This irresistible Fried Mozzarella Sticks recipe delivers that perfect combination of crispy exterior and gooey, melted cheese center that we all crave. Ready in just 30 minutes of active cooking time, these homemade treats blow away anything you’d get at a restaurant and are surprisingly simple to make in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: Create that appetizer you always order out, but even better because they’re fresh from your kitchen to the table.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Watch these disappear in minutes at your next gathering – they’re absolutely addictive and everyone loves that cheese pull!
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep these ahead of time and keep them frozen until you’re ready to fry, making them perfect for impromptu entertaining.
  • Customizable: Easy to adapt with different seasonings or cheese varieties to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • String Cheese: The star of the show! String cheese is perfect because it’s already portioned and melts beautifully while holding its shape.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the first coating that helps the egg wash stick, setting the foundation for a perfect crispy shell.
  • Eggs: The binding agent that ensures your breadcrumbs adhere properly to the cheese for that essential crunchy exterior.
  • Water: Thins the egg mixture slightly for easier coating without diluting its binding properties.
  • Traditional Breadcrumbs: Provides a fine texture base for the coating, ensuring complete coverage.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs add that extra crunch factor that makes restaurant mozzarella sticks so satisfying.
  • Italian Seasoning: A flavorful blend that infuses the coating with herby goodness.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the mild cheese.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle savory note without overwhelming the cheese.
  • Black Pepper: Provides a slight kick that complements the creamy mozzarella.
  • Canola Oil: Has a high smoke point perfect for frying at the temperatures needed for that golden-brown exterior.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious twists:

  • Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for heat lovers.
  • Herb Garden: Mix fresh chopped herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley into the breadcrumbs for a fresher flavor profile.
  • Cheese Variety: Use other cheese sticks like pepper jack or cheddar for different flavor experiences.
  • Pretzel Coating: Crush pretzels to replace some or all of the panko for an extra crunchy, salty twist.
  • Air Fryer Method: Spray with cooking oil and air fry at 390°F for about 6-8 minutes for a lighter option.

How to Make Fried Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Set Up Your Breading Station

Arrange three separate bowls in a row – one with flour, one with beaten eggs and water, and one with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture (traditional breadcrumbs, Panko, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and pepper).

Step 2: First Coating

Cut your string cheese sticks in half, then dredge each piece first in flour, followed by the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.

Step 3: Double Coating

Once all sticks have their first coating, give them a second layer of protection by dipping again in the egg mixture followed by the breadcrumb mixture. This double coating is crucial for preventing cheese leakage during frying!

Step 4: Freeze

This step is non-negotiable! Freeze the coated sticks for at least 1 hour. This freezing time ensures the cheese won’t melt too quickly and burst through the coating when frying.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your oil to 325-350°F in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven. Fry the frozen sticks in small batches for 1-2 minutes per side until they reach that picture-perfect golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

These are best enjoyed while hot and the cheese is still stretchy and gooey!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Temperature Matters: Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor your oil temperature – too hot and the coating burns before the cheese melts, too cool and they’ll absorb too much oil.
  • Double Coating: Don’t skip the double breading process! This creates a seal that keeps the cheese inside where it belongs.
  • Freeze Thoroughly: The longer you freeze (up to 24 hours), the better they’ll hold up during frying.
  • Small Batches: Fry just a few at a time to maintain oil temperature and give each stick enough space.
  • Proper Draining: Allow excess oil to drain properly on paper towels for maximum crispiness.

How to Serve

Mozzarella sticks are at their absolute best when served immediately after frying, while the exterior is crispy and the interior is molten and stretchy. Here are serving suggestions that complement them perfectly:

Dipping Sauces:

Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy arrabbiata for dipping. A personal favorite is a 50/50 mix of marinara and pesto!

Complete the Spread:

These pair wonderfully with other finger foods like chicken wings, potato skins, or a veggie platter for balance.

Meal Pairing:

Turn them into a meal by serving alongside a Caesar salad or tomato soup for dunking both the sticks and soup!

Make Ahead and Storage

Freezing Before Frying

The breaded, unfried mozzarella sticks can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Freeze them individually on a tray first before transferring to a container to prevent sticking.

Storing Leftovers

While they’re best fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating

Reheat leftover fried mozzarella sticks in an oven preheated to 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which will make them soggy and cause the cheese to become rubbery.

FAQs

  1. Why did my mozzarella sticks burst open during frying?

    The most common reason for bursting is insufficient freezing time or coating. Make sure to double-coat the cheese sticks and freeze them solid (at least 1 hour) before frying. Also, check that your oil isn’t too hot, as excessive heat can cause rapid melting and bursting.

  2. Can I make these mozzarella sticks in an air fryer?

    Absolutely! Spray the frozen breaded sticks with cooking oil and air fry at 390°F for about 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through. They won’t be quite as gooey in the center as deep-fried, but they’ll still be delicious with significantly less oil.

  3. How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature without a thermometer?

    Drop a small breadcrumb into the oil – if it sizzles immediately and rises to the surface, your oil is ready. If it sinks and barely bubbles, it’s too cold. If it burns quickly, your oil is too hot.

  4. Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

    While mozzarella string cheese is ideal because of its melting properties and shape, you can experiment with other firm cheeses cut into sticks. Just be aware that different cheeses melt at different rates, which may affect your frying time.

Final Thoughts

These Fried Mozzarella Sticks bring the joy of your favorite restaurant appetizer right to your kitchen. With that perfect contrast between the crispy, seasoned exterior and the molten cheese center, they’re sure to become a repeat request from friends and family. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and the little techniques – double coating and freezing – that make all the difference. Give these a try at your next gathering or movie night, and watch how quickly they disappear!

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Fried Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 16 sticks 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Crispy, golden, and gooey on the inside, these fried mozzarella sticks are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Perfectly seasoned and double-coated for maximum crunch, they’re easy to prepare and a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Serve them with marinara sauce for a mouthwatering treat everyone will love!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Coating

  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 cup traditional breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For Assembly

  • 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half (16 pieces)

For Frying

  • 1 cup canola oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Flour Coating:
    Add the ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour to a small bowl. Set it aside, as this will be the first step in coating the mozzarella sticks.
  2. Make the Egg Wash:
    In another small bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs and 2 tablespoons of water. This will be the second step in coating the cheese sticks. Place this bowl next to the flour bowl.
  3. Create the Breadcrumb Mixture:
    In a third bowl, mix together the 1 cup of traditional breadcrumbs, 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Set this bowl next to the egg wash bowl.
  4. Prepare Your Workstation:
    Line a tray with parchment paper and place it next to the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture. This tray will hold the coated mozzarella sticks.
  5. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks (First Layer):
    Using tongs, coat each mozzarella stick (cut in half) in the flour. Dip the floured stick into the egg mixture, and then thoroughly coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated sticks on the prepared parchment-lined tray.
  6. Apply the Second Coating:
    Once all the sticks are coated once, begin the second layer of breading. Skip the flour this time. Using tongs, dip each coated stick back into the egg mixture, then thoroughly coat it again in the breadcrumb mixture (including sides and edges). Place them back onto the tray.
  7. Freeze the Sticks:
    Place the tray with the breaded mozzarella sticks into the freezer and allow them to freeze for at least 1 hour. This step ensures the coating sticks properly while frying.
  8. Prepare for Frying:
    Heat 1 cup of canola oil in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven to a temperature between 325°F and 350°F. Line a plate with paper towels and place it next to your frying station.
  9. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
    Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this may lower the oil temperature. Adjust the heat as necessary to maintain the frying temperature.
  10. Drain and Serve:
    Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to the paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara or ranch dressing.

Notes

  • Make sure the mozzarella sticks are fully frozen before frying to prevent the cheese from oozing out.
  • Use a thermometer to monitor and maintain the oil temperature for best results.
  • You can substitute canola oil with vegetable oil or peanut oil if preferred.
  • These mozzarella sticks can be frozen in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stick
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
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Hi, I’m Julia! A foodie who believes in keeping cooking simple, fun, and full of flavor. From quick weeknight meals to tasty treats, I’m here to share recipes that make life a little easier—and a lot more delicious. Let’s get cooking!

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