These cheesy mozzarella sticks are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside! Perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, they’re a hit at any snack time.
Every bite brings a fun cheesy pull that makes them so enjoyable. I can’t resist munching on these while watching my favorite shows—delicious and super easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Sticks: String cheese is perfect for this recipe because it melts nicely. You can use part-skim mozzarella for a lower-fat option, but whole milk mozzarella provides that gooey texture we love.
Eggs: Eggs help the breading stick. If you need an egg substitute, try using a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) for a plant-based option.
Italian-style Bread Crumbs: These add flavor and crunch. If you can’t find them, plain bread crumbs mixed with Italian herbs or panko (for extra crunch) work well.
Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the garlic powder and dried Italian seasoning according to your taste. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
Vegetable Oil: Canola or peanut oil are good alternatives for frying due to their high smoke points.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure a Crispy Exterior?
Achieving that crispy, golden crust is all about technique! Follow these simple steps:
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks is essential. It prevents the cheese from melting too quickly when fried.
- Double-dipping in the bread crumbs creates a thicker coating, ensuring extra crunch.
- Maintain the oil temperature at about 350°F (175°C). Too low, and they’ll soak up oil; too high, and they’ll burn before cooking inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to keep the temperature consistent and ensure even cooking.
By following these tips, your mozzarella sticks will turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every time! Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
How to Make Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
For The Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups Italian-style bread crumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Marinara sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of active prep time, plus an additional 1.5 to 2.5 hours for freezing. You’ll need time to freeze the mozzarella sticks before frying, ensuring they are perfectly gooey inside and crispy outside!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks:
Start by unwrapping the mozzarella sticks. If you want smaller bites, cut each stick in half. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the sticks on the sheet. Place them in the freezer for at least 1 hour, but for best results, freeze them for 1.5 to 2 hours. This helps keep the cheese from melting too quickly when frying.
2. Set Up Your Breading Stations:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. In a second shallow bowl, place the flour. For the third bowl, mix the bread crumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper together until evenly combined.
3. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
Once the sticks are frozen, remove them from the freezer. Take one stick at a time and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully covered. Finally, coat it with the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs. For a thicker, crispier coating, you can double-dip by repeating the egg and bread crumb steps.
4. Freeze Again:
Place the coated mozzarella sticks back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them again for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This extra chilling helps the coating stay crispy when fried.
5. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
In a deep skillet or large pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the mozzarella sticks in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as you want the cheese to remain melted inside!
6. Draining and Serving:
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the mozzarella sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your crispy, gooey mozzarella sticks! They’re perfect for snacking, parties, or just when you’re craving some cheesy goodness!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for its meltiness, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda. Just keep in mind that some cheeses may melt differently!
How Can I Make These Mozzarella Sticks Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the mozzarella sticks up until the frying step, then freeze them. Once frozen, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry them straight from the freezer without thawing!
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake the mozzarella sticks! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. They may not get as crispy as fried, but it’s a healthier option!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to regain some crispiness! A microwave can make them soggy.
