Follow these detailed, step-by-step instructions carefully. The key to perfect mozzarella sticks lies in the preparation, especially the freezing step, which is non-negotiable for preventing cheese blowouts.

Part 1: Preparing the Rich Marinara Sauce

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it will become bitter.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Immediately pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine with the garlic. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, optional red pepper flakes, and optional sugar. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
3. Develop the Flavors: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan partially, and let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
4. Final Touches: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You might want more salt, pepper, or a pinch more sugar. Once you’re happy with the flavor, remove it from the heat and set it aside. It can be served warm or at room temperature.

Part 2: Preparing and Breading the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Cut the Cheese: Unwrap your block of low-moisture mozzarella. Pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Cut the block into sticks that are approximately 3-4 inches long and about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Initial Freeze (Crucial Step): Arrange the cut cheese sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 30-60 minutes. This initial freeze is the secret to preventing the cheese from melting and oozing out of the breading too quickly during cooking.
3. Set Up Your Breading Station: While the cheese is freezing, prepare your three-stage breading station. You will need three shallow dishes or pie plates.
   • Dish 1 (Flour): In the first dish, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk to combine.
   • Dish 2 (Egg Wash): In the second dish, crack the three large eggs and whisk them vigorously until they are smooth and uniformly yellow.
   • Dish 3 (Breadcrumb Mixture): In the third dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, seasoned Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and the remaining salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed.
4. The Double-Dredging Process: Once the cheese sticks are firm, remove them from the freezer. Working with one stick at a time, follow this process for a thick, secure coating:
   • Coat in Flour: Roll a cheese stick in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it is completely coated on all sides. Gently tap off any excess flour.
   • Dip in Egg: Submerge the flour-coated stick in the egg wash, turning it to coat it completely. Allow any excess egg to drip off.
   • First Breadcrumb Coat: Press the egg-coated stick into the breadcrumb mixture, covering it entirely.
   • Return to Egg: Dip the breaded stick back into the egg wash for a second time. This step is the key to a super thick, crunchy crust that won’t leak.
   • Final Breadcrumb Coat: Return the stick to the breadcrumb mixture one last time, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even layer of breadcrumbs adheres to all surfaces.
5. Place and Repeat: Place the fully breaded mozzarella stick back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this double-dredging process with all the remaining cheese sticks, arranging them in a single layer.
6. Second Freeze (Absolutely Essential): Once all the sticks are breaded, place the entire baking sheet back into the freezer for at least another 1-2 hours, or until the sticks are frozen solid. Do not skip this step! Frying or baking them from a frozen state is the ultimate guarantee against cheese explosions.

Part 3: Cooking the Mozzarella Sticks

You have three excellent options for cooking your mozzarella sticks. Deep-frying yields the most classic, golden-brown result, but baking and air frying are fantastic, less-messy alternatives.

Method 1: Deep-Frying (Classic Method)

1. Heat the Oil: Pour about 2-3 inches of neutral oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-365°F (175-185°C). Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy; the correct oil temperature is vital for a crispy, non-greasy result.
2. Fry in Batches: Carefully place a few frozen mozzarella sticks into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy sticks.
3. Cook to Perfection: Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are a deep golden brown and crispy on all sides. You may see a tiny bit of cheese start to peek out, which is your cue that they are done.
4. Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Sprinkling them with a tiny pinch of salt while they are still hot is a pro move. Serve immediately with your homemade marinara sauce.

Method 2: Baking in the Oven (Healthier Option)

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare for Baking: Arrange the frozen, breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. For an extra-crispy finish, lightly spray the sticks on all sides with cooking spray or olive oil spray.
3. Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown, crispy, and heated through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from bursting.
4. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with marinara sauce.

Method 3: Using an Air Fryer (Crispy and Easy)

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
2. Arrange in Basket: Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for enhanced crispiness.
3. Air Fry: Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They are done when the coating is golden brown and crisp.
4. Serve: Carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and serve hot with the marinara dipping sauce.