Name: Mozzarella Sticks
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 160 min
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

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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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