Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella Sticks are a classic, crispy, cheesy appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or just a delicious snack.

These golden-fried sticks have a crunchy breadcrumb coating and a gooey, melty cheese center that makes them irresistible. Served with marinara sauce or ranch dressing, they’re a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Whether you bake, air fry, or deep fry them, these homemade mozzarella sticks are a must-try!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Shallow dish or plate
• Knife and cutting board
• Baking sheet
• Freezer-safe tray
• Deep fryer, air fryer, or skillet (for frying)
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Paper towels

Ingredients Overview

• Mozzarella cheese: The star of the recipe, providing the gooey, melty center.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko or Italian-style breadcrumbs create a crispy outer layer.
• Eggs & flour: Help the coating stick to the cheese.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt enhance the flavor.

Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks

• 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (or Panko for extra crunch)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For Serving

• 1 cup marinara sauce or ranch dressing

Directions

1. Prepare the Coating Station
   Set up three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with milk, and one with breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
   Dip each piece of mozzarella into the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, then into the breadcrumbs. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a second coating.
3. Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks
   Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to prevent them from melting too quickly while frying.
4. Fry, Bake, or Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
   • Deep Frying: Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep fryer or skillet. Fry the sticks in small batches for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
   • Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray. Air fry for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
   • Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen sticks on a greased baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
5. Serve
   Serve hot with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

Prep Time

15 minutes (plus 1 hour freezing time)

Cook Time

5 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 20 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings)

• Calories: ~250
• Fat: ~14g
• Carbohydrates: ~18g
• Protein: ~12g

Expert Tips

• Double Coating: For extra crunch, coat the mozzarella sticks twice in the egg and breadcrumb mixture.
• Essential Freezing Step: Freezing the sticks before frying prevents them from melting too quickly.
• Oil Temperature Matters: If frying, keep the oil at 375°F (190°C) for best results. If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the cheese melts.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can coat and freeze the mozzarella sticks for up to 3 months. Fry or bake straight from the freezer when ready.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes, or in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of string cheese?
Yes, but fresh mozzarella contains more moisture, so it may melt faster. Pat it dry and cut it into firm, stick-like pieces before coating and freezing.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked mozzarella sticks for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen.

Substitutions & Variations

• Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute with plant-based cheese and dairy-free breadcrumbs.

Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella Sticks are a classic, crispy, cheesy appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or just a delicious snack. These golden-fried sticks have a crunchy breadcrumb coating and a gooey, melty cheese center that makes them irresistible.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• - Shallow dish or plate
• Knife and cutting board
• - Baking sheet
• - Freezer-safe tray
• - Deep fryer, air fryer, or skillet (for frying)
• - Tongs or slotted spoon
• - Paper towels

Ingredients

  

• #### For the Mozzarella Sticks
• - 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks cut in half
• - 1 cup all-purpose flour
• - 2 large eggs
• - 1/4 cup milk
• - 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs or Panko for extra crunch
• - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for extra flavor
• - Oil for frying vegetable or canola
• #### For Serving
• - 1 cup marinara sauce or ranch dressing

Instructions

 

• **Prepare the Coating Station**
• Set up three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with milk, and one with breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
• **Coat the Mozzarella Sticks**
• Dip each piece of mozzarella into the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, then into the breadcrumbs. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a second coating.
• **Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks**
• Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to prevent them from melting too quickly while frying.
• **Fry, Bake, or Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks**
• - **Deep Frying:** Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep fryer or skillet. Fry the sticks in small batches for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
• - **Air Frying:** Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray. Air fry for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
• - **Baking:** Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen sticks on a greased baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
• **Serve**
• Serve hot with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!