Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe

Make the best crispy mozzarella cheese sticks at home with this easy fried cheese sticks recipe! Perfectly golden brown on the outside with a gooey, melty cheese center, these homemade mozzarella sticks are even better than restaurant-style appetizers. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, party appetizer, or game-day treat, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality mozzarella sticks in just a few simple steps. Learn how to fry, bake, or air-fry these cheesy, crunchy delights, and enjoy them with your favorite marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli. Plus, check out our pro tips, variations, and make-ahead instructions for the ultimate cheese stick experience!

Ingredients:

• 16 oz low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese block
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• Cooking spray for baking or 2 cups oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Breading Stations – In a shallow bowl, mix the flour and garlic salt. In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, place the Italian seasoned bread crumbs.
2. Cut the Cheese – Slice the mozzarella block into 20-24 sticks, approximately 3 inches long and just under 1/2 inch thick.
3. Coat the Cheese Sticks – Dredge each cheese stick in the flour mixture, tapping off any excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then coat again in flour followed by another dip in the egg. Finally, roll in bread crumbs, pressing lightly to ensure full coverage.
4. Freeze the Cheese Sticks – Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a platter, cover, and freeze for at least 45 minutes. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly when frying.
5. Fry the Cheese Sticks – In a deep skillet or fryer, heat oil to 350°F. If a pinch of bread crumbs sizzles upon contact, the oil is ready. Fry in small batches (4 at a time) for 60-90 seconds, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. Remove immediately if cheese starts to ooze out. Allow oil to return to 350°F between batches.
6. Drain and Serve – Transfer fried cheese sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

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Tips

• Freezing is crucial to keeping the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
• Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for even cooking.
• For extra crunch, double coat in egg and bread crumbs before freezing.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap out Italian bread crumbs for panko for an extra crispy coating.
• Use different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a flavorful twist.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and bread crumbs.

FAQs

Can I bake mozzarella sticks instead of frying? Yes! Preheat the oven to 400°F, place frozen sticks on a lined baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crisp.

How do I store leftovers? Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.

Can I air fry them? Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with warm marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli.
• Serve as an appetizer or side dish for game nights and parties.
• Add them to a snack board with fresh veggies and dips.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, golden coating with gooey melted cheese inside.
• Easy to make and perfect for parties, game days, or snacking.
• Can be made ahead of time and frozen for quick prep.
• Customizable with different coatings and cheeses!