Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Recipe – Crispy, Cheesy, and Easy

Mozzarella sticks are a beloved appetizer known for their crispy golden coating and gooey, melty cheese center. These delicious bites are a popular choice at restaurants, parties, and game nights. Making mozzarella sticks at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors while ensuring the perfect crunch. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the perfect homemade mozzarella sticks from scratch. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this step-by-step recipe will help you achieve restaurant-quality mozzarella sticks right in your kitchen.

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Nutrition & Instructions

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Prep Time, Active Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 10 minutes
• Resting Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Cuisines

• American
• Italian

Course

• Appetizer
• Snack

Servings

• Makes 4 servings

Equipment Needed

• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
• Cooking thermometer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Tongs
• Paper towels

Ingredients

• 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Cheese Sticks

1. Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and cut them in half to create bite-sized portions.
2. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly while frying.

Step 2: Preparing the Breading Station

3. Set up three shallow bowls:
   • Bowl 1: Add all-purpose flour.
   • Bowl 2: Whisk together eggs and milk.
   • Bowl 3: Combine Italian breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 3: Breading the Mozzarella Sticks

4. Remove the frozen mozzarella sticks from the freezer.
5. Coat each stick in flour, shaking off excess.
6. Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
7. Roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly for a firm coating.
8. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating, ensuring a crispy exterior.
9. Return the coated mozzarella sticks to the freezer for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 4: Frying the Mozzarella Sticks

10. In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
11. Fry 3-4 sticks at a time for about 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Use tongs to remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serving

13. Serve hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
14. Enjoy crispy, cheesy mozzarella sticks fresh from the fryer!

Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Sticks

• Freeze before frying: This prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.
• Double coat: Ensures extra crunch and helps keep the cheese inside.
• Use panko breadcrumbs: Adds extra crispiness.
• Maintain oil temperature: Too hot and the coating burns; too cool and the sticks absorb oil.
• Serve immediately: Mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed fresh and hot.

Making homemade mozzarella sticks is a fun and rewarding process that delivers crispy, gooey, and flavorful bites. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or party treat, this mozzarella sticks recipe will surely impress your family and friends!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.