Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Cheesy – The perfect balance of crunch and melty goodness.
- Better Than Store-Bought – Homemade mozzarella sticks are fresher and more flavorful.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick prep time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 mozzarella sticks
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Oil for frying
- Marinara sauce (for serving)
Directions
- Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks – Place mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to prevent melting during frying.
- Set Up the Coating Stations:
- Bowl 1: Add flour.
- Bowl 2: Whisk the eggs.
- Bowl 3: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Roll each frozen mozzarella stick in flour.
- Dip into the beaten eggs.
- Coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
- Heat the Oil – In a deep pan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Until Golden – Fry mozzarella sticks in small batches for about 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Drain and Serve – Remove from oil, drain on paper towels, and serve hot with marinara sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes freezing time)
Variations
- Baked Mozzarella Sticks – Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes instead of frying.
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks – Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Spicy Version – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes, or air fry for a crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of string cheese?
Yes, but cut it into sticks and freeze them longer to prevent melting.
Why do I need to freeze the mozzarella sticks?
Freezing helps the cheese hold its shape while frying.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Freeze the coated sticks and fry them later when needed.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Double-coating (egg and breadcrumbs twice) helps create a sturdier crust.
Can I fry them in olive oil?
It’s best to use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, as olive oil has a lower smoke point.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs create an even crispier texture.
Can I season the breadcrumbs differently?
Absolutely! Add Italian seasoning, paprika, or chili flakes for extra flavor.
How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out while frying?
Make sure the oil is hot enough and the cheese is well-frozen before frying.
Are mozzarella sticks gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make them gluten-free.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
Marinara is classic, but ranch, garlic aioli, or even honey mustard are great options.
Conclusion
These Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are crispy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. They’re easy to make and perfect for snacking, entertaining, or satisfying your fried food cravings. Give them a try and enjoy restaurant-quality mozzarella sticks at home!
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Mozzarella Sticks
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, making them the perfect snack or appetizer! Coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and fried to golden perfection, they taste even better than restaurant versions. Serve them hot with marinara sauce for the ultimate cheesy indulgence!
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks – Place mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to prevent melting during frying.
- Prepare the Coating Stations:
- Bowl 1: Add flour.
- Bowl 2: Whisk eggs.
- Bowl 3: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Roll each frozen mozzarella stick in flour.
- Dip into the beaten eggs.
- Coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
- Heat the Oil – In a deep pan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks – Fry in small batches for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Drain and Serve – Remove from oil, drain on paper towels, and serve hot with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Baked Mozzarella Sticks: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes instead of frying.
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Extra Crunchy Coating: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Prevent Cheese from Leaking: Ensure the mozzarella sticks are well-frozen before frying
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American