The Ultimate Sampler from Fazoli's features crispy mozzarella sticks, seasoned breadsticks, golden-toasted garlic bread, and zesty marinara dipping sauce, offering a delicious variety of savory flavors and textures in one satisfying platter.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry basket
- Tongs
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Saucepan
- Serving platter
- Ladle
- Bread knife
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 8 bakery-style breadsticks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 4 slices Italian bread
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mozzarella sticks require careful coating with flour, eggs, and Italian-style bread crumbs mixed with Parmesan and herbs to ensure a crispy texture when fried in vegetable oil. Breadsticks gain extra flavor by brushing with a mixture of unsalted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley before baking. The garlic bread uses sliced Italian bread topped with olive oil, minced garlic, and baked until golden. For the marinara sauce, combine tomato sauce and paste with oregano, basil, sugar, and season to taste, simmering gently in a saucepan to develop rich flavor. Your Ultimate Sampler from Fazoli's copycat menu brings together these seasoned components for an authentic, tasty experience reminiscent of the original platter.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs mixed with Parmesan, Italian herbs, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
- Dredge mozzarella sticks in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with bread crumb mixture. Repeat for extra crunch.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes until golden. Remove and drain.
- Arrange breadsticks on a baking sheet.
- Melt unsalted butter and combine with 1 tbsp garlic powder and dried parsley.
- Brush breadsticks with garlic butter; bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed.
- Slice Italian bread and brush both sides with olive oil.
- Toast bread slices on a baking sheet in oven for 5 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Sauté minced garlic in a saucepan with a splash of olive oil until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper; simmer for 10 minutes to make marinara sauce.
- Arrange mozzarella sticks, breadsticks, and garlic toast on serving platter.
- Ladle marinara sauce into a bowl for dipping.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Ultimate Sampler from Fazoli's copycat menu brings together crispy mozzarella sticks, savory breadsticks, garlic bread, and zesty marinara sauce for a delightful blend of flavors and textures. If mozzarella sticks are not available, you can substitute with string cheese cut into sticks, but ensure they are well-chilled before frying to prevent melting. When frying, use a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot with vegetable oil heated to 350degF (175degC) for optimal crispiness without greasiness. You can prepare breadsticks using store-bought dough or swap Italian bread with French or sourdough for the garlic bread, adjusting the toasting time accordingly. For marinara, fresh tomatoes can replace canned sauce and paste; simmer longer to develop a rich flavor while adding herbs at the end for freshness.
Tips
Ensure your vegetable oil maintains a steady temperature of 350degF (175degC) during frying to achieve perfectly golden and crispy mozzarella sticks without sogginess. Dredge each mozzarella stick twice through flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixtures to enhance crunchiness and prevent cheese from leaking. When preparing your garlic butter for breadsticks, apply it evenly to ensure flavorful, moist bread after baking. Your marinara sauce will develop richer flavors by simmering with herbs and seasonings for the full 10 minutes as recommended.
Nutritions
The Ultimate Sampler from Fazoli's provides a rich source of protein primarily from mozzarella cheese, which supports muscle maintenance and repair. The breadsticks and garlic bread offer carbohydrates that fuel your energy needs, while olive oil and butter add healthy fats essential for brain function and nutrient absorption. Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs contribute vitamins and minerals like calcium and iron, benefiting bone health and oxygen transport in your body. Your serving of this sampler delivers a balanced blend of macronutrients and flavorful diversity to satisfy hunger and nourish your body.
Storage
Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain their crispiness when reheated. Breadsticks and garlic toast should be wrapped in foil or plastic wrap to prevent drying out, and can be refreshed in a 350degF oven for 5-7 minutes before serving. Keep marinara sauce in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days, reheating gently on the stove to preserve flavor and texture for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, swap mozzarella sticks with provolone or cheddar cheese sticks for a different flavor profile. Instead of deep frying, bake the coated cheese sticks on a greased baking sheet at 425degF (220degC) for 10-12 minutes to reduce oil content. You can enhance your marinara sauce by adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to bring depth and mild heat. Try using garlic knot rolls instead of breadsticks to add a soft, buttery texture complementary to the crispy elements.
Allergies
The Ultimate Sampler from Fazoli's contains common allergens including dairy from mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese, wheat from all-purpose flour and bread crumbs, and eggs used in the breading process. Your dish may also pose risks for individuals with garlic allergies due to garlic powder and minced garlic in multiple components. Cross-contamination risks exist for those with gluten sensitivities because of Italian bread and breadsticks made from wheat products.
Why this recipe?
Fazoli's Ultimate Sampler menu is beloved for its generous variety, including breadsticks, mozzarella sticks, chicken alfredo bites, and creamy marinara sauce, offering a perfect tasting experience in one order. Fans appreciate the blend of savory flavors and crispy textures that satisfy diverse cravings, making it ideal for sharing or indulging solo. Your attempt to create a copycat recipe can capture the essence of Fazoli's flavor profile while customizing ingredients for freshness and dietary preferences. Replicating this ultimate sampler at home is worth it for both the cost savings and the joy of tailoring it to your unique taste.