Crab Rangoon Mozzarella Sticks

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends over the sides. (5 minutes)

Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped crabmeat, green onions, powdered sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until well combined and smooth. (10 minutes)

Freeze the Mixture: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and spread evenly. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until firm enough to cut. (30 minutes)

Shape the Sticks: Lift the frozen cream cheese mixture from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut the block in half, then cut each half crosswise into 8 equal sticks. You should have 16 sticks in total. (10 minutes)

Prepare Breading Stations: Place the flour in a shallow dish. In a second shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and water. Place the panko bread crumbs in a third shallow dish. (5 minutes)

Bread the Sticks: Dredge each frozen cream cheese stick in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured stick into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip back into the dish. Finally, press the stick into the panko bread crumbs, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides. (20 minutes)

Pre-Freeze Breaded Sticks: Place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for another 15 minutes to help the breading adhere. (15 minutes)

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C). This will keep the fried sticks warm while you fry the rest. (5 minutes)

Heat the Oil: Pour approximately 1 1/2 inches of vegetable oil into a medium saucepan. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy. (10 minutes)

Fry the Sticks: Carefully add 3-4 sticks at a time to the hot oil. Fry for about 1 minute, or until golden brown on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature. (5 minutes)

Drain and Keep Warm: Remove the fried sticks from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Transfer the drained sticks to a baking sheet and keep them warm in the preheated oven while you continue to fry the remaining sticks. (5 minutes)

Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite sweet chili sauce. Garnish with extra sliced green onions, if desired.