These gooey mozzarella sticks are a fun and tasty snack! Each bite is filled with melted cheese, perfectly breaded for a crunchy outside.
They’re great for dipping in marinara sauce, making them a party favorite. When I make these, I can never eat just one—especially when they’re fresh and hot! 🧀🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella: Using string cheese is convenient, but you can also use a block of mozzarella cut into sticks. Fresh mozzarella offers a creamier texture, but it’s harder to fry without leaking. I prefer string cheese for less mess!
Bread crumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs give great flavor, but panko is a fantastic alternative. It makes the coating extra crunchy. I love mixing panko with some Italian herbs for a unique twist.
Eggs: If you’re out of eggs, try using a mixture of flour and water or some milk. This helps the breading stick without compromising texture. It’s a great vegan alternative too!
Seasonings: The garlic and onion powders add a nice flavor. If you want a little kick, add some red pepper flakes, or experiment with your favorite herbs!
How Do I Ensure My Mozzarella Sticks Aren’t Soggy?
The key to not having soggy mozzarella sticks is freezing them well before frying. This step keeps the cheese from leaking out into the oil.
- After breading, freeze the sticks for at least 30 minutes to firm them up.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) before frying; use a thermometer if you can.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature.
These tips will help you achieve crispy, cheesy perfection! Enjoy your tasty snacks with the marinara dip.
How to Make Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (or mozzarella block cut into sticks)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko mixed with Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-30 minutes of prep time, plus 2 hours total for freezing (1 hour for the initial freeze and 30 minutes for the second freeze). Add about 10 minutes for frying. Be sure to plan ahead to let the mozzarella sticks freeze properly for the best results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mozzarella:
If you’re using string cheese, cut each stick in half for shorter pieces. Lay all the mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then place them in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This freezing step is essential to keep the cheese from leaking during frying!
2. Set Up Breading Stations:
Get three shallow dishes ready. In the first one, add the flour. In the second, whisk the eggs and water together until blended. In the third dish, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Bread the Cheese Sticks:
Take the mozzarella sticks out of the freezer. One by one, dip each stick in the flour first, shaking off any extra. Next, coat it in the egg mixture, and then roll it in the breadcrumb mix until it’s fully covered. For an even crunchier texture, repeat the egg and breadcrumb process (this is called double-dipping!).
4. Freeze Coated Sticks:
After breading, place the mozzarella sticks back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them again for another 30 minutes to 1 hour. This additional chilling helps to keep the breading intact when frying.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure there’s enough oil to completely submerge the mozzarella sticks for even cooking.
6. Fry the Sticks:
Carefully fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches to avoid crowding the pan. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. The cheese inside should be melted but not leaking out. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
7. Drain and Serve:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried mozzarella sticks and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up the excess oil. Let them cool for a moment.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley over the sticks for a pop of color. Serve them hot alongside a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, gooey mozzarella sticks fresh for the best flavor and texture!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor. Just ensure they’re cheese sticks that will melt well when fried.
Can I Make These Mozzarella Sticks Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They will still turn out delicious and crispy!
How Long Do Leftover Mozzarella Sticks Last?
Leftover mozzarella sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispness.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and lightly spray with cooking oil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crisp.