Description
Crispy, golden-brown mozzarella sticks coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust and perfectly melted on the inside, these mozzarella sticks are a classic appetizer that’s easy to make at home. Fried until crunchy and served with a side of marinara sauce, they’re the ultimate cheesy snack that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (about 1 ounce each)
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups plain breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Frying and Serving
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese: Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and cut each string cheese stick in half crosswise to make smaller sticks. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for at least 1 hour to prevent melting during frying.
- Set Up Breading Stations: In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the Mozzarella Sticks: Remove the frozen mozzarella sticks from the freezer. Dredge each piece first in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crispy crust, dip the breaded sticks back into the egg and then again in the breadcrumbs for a double coat.
- Freeze Again: Place the breaded mozzarella sticks back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes to help the coating adhere and prevent cheese from oozing out during frying.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature consistently.
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Carefully add a few mozzarella sticks at a time to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1 to 2 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve the mozzarella sticks hot with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy them immediately for the best gooey texture.
Notes
- Freezing the cheese sticks before breading and again after breading is crucial to prevent them from melting too fast and leaking out while frying.
- For a healthier option, mozzarella sticks can be baked or air fried, though frying delivers the crispiest texture.
- Use fresh mozzarella sticks specifically made for snacking to get the best melting texture.
- Be sure to maintain the oil temperature to avoid greasy mozzarella sticks.
- Leftover mozzarella sticks can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
