Cheese sticks coated and fried until the outside crisps and the inside melts. This shelf item is meant for exactly this, and it takes fifteen minutes. Serve with rice or pasta to soak up the marinara.

Serves 2. 20 minutes, 15 at the stove.

About 950 calories a serving, 48 g protein, 84 g carbohydrate, 46 g fat. From USDA figures for 88% of the ingredients; amounts are the recipe's.

Cook mode

1. Set up three shallow bowls with 1/4 cup flour mixed with 1/4 teaspoon pepper in the first, one beaten egg in the second, and 1/2 cup panko mixed with 1/2 teaspoon salt in the third.
2. Coat each of the eight cheese sticks first in flour, shaking off excess, then in egg, then in panko, pressing gently so it adheres. Lay them on a plate and freeze for five minutes while you heat the pan.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering, about two minutes.2 min
4. Working quickly, fry the cheese sticks in a single layer until golden brown all over, about four minutes total, turning every minute so they brown evenly without bursting. They should be golden and crispy.4 min
5. While they fry, warm one cup marinara in a small pot over low heat. Transfer the cheese sticks to a serving dish and serve with warm marinara on the side for dipping.

Note Swap in mozzarella sticks if you find them. Leftovers keep refrigerated for two days and can be reheated in a 325°F oven until warm through. Serve over rice, pasta, or salad to stretch the meal.