Mozzarella sticks are cheesy, crispy delights that are perfect for snacking! They are made with stretchy mozzarella cheese coated in tasty breadcrumbs and then fried until golden.
Who can resist that gooey cheese pull when you bite into one? I love dipping them in marinara sauce—it makes them even yummier! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: The star of this recipe! Look for mozzarella that is specifically made for frying, as it has a wonderful melt quality. If you can’t find that, try string cheese as a substitute—it works surprisingly well!
Breadcrumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs give extra flavor to your sticks. If you don’t have them, plain breadcrumbs with a pinch of Italian seasoning, dried herbs, or even crushed crackers can be an easy swap. I often use panko for more crunch!
Eggs: Eggs help the coating stick. If you’re vegan or have egg allergies, a mixture of flour and water or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) can work as a binding agent.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These add depth to the flavor. You can easily skip them or replace them with fresh minced garlic or onion, but reduce the amount slightly.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crunchy Coating?
Getting that golden, crispy coating is key! The breading process is crucial, so follow these steps for the best results:
- First, dry the cheese sticks. Excess moisture can prevent the coating from adhering. Pat them down well!
- When breading, press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the mozzarella sticks. This helps them stay put during frying.
- Double breading (dipping each stick in egg and then breadcrumbs twice) ensures an extra crispy exterior.
- Freezing the breaded sticks for at least an hour is super important. This step keeps the cheese from oozing out while frying.
- Finally, keep an eye on the oil temperature! Too hot, and they will burn; too cool, and they’ll soak up oil. Practice makes perfect!
How to Make Delicious Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (about 1 ounce each)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 1 hour to freeze the sticks before frying. Frying the mozzarella sticks will take around 10 minutes in total, so get ready to enjoy your treat in about 1 hour and 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Start by creating a breading station. In one shallow dish, place the flour. In a second dish, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a third dish, combine the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs along with garlic powder and onion powder. This will make sure each stick is flavorful!
2. Prepare the Cheese Sticks:
Unwrap the mozzarella sticks gently and pat them dry using paper towels. This will remove any moisture that’s left and helps the breading stick better!
3. Bread the Cheese Sticks:
Take one mozzarella stick and dip it into the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to help the crumbs stick well.
4. Double Coat for Extra Crispiness:
For that perfect crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating on each stick. This double coating will seal the cheese inside and make them super crispy when fried!
5. Freeze the Coated Sticks:
Once your sticks are coated, place them on a baking sheet or a plate and put them in the freezer for at least 1 hour. Freezing helps keep the cheese from melting out too quickly during frying!
6. Heat the Oil:
In a deep pan or pot, heat enough vegetable oil to fully submerge the sticks to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oil is hot enough for frying; otherwise, they won’t crisp up!
7. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
Carefully add the frozen mozzarella sticks to the hot oil in small batches. Fry them for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even frying!
8. Drain and Serve:
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried mozzarella sticks from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. They’re best served hot and fresh!
9. Enjoy and Garnish:
Serve your crispy mozzarella sticks warm, garnished with chopped parsley if you like. Don’t forget the marinara sauce for dipping—it complements the sticks perfectly!
Enjoy your delicious homemade mozzarella sticks! They are sure to be a hit with family and friends! 🧀✨
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Yes! While mozzarella is traditional for cheese sticks, you can experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses for a flavorful twist. Just keep in mind that some cheeses may melt differently!
How Can I Make These Oven-Baked Instead of Fried?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After breading the mozzarella sticks, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with cooking spray and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
What Should I Do If the Cheese Starts Leaking During Frying?
If cheese starts to ooze out, it may be because the oil is too hot or the sticks weren’t frozen long enough. To prevent this, ensure you freeze them for at least an hour before frying, and keep the oil at a steady temperature around 350°F (175°C) while frying.
How Can I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore the crispiness!
