Mozzarella sticks are the ultimate appetizer or snack—crunchy on the outside, gooey and melty on the inside. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a late-night snack, or just want to make something fun and cheesy, mozzarella sticks are always a hit. Here’s how to make them perfectly at home.
Ingredients
For 12 sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for deep frying (vegetable or canola)
For serving (optional):
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Cheese Sticks
Cut mozzarella sticks in half if you prefer shorter pieces. Place them on a plate and freeze for about 30–45 minutes. This prevents them from melting too quickly while frying.
2. Set Up a Breading Station
In three separate bowls:
- Bowl 1: Add flour
- Bowl 2: Beat eggs with milk
- Bowl 3: Mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
3. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
Take each frozen cheese stick and coat in flour, then dip in egg, and finally roll in breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
4. Freeze Again
Place the coated sticks back in the freezer for another 20–30 minutes. This ensures they hold their shape during frying.
5. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the sticks in batches for 1½ to 2 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
6. Serve Immediately
Serve hot with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dip. Enjoy the cheesy goodness while they’re fresh and melty!
Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Sticks
- Always freeze before frying: This prevents the cheese from oozing out too soon.
- Double coat for crispier texture: A second breading layer adds extra crunch.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
- Use string cheese: It’s the perfect size and texture for homemade mozzarella sticks.
Mozzarella sticks are a fun and flavorful snack that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With a crispy coating and that irresistible cheese pull, they’re perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or anytime cravings. Once you try them fresh out of the fryer, you’ll never want the frozen kind again!
FAQ’s:
1. Can I make mozzarella sticks in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and crispy. Make sure they’re well-frozen before air frying.
2. What cheese works best for mozzarella sticks?
Low-moisture mozzarella (like string cheese) is ideal. It melts nicely without becoming too runny.
3. Can I bake mozzarella sticks instead of frying?
You can. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes or until golden, flipping once. They won’t be as crispy as fried ones, but still tasty.
4. Why is my cheese leaking out while frying?
This usually happens if the cheese wasn’t frozen enough or if the coating wasn’t thick enough. Freeze well and double coat to prevent leakage.
5. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! After breading, store them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen when ready to serve.
