani style. )

How To Make The Best Marinara Sauce Recipe This Homemade Marinara Sauce Is Quick Easy And Perfect For Spaghetti Or Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

One of the questions that I get asked a lot is if I make soul food, and other time consuming meals everyday of the week. My answer to that question is absolutely not! As a matter of fact during the week, I make quick meals like spaghetti or one pot pasta dishes. A lot of my quick and easy meals call for marinara sauce, which I prefer to make homemade. And I must admit that I make the best ever marinara sauce!

My marinara sauce is made with crushed tomatoes, fresh oregano, basil, garlic, onions, and a dash of red pepper flakes. I use simple seasonings like kosher salt, and coarse black pepper. I also like to add a little bit of vegetable broth to bring the flavors up a notch.

This marinara sauce can be use for spaghetti, a meatball sub, and even pizza! The options are limitless. Be sure to try this recipe, and let me know what you think in the comment section below!

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Faq About Marinara Sauce

Does marinara sauce go bad

Store homemade marinara sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If there are visible signs of mold, discard the sauce. To extend the shelf life, freeze it! Allow the sauce to cool completely and pour it into an airtight container.

Can marinara sauce be frozen

Store marinara sauce in the freezer for up to 4 months. When you are ready to use the sauce, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw completely. Pour it into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes before serving.

Is marinara sauce healthy

Since tomatoes and spices take up most of the ingredient list in marinara sauce, it is one of the healthier dipping sauces. If you are looking for a boost in calories or fat, marinara is not a good fit. If youre looking for a veggie-based, leaner sauce you have found your sauce.

What is marinara sauceCan marinara sauce be used for pizza

Yes! Marinara sauce can definitely be used in place of pizza sauce. Pizza sauce is typically a bit thicker in consistency, but the two can be used interchangeably.

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Why This Recipe Works

One of my newer recipe obsessions in 2019 was homemade sauces. There are a few ingredients in a lot of store-bought sauces that dont agree with my husbands stomach which is what prompted the trend. And it turns out that homemade sauces are the BEST.

Something else I experimented with recently was replacing spaghetti sauce with marinara sauce in recipes. This is a game changer! It offers a thicker texture and bolder flavor. And of course you cant go wrong with using marinara as a dipping sauce for any type of bread.

Keto Mozzarella Alfredo Sauce

Extremely easy to make, this low-carb, high-fat keto Alfredo sauce pairs perfectly with keto pasta or lovely grilled chicken!

Provided by dalton

Steps:

• Combine heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, butter, onion powder, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook and whisk ingredients until smooth, 3 to 5 minutes. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 387.4 calories, Carbohydrate 4.4 g, Cholesterol 130.2 mg, Fat 38.1 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 8.5 g, SaturatedFat 23.9 g, Sodium 674.5 mg, Sugar 0.8 g

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How To Use Marinara Sauce

When it comes to using marinara sauce, most people will think of the classic spaghetti marinara dish. As the name implies, this traditional recipe consists of spaghetti tossed with marinara sauce.

But you can use marinara in so many other ways. It is the classic sauce ladled on top of chicken parmigiana, and you can also use your homemade sauce to make these tasty dishes:

• Base for Sloppy Joe sandwiches
• Cream of tomato soup
• Any soup or stew recipe calling for tomatoes
• And in any recipe calling for tomato sauce!

Mini Mozzarella Sticks With Marinara Dipping Sauce

Mozzarella sticks are a must-order whenever I see them on a menu, but the truth is they are really easy to prepare at home, too. All it takes is a few basic ingredients you probably already have on hand and a little patience. Once you try this recipe, I guarantee you’re going to want to make it over and over again! I chose to make them mini because I always feel badly double-dipping my mozz sticks in the group marinara, and these mini ones are perfect for just one dunk. Enjoy the mozzarella sticks dunked into marinara sauce or on a salad. They can also be assembled in advance and stored in the freezer, ready to fry anytime you want an appetizer or snack.

Provided by Elena Besser

Steps:

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More Sauce Recipes Youll Love

• Easy Vegan Hollandaise Sauce This sauce is absolutely decadent and the flavor is exactly what you remember of the egg-based version!
• 5 Ingredient Vegan Tzatziki Sauce Perfect for adding a Mediterranean flair to fresh vegetables and pita bread, as a condiment to your sandwiches and wraps, and drizzled over falafel, kabobs, burgers, and even as a dressing for salads.
• Green Chile Cheesy Sauce A super versatile sauce we especially enjoy as a dip with tortilla chips or poured over a pile of nachos.

How To Make Marinara Sauce With Fresh Tomatoes

To make this simple marinara sauce, heat a touch of oil in a pot, add some garlic, throw in diced fresh tomatoes and let that all simmer. Not only is cooking going to break these tomatoes down into a smooth sauce and remove those sour tones, but its also going to increase the concentration of lycopene, one of the most potent antioxidants!

Once youve cooked down the tomatoes into your desired thickness and consistency, add in your flavor makers: basil, parsley, and honey.

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How To Make Marinara Sauce With Simple Ingredients

A basic marinara sauce really only needs these main ingredients: tomatoes, fresh garlic, onions, olive oil, and seasoning, but I like to add a couple more, as you’ll see below.

For the tomatoes, I like to use a couple of varieties: organic, canned, crushed tomatoes for the base, and a couple of smaller cans of finely diced tomatoes to give a bit of texture. However, if you’re a fan of a smoother marinara, then opt for all crushed tomatoesthe choice is yours!

I also like a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste to add some even richer tomato flavor.

Along with copious amounts of garlic and onion, I also like to add a small splash of red wine to create a little earthy depth and aroma, plus a small pinch of red pepper flakes for mild kick.

I sprinkle in dried herbs to the simmering sauce, and finish the marinara with a flourish of fresh herbs for added color and flavor.

Here’s a peek at my marinara sauce recipe:

A Best Friend To Pasta Pizza And Breadsticks

There are so many foods I love that taste just a little better with a side of zesty marinara sauce.

Whenever we get pizza, or enjoy warm, soft, buttery breadsticks, it’s a must for us to have a little ramekin of marinara for dipping. It’s what takes the breadsticks over the top and makes ’em extra delicious!

Even when I crave a very simple, quick and easy bowl of hot pasta, some of my homemade marinara pairs deliciously poured over top. Sprinkle on a flourish of fresh basil or parsley and some Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and you’ve got a complete picture perfect meal.

Whatever foods we love to enjoy with this zesty and irresistible red sauce, nothing beats an easy, homemade marinara prepared from scratch with fresh ingredients that add lots of bold flavor!

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How To Make Mozzarella Sticks

• Prep stations for breading: Whisk eggs and milk in a bowl. Pour Italian breadcrumbs into a shallow dish and combine with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a little salt.
• Slice cheese into sticks: Cut a 16-ounce brick of mozzarella cheese into 16 sticks that are each about 3 1/2 long.
• Bread the mozzarella: Dip each stick in the egg wash first, then roll in the breadcrumbs. Then give them a second coating of breadcrumbs by dipping in the egg wash and breadcrumbs again before transferring to a sheet pan. Repeat until all of the cheese is coated and then freeze for at least 1 hour.
• Heat oil for frying: Fill a large skillet with at least 1 of vegetable oil for frying, or use a deep fryer if you have one. Heat the oil to between 350 and 365 degrees F over medium-high heat. The temperature will drop when the frozen mozzarella sticks are added, so a good thermometer is helpful to monitor the oil temp and keep it in range.
• Fry in batches: Working with 5-6 mozzarella sticks at a time, fry for 1-2 minutes, carefully turning partway through using tongs, until crispy and golden brown on the outside.
• Drain: Remove to a plate lined with paper towel while repeating with the remaining mozzarella sticks, then serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.

Why Is This The Best Marinara Sauce

Six reasons to love this recipe:

• This marinara sauce recipe requires 5 basic ingredients and yields rich, authentic marinara flavor.
• Its super easy to makeno chopping required.
• Unlike most store-bought sauces, this marinara is free of added sugar.
• You can load up your pasta with as much of this wholesome sauce as youd like. Tomatoes are good for you!
• The recipe yields two cups of sauce and freezes well, so you might as well double the recipe. Just cook it in a bigger pot.
• This marinara also makes an incredible pizza sauce. I made pizza with it and my friend remarked that it tastes like real-deal Italian pizza.

Please let me know in the comments how you like this sauce! Its a new staple in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes a go-to recipe for you as well.

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