Irresistible Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Introduction

These irresistible crispy homemade mozzarella sticks are a perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion. Golden and crunchy on the outside, with gooey melted cheese inside, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, making them from scratch is easier than you might think!

Ingredients

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 12 ounces low moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into pieces 3-inch x ¾ inch (or 12 oz string cheese cut in half)
• Homemade marinara, for dipping
• 1 quart vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
2. Step 2: Beat the eggs in a separate bowl until smooth.
3. Step 3: In a third bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs with the Italian seasoning.
4. Step 4: Coat each mozzarella stick first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it thoroughly in the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs.
5. Step 5: Place the coated sticks on a tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to ensure they hold their shape when frying.
6. Step 6: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
7. Step 7: Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches, turning them after about 30 seconds to get an even golden crisp on all sides.
8. Step 8: Remove the fried sticks with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with homemade marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Freeze the coated sticks well before frying to prevent cheese from leaking out during cooking.
• For extra crunch, double-dip: repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once before freezing.
• Try using different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a twist on the classic flavor.
• If you prefer baking, spray the coated sticks with cooking spray and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway.

Storage

Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 7–10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy and cause cheese to melt unevenly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of sticks?

Shredded mozzarella will not work well for frying as it melts too quickly and can leak out. Stick or block mozzarella cut into pieces is best for maintaining shape.

Is there a way to make these mozzarella sticks gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour and Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to make this recipe gluten-free. Just be sure to check all seasonings are gluten-free as well.

Irresistible Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 84 reviews

These Irresistible Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks offer a perfect crunchy exterior with gooey, melty cheese inside. Coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection, they are an ideal appetizer or snack served with homemade marinara sauce for dipping.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs

Wet Ingredients

• 2 eggs

Main Ingredient

• 12 ounces low moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 3-inch x ¾ inch pieces (or 12 oz string cheese cut in half)

Others

• 1 quart vegetable oil (for frying)
• Homemade marinara sauce, for dipping

Instructions

1. Prepare Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasoning evenly.
2. Beat Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the two eggs until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
3. Prepare Panko Mixture: In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the Italian seasoning to infuse the breadcrumbs with flavor.
4. Coat the Cheese: Take each mozzarella stick and first coat it in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs to ensure a wet surface for the breadcrumbs to adhere. Finally, roll the stick thoroughly in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to create an even coating.
5. Freeze the Coated Sticks: Place the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a tray or plate and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This step is critical to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out during frying.
6. Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer or large, deep pot, heat the vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature for optimal frying.
7. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Carefully add the frozen mozzarella sticks in small batches to the hot oil. Fry each side for about 30 seconds until the coating is golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain oil temperature.
8. Drain Excess Oil: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Serve: Serve the crispy mozzarella sticks immediately with a side of homemade marinara sauce for dipping to enjoy their full flavor and best texture.

Notes

• Freezing the coated sticks before frying is essential to prevent the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
• Use low moisture mozzarella cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
• Maintain oil temperature at 375°F (190°C) to ensure a crispy exterior without oil absorption.
• Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, as mozzarella sticks tend to lose crispiness over time.

Keywords: Mozzarella sticks, crispy cheese sticks, fried mozzarella, Italian appetizer, homemade snacks, panko crust