These crispy mozzarella sticks are a perfect snack! They’re gooey on the inside and crunchy on the outside, making them super fun to eat. Who can resist dipping them in marinara sauce?
I love how easy they are to make at home. Just pull them out of the freezer, fry or bake them, and serve hot. Perfect for sharing—or not! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: These are the stars of the dish! You can use regular string cheese sticks or even fresh mozzarella if you want a creamier option. Just know that fresh mozzarella might melt faster.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs give a nice flavor, but you can substitute with panko for extra crunch. If gluten-free, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs. Adding some herbs and spices can elevate the flavor too!
Eggs: Eggs help the breading stick to the cheese. If you want a vegan option, use a mixture of flaxseed meal and water or any egg replacer available in stores.
Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste! Adding cayenne pepper can give it a little kick, or use paprika for some smokiness.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunch on My Mozzarella Sticks?
To achieve that amazing crunch for mozzarella sticks, follow these steps so they come out perfect every time:
- Freeze the prepared sticks for at least 1 hour before frying. This helps to keep the cheese from melting too quickly.
- Coat them in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. This creates multiple layers that help achieve that crispy texture.
- Double dip in egg and breadcrumbs for extra crunch. It adds another layer of coating!
- Don’t overcrowd the frying pan; giving the sticks space lets them fry evenly.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F or 175°C) before adding them, so they fry quickly and don’t absorb too much oil.
Following these tips should help you achieve perfectly crispy mozzarella sticks every time!
How to Make Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional hour for freezing, plus around 10 minutes of cooking time. Overall, you’ll spend about 1 hour and 25 minutes to enjoy delicious homemade mozzarella sticks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Cheese Sticks:
First, unwrap the mozzarella cheese sticks and cut each in half if you prefer smaller bites. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them into your freezer for at least 1 hour. This step is essential because it helps keep the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
2. Set Up Breading Stations:
Next, set up your dredging stations. In one shallow dish, pour in the flour. In a second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. In a third dish, mix the breadcrumbs with the optional Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for added flavor.
3. Coat the Cheese Sticks:
Now, take each frozen mozzarella stick and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, and finally roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until it’s completely covered. For extra crunch, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps and then put the coated sticks back on a tray and freeze them for another 30 minutes.
4. Heat Oil:
In a deep frying pan or a pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Make sure there’s enough oil in the pan to fully submerge the cheese sticks.
5. Fry Mozzarella Sticks:
Carefully add the cheese sticks in batches to the hot oil, frying them for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan so they cook evenly. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve:
Serve your mozzarella sticks immediately while they’re hot and melty. Pair them with warm marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy every gooey, cheesy bite!
Enjoy your homemade crispy mozzarella sticks—crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that softer cheeses might melt faster.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Mozzarella Sticks?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
How Should I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain that crispy texture.
Why Did My Mozzarella Sticks Burst Open While Frying?
This can happen if the cheese is not fully chilled before frying or if the oil is too hot. Make sure to freeze the sticks adequately and maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
