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Mozzarella Sticks Recipe – Ultra Crispy & Gooey Homemade Snack

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These homemade mozzarella sticks are ultra crispy on the outside and perfectly gooey on the inside, making them the ultimate comfort snack for parties, movie nights, or anytime cravings hit. With a double coating and simple pantry ingredients, they’re easy to make and far superior to anything frozen or store-bought.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (about 10.5 oz / 300g, or use string cheese or cut block cheese into 3.5-inch x 1-inch sticks)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup (120g) panko or Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup (25g) Parmesan cheese, finely grated (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme, or a blend)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying (about 3 cups / 750ml, enough to submerge sticks)
  • Optional: Marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dip for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cheese sticks: If using string cheese, unwrap and set aside. If using a block, cut into 3.5-inch x 1-inch sticks to make 12 pieces.
  2. Set up breading stations: In three separate bowls, place flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and in the third, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.
  3. First coat: Roll each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess.
  4. Egg dip: Dip floured sticks into beaten egg, coating all sides.
  5. Bread crumb coat: Roll each stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place on a lined baking sheet.
  6. Repeat egg and breadcrumb coating for each stick for extra crispiness.
  7. Freeze the coated sticks on the baking sheet for at least 1 hour (up to overnight) until solid.
  8. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a thermometer to monitor temperature.
  9. Fry mozzarella sticks in batches (4-5 at a time) for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and floating.
  10. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  11. Serve immediately with marinara or your favorite dip.

Notes

For best results, don’t skip freezing the coated sticks before frying—this prevents cheese leaks and ensures a crispy crust. Double-coating in egg and breadcrumbs is key for crunch and to keep cheese inside. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Sticks can be frozen after coating and fried straight from the freezer. To reheat, bake in a 400°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

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