Easy Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks (9 ingredients)

BySayam

Easy Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

Quick Overview

These homemade mozzarella sticks feature a golden, extra-crispy breadcrumb coating that seals in hot, stretchy melted cheese. Double coating the cheese sticks creates a thick shell that prevents leaks during frying, giving you restaurant-quality results at home.

Prep time takes 20 minutes, plus 1 hour of freezing time. Cook time is less than 2 minutes per batch. Total active time is 22 minutes.

This recipe yields 12 mozzarella sticks at approximately 150 calories per stick.

ingredients of mozzarella cheese sticks

Ingredients

For the Cheese Sticks

  • 450 g (1 lb) low-moisture block mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) water
  • 1.5 cups (135 g) Italian seasoned breadcrumbs or Panko
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Neutral oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)

For Serving

  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm marinara sauce

How to Make Easy Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

  1. Cut the block of mozzarella cheese into 1/2-inch thick sticks, roughly 3 inches long.
  2. Set up three shallow bowls: place flour in the first, beat the eggs with 2 tbsp water in the second, and combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and salt in the third.
  3. Dredge a cheese stick in flour, shaking off any excess.
  4. Dip the stick completely into the egg mixture.
  5. Press the stick into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated on all sides.
  6. Dip the stick back into the egg mixture for a second time.
  7. Coat the stick in the breadcrumbs again to create a durable double seal.
  8. Arrange the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour until solid.
  9. Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
  10. Fry frozen sticks in small batches for 90 seconds until the exterior is golden brown and crisp.
  11. Remove immediately using tongs or a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Pro Tip

Never skip the freezing step or attempt to fry room-temperature cheese. If the cheese isn’t completely frozen when it hits the hot oil, it will melt faster than the breadcrumbs can crisp up, causing the sticks to burst open and flood your frying oil.

Serving & Storage

Serve these hot immediately after cooking while the cheese is gooey and stretchy. Arrange them around a bowl of warm marinara sauce or garlic dipping sauce. Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan makes a great final touch.

Store leftover cooked mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Uncooked, double-breaded sticks keep frozen in an airtight freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheat cooked sticks in a 400°F (200°C) oven or air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwave reheating as it turns the crust soggy and rubbery.

FAQs

Can I bake these in the oven instead of frying?

Yes, place frozen sticks on a parchment-lined sheet, spray generously with cooking spray, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 8 to 10 minutes.

Why did my cheese melt out into the hot oil?

The cheese was either not frozen completely solid before frying, or the double coating had exposed gaps where cheese could escape.

Can I use pre-cut mozzarella string cheese sticks?

Yes, full-fat string cheese sticks work well; simply cut them in half before dredging and freezing.

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