Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are crispy, golden, and perfectly cheesy on the inside. These crunchy bites are made from gooey mozzarella cheese coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust that fries up…
Tip: save now, read later.
Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are crispy, golden, and perfectly cheesy on the inside. These crunchy bites are made from gooey mozzarella cheese coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust that fries up to a beautiful crisp. They’re a classic snack that’s great for sharing or just enjoying on your own.
I love making these because you can really get that freshly fried crunch without going to a restaurant. Plus, you get to control how thick or thin you want the cheese sticks, and I always make sure to double dip them in breadcrumbs so they hold up nicely while frying. It’s a fun little cooking project that feels like a treat anytime.
My favorite way to enjoy homemade mozzarella sticks is with a warm marinara sauce for dipping—something about that tangy tomato sauce brings out the cheesiness even more. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or just a cozy night in when you want something simple and satisfying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Fresh string cheese works great here. You can also use block mozzarella cut into sticks. For a twist, try smoked mozzarella for a richer flavor. Avoid low-moisture cheese as it won’t melt as nicely.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs add extra flavor and herbs. If you don’t have Italian, mix plain breadcrumbs with dried oregano, basil, and parsley. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
Flour and Eggs: Flour helps the coating stick, while eggs act as glue. If allergic to eggs, use a mixture of water and yogurt or a flax egg alternative to hold the crust together.
Oil for Frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. This helps get a nice crisp without burning the coating.
How Can I Prevent Mozzarella Sticks from Melting Too Fast and Losing Their Shape?
One key step is freezing the breaded sticks before frying. This firms up the cheese and helps the crust stick together when hot oil hits.
- Double coat the sticks with breadcrumbs for extra crunch and a thicker protective layer.
- Freeze the breaded sticks on a tray for at least 1 hour. Keep them cold until ready to fry.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C). Too hot and they burn outside before melting inside, too cool and the cheese leaks out.
- Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature steady and avoid overcrowding.
Following these tips makes sure your mozzarella sticks come out crispy and gooey inside, without the mess!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot – perfect for frying the sticks evenly without splashing.
- Cooking thermometer – helps keep the oil at the right temperature so mozzarella melts just right.
- Three medium bowls – for flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb coating to keep things organized and easy.
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – great for freezing the breaded sticks without sticking together.
- Tongs – makes flipping and removing hot sticks safe and simple.
- Paper towels – absorb excess oil after frying to keep sticks crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a spicy kick inside a crispy crust.
- Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix for an extra flavor boost.
- Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley into the breadcrumbs for a fresh taste.
- For a fun twist, stuff the sticks with a bit of cooked bacon or jalapeños before breading for smoky or spicy flavors.
How to Make Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk or water
- 1 ½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes (plus more for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and bread the mozzarella sticks, plus at least 1 hour to freeze them to keep their shape while frying. Frying takes just 1 to 2 minutes per batch, so plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cheese Sticks:
Unwrap your mozzarella sticks. If you like smaller pieces, cut each stick in half. This makes for easier sharing or snacking.
2. Set Up the Breading Stations:
In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk or water. In a third bowl, mix the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
3. Bread the Cheese Sticks:
First, coat each mozzarella stick in flour. Shake off any extra. Then dip into the egg mixture. After that, coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, dip each breaded stick back into the egg and breadcrumbs a second time. Lay the coated sticks on parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Freeze the Sticks:
Place the breaded sticks in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This step is very important to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and oozing out during frying.
5. Fry the Cheese Sticks:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the frozen sticks in small batches for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
6. Drain and Serve:
Use tongs to remove the fried mozzarella sticks and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with extra parsley flakes if you like.
7. Enjoy!
Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. These cheesy, crunchy treats are best enjoyed fresh and hot!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
It’s best to start with fresh mozzarella sticks to ensure proper breading and frying. If using frozen, thaw them completely in the fridge before breading to avoid soggy coatings.
How Should I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to keep them crispy.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Yes! Bake the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined tray at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, though frying will give you the crispiest crust.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Italian-Seasoned Breadcrumbs?
Mix plain breadcrumbs with dried oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt for a flavorful homemade version.
