Irresistible Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Beat Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the two eggs until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Prepare Panko Mixture: In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the Italian seasoning to infuse the breadcrumbs with flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Drain Excess Oil: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- 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
