Crispy fried cheese sticks need just an egg coating and some flour to shine. This shelf holds the single ingredient that makes the meal, so pasta or salad finishes the plate. A weeknight comfort dinner ready in minutes.

Serves 2. 15 minutes, 10 at the stove.

About 1270 calories a serving, 103 g protein, 31 g carbohydrate, 81 g fat. From USDA figures for 83% of the ingredients; amounts are the recipe's.

Cook mode

1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium-high heat while you set up for breading. Pour 1/4 cup flour into one shallow bowl and crack 1 egg into another, beating it with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Dredge each cheese stick in flour to coat all sides, then dip in beaten egg and set on a plate. Work quickly so the cheese stays firm.
3. Once oil shimmers, slide the breaded sticks into the pan and fry for 1 to 1.5 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a clean plate as they finish.3 min
4. Pour the canned tomato into the same skillet with a pinch of salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons grated gouda stirred in off heat. Warm gently, tasting and adjusting seasoning.2 min

Note Swap the canned tomato for marinara if you have it. Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for two days and can be reheated gently. Serve with pasta or a green salad to soak up the sauce.