This recipe for mozzarella sticks is cheese coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, then deep fried until golden brown and crispy. A fun and easy appetizer option that’s even better than what you would get at a restaurant.
When I’m entertaining, I like to serve a variety of snacks such as baked chicken wings, bean dip, and these cheesy and melty mozzarella sticks.
When I see mozzarella sticks on a restaurant menu, I have to order them. I just can’t get enough of the creamy cheese paired with the crispy coating! I’ve since learned how to make this dish at home, and the results are nothing short of fabulous.
What are mozzarella sticks made of?
This classic appetizer consists of sticks of mozzarella cheese that are coated in seasoned Italian breadcrumbs, then deep fried until golden brown. Occasionally you will find cheese sticks with other types of coatings such as panko crumbs or a batter.
How do you make mozzarella sticks?
This recipe starts with sticks of string cheese, which are cut in half. Dip each piece of cheese in flour, then coat them in eggs and breadcrumbs. Repeat the process by coating the cheese in a second layer of egg and breadcrumbs. The double coating will prevent the cheese from spilling out during the frying process. Freeze the cheese sticks, then deep fry until just golden brown. Serve immediately with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for the perfect fried cheese sticks
- You can use string cheese, or you can cut your own sticks of cheese from a block of mozzarella. I like to use string cheese because it ensures that the cheese sticks are all the same size and will cook at the same rate.
- If you don’t have Italian style breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs with a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning mixed in.
- It is imperative to freeze the cheese sticks before they are cooked. Do not skip this step or the cheese will leak out into the hot oil.
- Be sure to use a frying thermometer to maintain the correct oil temperature. If the oil is too hot, the mozzarella sticks can burn. If the oil is too cold, the breadcrumb coating will absorb excess grease.
- This recipe is best when served immediately. That being said, you can store leftover cheese sticks in the refrigerator. Reheat the sticks in a 400 degrees F until crispy and warmed through.
- I typically use vegetable oil for frying, although any neutral flavored oil will work such as peanut oil, canola oil or safflower oil.
- While marinara is the most traditional dipping sauce, you can also serve ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, remoulade or garlic aioli on the side.
What temperature do you cook cheese sticks at?
Mozzarella sticks cook at 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes, until just golden brown. Be careful not to overcook your cheese sticks because you want to brown the exterior without having the interior completely melt and leak into the oil.
Once you try these homemade mozzarella sticks, you’ll never need order them at a restaurant again!
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Mozzarella Sticks Video
Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
- 16 string cheese cut in half crosswise
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups Italian style breadcrumbs
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons milk
- oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Place the flour in a small bowl. Place the breadcrumbs, salt and pepper in a second bowl and stir to combine.
- Place the eggs and milk in a third bowl and beat until well mixed.
- Dip each piece of cheese into flour, then into the egg, then the breadcrumbs, then the egg again, then the breadcrumbs again. Place each finished cheese stick on a sheet pan lined with parchment.
- Repeat the process until all the cheese has been coated.
- Freeze the cheese for at least 2 hours or until frozen solid.
- Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees F.
- Place a few cheese sticks at a time into the oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until just golden brown.
- Drain the cheese sticks on a paper towel. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with marinara sauce.
Nadia says
Tried these today and they turned out great!
Heather says
My husband didn’t believe that I made these. He was convinced it was take out until I showed him the recipe. So Yummy!
Ellen says
Very happy that these tasted just like being at a restaurant! Made the family happy
Susavonne says
This is my second time making these they are just SO good. I made my own homemade Italian bread crumbs instead of the store bought and used fresh basil from my garden in it. I fried them in olive oil. I love how you can eat them and no feel awful after. The crunch is beyond amazing. These are the definition of YUM!!!
Laura Reese says
My kids love mozzarella sticks. I love this homemade recipe. So yummy.
Katie says
Mozzarella sticks are one of my favorite appetizers! I can not wait to make these!
Kimberly says
These are total perfection – so crispy on the outside, oozy on the inside – love them!
Tisha says
Love it! These are so simple and so great for any occasion!
Catalina says
wow! I was looking for this recipe! I know someone that will love it!
katerina @ diethood.com says
Mozzarella sticks are my favorite!! I can’t wait to make these for my kids!! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Amanda says
Thank you so much for sharing I can’t wait to have these at home!
Dorothy Reinhold says
This is exactly the type of snack my kids love to eat for an after school snack!
Carrie Robinson says
This is one of my favorite appetizers! I haven’t tried making my own before though. 🙂
Allyson Zea says
My kids LOOOOVE these!! Looks amazing and so easy!!!!