Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe

Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, mozzarella cheese sticks are the ultimate comfort snack. These golden, crunchy appetizers are perfect for game nights, parties, or just a casual snack. While they’re easy to grab frozen from the store, making them at home adds a layer of freshness and a chance to customize the recipe. This guide will take you step-by-step through creating the most irresistible mozzarella cheese sticks.

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sticks

1. Cut the Cheese:
   • If using string cheese, cut each stick in half to create smaller, bite-sized pieces.
   • Place the sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 1–2 hours. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

1. Prepare the Flour:
   • In a shallow bowl, place the all-purpose flour. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Beat the Eggs:
   • In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. You can add a splash of milk or water for a thinner consistency.
3. Mix the Breadcrumbs:
   • In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix well for even seasoning.

Step 3: Bread the Cheese Sticks

1. Coat in Flour:
   • Take each frozen cheese stick and roll it in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess.
2. Dip in Egg Wash:
   • Next, dip the floured cheese stick into the beaten eggs, coating all sides.
3. Coat with Breadcrumbs:
   • Roll the egg-coated cheese stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
4. Repeat for a Double Coating:
   • For extra crispiness, repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb steps. This double coating helps prevent the cheese from leaking during frying.
5. Freeze Again:
   • Place the breaded cheese sticks back onto the tray and freeze for another hour. This ensures they stay intact during frying.

Step 4: Fry the Cheese Sticks

1. Heat the Oil:
   • In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent temperature.
2. Fry in Batches:
   • Carefully drop a few cheese sticks into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Drain Excess Oil:
   • Remove the fried cheese sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the mozzarella sticks hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
• Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
• Pair with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy chili sauce for variety.

Tips for Success

1. Keep the Cheese Cold:
   Freezing the cheese sticks before frying is essential. It prevents the cheese from melting and leaking out during the cooking process.
2. Double Coat for Crunch:
   A double layer of breadcrumbs ensures a crispy exterior and helps seal the cheese inside.
3. Monitor Oil Temperature:
   Maintain a consistent frying temperature. Too hot, and the coating will burn before the cheese melts. Too cool, and the sticks may absorb too much oil.
4. Test Fry:
   Fry one stick first to ensure the oil temperature and cooking time are perfect before frying the rest.

Variations

1. Spicy Mozzarella Sticks:
   Add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
2. Gluten-Free Option:
   Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.
3. Baked Version:
   Place the breaded sticks on a greased baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Air Fryer Version:
   Arrange the sticks in a single layer in an air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes.

Conclusion

Mozzarella cheese sticks are a classic appetizer that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With their crispy coating and melty cheese center, they’re sure to become a favorite at your table. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, these homemade mozzarella sticks offer unbeatable flavor and texture. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the ultimate snack experience!

Yield: 12 Cheese Sticks

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe

Print

Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, mozzarella cheese sticks are the ultimate comfort snack. These golden, crunchy appetizers are perfect for game nights, parties, or just a casual snack. While they’re easy to grab frozen from the store, making them at home adds a layer of freshness and a chance to customize the recipe. This guide will take you step-by-step through creating the most irresistible mozzarella cheese sticks.

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Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian-style)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese Sticks:
   Cut mozzarella sticks in half (if desired) to make smaller pieces.
   Place flour in a shallow bowl.
   In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
   In a third shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   
2. Coat the Cheese Sticks:
   Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess.
   Dip into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
   Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a thicker coating.
   
3. Freeze the Cheese Sticks:
   Arrange coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   Freeze for at least 1 hour to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
   
4. Fry the Cheese Sticks:
   Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
   Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
   Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
   
5. Serve:
   Serve hot with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dip.

Notes

• Air Fryer Option: Spray the frozen cheese sticks with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Baking Option: Arrange on a greased baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping once.
• Custom Coating: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.