Name: Homemade Crispy Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese), quantity as desired; All-purpose flour, about 1 cup; Eggs, 2 large, beaten; Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, 1 ½ cups; Parmesan cheese, ⅓ cup grated; Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon; Salt, ½ teaspoon; Black pepper, ¼ teaspoon; Vegetable oil, about 4 cups or enough for deep frying

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Introduction

Homemade mozzarella sticks are a deliciously crispy and gooey snack that’s perfect for sharing. With a flavorful seasoned coating and gooey melted cheese inside, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

A white plate filled with about ten golden brown, crispy mozzarella sticks stacked in a small pile, one stick placed on top showing its gooey, melted white cheese inside. The crunchy coating has visible bits of seasoning and small green herb flakes scattered on it. In the background, there is a small white bowl with thick red marinara sauce, and some green garnish blurred out. The whole setup is on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese), quantity as desired
All-purpose flour, about 1 cup
Eggs, 2 large, beaten
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, 1 ½ cups
Parmesan cheese, ⅓ cup grated
Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon
Salt, ½ teaspoon
Black pepper, ¼ teaspoon
Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4 cups or enough for deep frying)

Instructions

Step 1: Set up three shallow bowls: one with about 1 cup of all-purpose flour, one with the 2 beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of 1 ½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Step 2: Dip each mozzarella stick first into the flour, lightly dusting it all around.
Step 3: Next, dip the floured sticks into the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage.
Step 4: Roll each stick thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere well.
Step 5: For extra crispness, repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb coating one more time to create a thicker crust.
Step 6: Arrange the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes to firm up the cheese and keep the sticks intact during frying.
Step 7: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan or fryer.
Step 8: Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in small batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown and crispy, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
Step 9: Remove the sticks with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.

Tips & Variations

Freeze the coated mozzarella sticks before frying to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out.
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions.

Storage

Store leftover fried mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a pile of golden brown, crispy mozzarella sticks, each coated with a crunchy breadcrumb layer sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. One mozzarella stick is broken open near the center, showing a soft, gooey white cheese inside. In the background, a small white bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce is partially visible. The plate is placed on a white marbled textured surface, adding a clean and fresh look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the mozzarella sticks instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown, turning halfway through. Baking is a healthier option but may produce slightly less crispy results.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while frying?

Double dipping in egg and breadcrumbs and freezing the coated sticks before frying helps form a sturdy crust that keeps the cheese inside during cooking.