These mozzarella sticks are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. They’re perfect for snacking or as a fun appetizer that everyone loves!
Honestly, who can resist warm, cheesy goodness? I like to dip them in marinara sauce for that extra zing. You’ll definitely want to make a big batch—trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: The heart of this dish! Fresh mozzarella string cheese works best. If you can’t find them, try using block mozzarella cut into strips. Make sure it’s a good melting cheese for that gooey texture.
Bread Crumbs: I recommend using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor. If you don’t have them, plain breadcrumbs work fine—just mix in some Italian seasoning or herbs like oregano and basil to boost flavor.
Eggs: Eggs help the breadcrumbs stick. If you’re looking for a vegan option, use a mix of 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed and 2.5 tablespoons water per egg to create a great binding. I’ve also used aquafaba (chickpea brine) for a lighter option!
Oil for Frying: Vegetable oil is ideal for frying due to its high smoke point. You can also use canola or peanut oil. If you prefer a healthier option, consider baking the sticks at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes.
What’s the Best Way to Prevent Cheese from Melting Out?
The key challenge when frying mozzarella sticks is keeping the cheese inside. Freezing the breaded sticks is a game-changer! It firms them up, so they cook perfectly without leaking.
- After breading, spread the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Make sure they are arranged without touching to get even freezing.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour; this allows the cheese to set.
This step is essential to achieve that delightful gooey, melted center with a crispy exterior. Enjoy frying!
How to Make Delicious Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs with 1 tsp Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty appetizer takes about 15 minutes of preparation, plus 1 hour for freezing the sticks. You’ll need about 5-10 minutes for frying, making it a quick and fun recipe to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cheese Sticks:
Start by cutting each mozzarella stick in half. This makes them easier to fry and serve. Make sure to keep the cuts neat to maintain their shape.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Get organized by setting up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat together the eggs and milk until smooth. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, adding lots of flavor!
3. Bread the Mozzarella Sticks:
Take each mozzarella stick piece and first dip it into the flour, making sure to coat all sides. Tap off any excess flour to keep things clean. Then, dip it into the egg mixture until fully coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so that it sticks. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating!
4. Freeze the Breaded Sticks:
Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper, then lay the breaded mozzarella sticks on it in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Freeze them for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial to stop the cheese from leaking out while frying.
5. Fry Until Golden:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the frozen mozzarella sticks in batches, frying them for about 1-2 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pot—this helps them cook evenly!
6. Drain and Serve:
Using a slotted spoon, remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Enjoy them immediately while they’re warm and gooey! Serve with marinara sauce for dipping and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you’d like.
Enjoy your crispy, gooey mozzarella sticks!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or cheddar. Just keep in mind that it may affect the melting properties and flavor profile!
How Do I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes for that crispy texture again.
Can I Make These Baked Instead of Fried?
Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Sticks Don’t Leak Cheese While Frying?
Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour before frying is key. This firms them up and helps prevent leakage during the frying process, resulting in perfectly gooey toasty cheese inside!