Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, mozzarella sticks are a beloved snack that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. This recipe delivers crispy, flavorful sticks of melted mozzarella cheese, coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust.

Ingredients

• 1 pound block whole milk mozzarella cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 cups plain breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 quarts)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the mozzarella cheese block into 16 sticks of roughly equal size.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl or shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and grated parmesan.
4. Step 4: Dip each cheese stick first into the egg mixture, then coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Step 5: Repeat the dipping process by again dipping the stick into the egg mixture and then the breadcrumbs to create a double coating.
6. Step 6: Arrange the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet or freezer-safe plate and freeze for at least one hour to firm them up.
7. Step 7: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, wide pot to 350-365°F (175-185°C).
8. Step 8: Fry 3-4 mozzarella sticks at a time for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.
9. Step 9: Remove sticks with a slotted spoon or tongs and drain on a paper-towel lined plate. Maintain oil temperature between batches.
10. Step 10: Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Freezing the breaded sticks before frying helps prevent the cheese from oozing too quickly during cooking.
• For added crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of plain ones.
• Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
• If you prefer baking, bake the sticks at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway through.

Storage

Store leftover cooked mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer to help restore crispiness. Uncooked, breaded sticks can be kept frozen for up to 1 month before frying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Fresh mozzarella with a high moisture content works best because it melts nicely without becoming oily. Other cheese types may not produce the same creamy texture.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while frying?

Double coating the sticks and freezing them before frying helps the breading adhere well and keeps the cheese contained during cooking.

Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 122 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 16 mozzarella sticks 1x

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Description

Crispy, golden mozzarella sticks coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture and fried to perfection, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce as a delicious appetizer or snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese

• 1 pound block whole milk mozzarella cheese

Egg Wash

• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk

Breading

• 2 cups plain breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup grated parmesan

Frying

• Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 quarts)

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Instructions

1. Slice the cheese: Cut the 1 pound block of whole milk mozzarella cheese into 16 sticks of roughly equal size to ensure even cooking.
2. Prepare the egg mixture: In a small bowl or shallow dish big enough to dip the cheese sticks, whisk together 2 large eggs and ¼ cup milk until fully combined.
3. Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In another bowl, combine 2 cups plain breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese.
4. First coat the sticks: Dip each mozzarella stick first in the egg mixture, ensuring it is completely coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs to adhere fully.
5. Double coat: Repeat the dipping—dip the breadcrumb-coated stick again in the egg mixture and then back into the breadcrumb mixture for a thick, sturdy coating.
6. Freeze the sticks: Arrange the double-breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet or freezer-safe plate, then freeze for at least an hour to help them hold their shape during frying.
7. Heat the oil: When ready to cook, heat about 2 quarts of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, wide pot over medium heat to a temperature between 350 and 365°F (175-185°C).
8. Fry the sticks: Carefully add 3-4 mozzarella sticks at a time to the hot oil, frying for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
9. Drain excess oil: Remove the cooked mozzarella sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Maintain the oil temperature between 350-365°F before frying the next batch.
10. Serve: Serve the mozzarella sticks immediately, ideally with warm marinara sauce for dipping to enjoy their gooey, cheesy interior and crispy exterior.

Notes

• Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks before frying prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out.
• Be sure not to overcrowd the fryer to maintain oil temperature and ensure even frying.
• Use whole milk mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
• Serve immediately after frying for the best texture and taste.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, fried cheese sticks, appetizer, Italian snack, crispy cheese sticks, marinara dipping sauce