Mozzarella sticks are a fun snack that everyone loves! They’re made with gooey mozzarella cheese, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and fried to golden perfection.
Who’s with me? There’s just something magical about that cheesy stretch when you pull them apart! I like to serve them with marinara sauce for dipping—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Sticks: Regular string cheese works best, but for a twist, try using provolone or pepper jack for extra flavor. You’ll get that melty goodness, just like mozzarella!
Flour: All-purpose flour is great for coating, but if you’re looking for gluten-free options, try almond flour or cornstarch.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs give added flavor, but you can use plain breadcrumbs mixed with dried herbs if that’s what you have. Panko breadcrumbs will add extra crunch!
Eggs: If you’re avoiding eggs, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or even unsweetened apple sauce as a binder.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Mozzarella Sticks?
The key to crispy mozzarella sticks is all in the prep and frying! Start by freezing the cheese for the first hour. This prevents the cheese from oozing out before the coating is golden.
- Use three separate bowls for a solid breading station: one for flour, one for the egg mixture, and another for the seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Make sure to coat each stick well. Double coating is a great trick for added crunch and helps keep the cheese intact.
- When frying, keep the oil hot, around 350°F. Fry them in batches to avoid cooling the oil too much, which could make them greasy.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly crispy mozzarella sticks every time!
How to Make Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 2 hours total. You’ll need around 1 hour for freezing the cheese sticks and 20-30 minutes for preparation and frying. The important part is freezing the cheese to get that perfect gooey texture!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Freeze the Cheese Sticks:
Begin by removing the mozzarella sticks from their packaging. If you’d like smaller sticks, feel free to cut them in half. Place the cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This will help keep them from melting too fast while frying.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Prepare three shallow bowls for breading your sticks. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until combined. In the third bowl, mix together the Italian-style bread crumbs, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. This mix will give your sticks a delicious flavor!
3. Bread the Mozzarella Sticks:
Take the frozen mozzarella sticks out of the freezer. Dredge each stick in the flour first, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, roll it in the seasoned bread crumbs until completely covered. For that extra crunch, you can repeat the egg and bread crumb coating once more!
4. Chill Again:
Place the breaded mozzarella sticks back on the baking sheet and return them to the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step helps keep the cheese inside while frying.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You want enough oil so that the sticks can be fully submerged while frying.
6. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
Carefully fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your mozzarella sticks are ready! Serve them hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley, and don’t forget that marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy perfection!
Enjoy making and indulging in these delightful mozzarella sticks as a perfect snack or appetizer!
Can I Use Different Cheeses for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can use other cheeses like provolone, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses for added flavor. Just keep in mind that some cheeses may melt differently.
Can I Prepare These Mozzarella Sticks in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mozzarella sticks up to the frying step ahead of time. Just bread them and keep them frozen until you’re ready to fry. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month!
How Do I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to regain some crispiness.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes! To make baked mozzarella sticks, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with cooking spray and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy!
