Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These homemade mozzarella sticks offer the perfect combination of crunch and melt. The coating of seasoned flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs ensures a crispy, flavorful outer layer, while the mozzarella cheese inside stays warm and perfectly gooey. The added Italian seasoning and garlic powder elevate the flavor of the crust, giving these sticks a delicious, savory kick. Paired with homemade marinara sauce for dipping, this recipe brings a restaurant-style appetizer straight to your home.
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 inches x ¾ inch (or 12 oz string cheese cut in half)
- Homemade marinara sauce, for dipping
- 1 quart vegetable oil, for frying
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the cheese: Cut the mozzarella cheese into 3-inch x ¾-inch pieces or, if using string cheese, cut the pieces in half.
- Set up the breading stations:
- In one shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a second shallow bowl, beat the two eggs.
- In a third shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the Italian seasoning.
- Bread the mozzarella:
- Dredge each piece of mozzarella in the flour mixture, making sure it is fully coated.
- Next, dip the floured cheese into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
- Finally, roll the cheese in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
- Freeze the mozzarella sticks:
- Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. Freezing helps the breading adhere and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
- Heat the oil:
- In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying.
- Fry the mozzarella sticks:
- Carefully lower a few mozzarella sticks into the hot oil at a time, being sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the mozzarella sticks hot with homemade marinara sauce for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Freeze Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–7 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Spicy mozzarella sticks: Add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat.
- Herbed coating: For an extra herbal flavor, mix in some dried oregano, basil, or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Baked mozzarella sticks: If you prefer to bake rather than fry, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the mozzarella sticks for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the mozzarella sticks in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until crispy again. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it will make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I make mozzarella sticks ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mozzarella sticks and freeze them before frying. Freezing them for 30 minutes helps the coating stay intact. Just fry them when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use regular mozzarella cheese instead of low moisture mozzarella?
Low moisture mozzarella is best for frying because it doesn’t leak as much liquid. However, if you use regular mozzarella, be prepared for a slightly messier result, and you may need to freeze them longer.
Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of mozzarella sticks. Just make sure the flour and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while frying?
Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes before frying helps the coating stay intact. Also, be sure the oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) to quickly crisp the coating and prevent the cheese from melting too soon.
Can I bake mozzarella sticks instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the mozzarella sticks at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
Can I make the marinara sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the marinara sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Simply reheat it before serving with the mozzarella sticks.
Can I use string cheese for mozzarella sticks?
Yes, string cheese works perfectly for this recipe. Just cut the string cheese into halves or thirds, depending on the size you prefer.
Can I use a deep fryer?
Yes, you can use a deep fryer to cook the mozzarella sticks. Make sure the oil is at 350°F (175°C) for best results.
How long should I fry the mozzarella sticks?
Fry the mozzarella sticks for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Can I make these mozzarella sticks without frying them?
Yes, if you’d prefer a lighter option, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
These homemade mozzarella sticks are the ultimate indulgence—crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and perfect for dipping in a rich marinara sauce. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a snack, or a special treat, they’re sure to be a hit. The combination of the crunchy panko crust and the melty mozzarella is irresistibly good, and making them from scratch at home brings that extra touch of comfort food magic!
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Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are a crispy, cheesy snack that’s perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you’re craving comfort food. With a crunchy panko coating and gooey mozzarella center, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Paired with a homemade marinara sauce for dipping, this recipe delivers that irresistible restaurant-style experience right at home.
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 3-inch x ¾-inch pieces (or 12 oz string cheese cut in half)
Homemade marinara sauce, for dipping
1 quart vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
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Prepare the cheese: Cut mozzarella into 3-inch x ¾-inch pieces (or halve string cheese).
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Set up breading stations:
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In one bowl, mix flour, sea salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
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In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning.
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Bread the cheese:
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Dredge mozzarella in the flour mixture, then dip in beaten eggs.
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Roll in breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. For extra crunch, repeat egg and breadcrumb steps for double coating.
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Freeze: Place breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
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Heat oil: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a large pot or deep fryer.
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Fry the mozzarella sticks: Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Make Ahead: Freeze mozzarella sticks for up to 24 hours before frying.
Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture.
Baked Mozzarella Sticks: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
