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5 from 3 votes

Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

Melty, stretchy cheese encased in a spiced, crunchy breadcrumbs coating, deep-fried to gooey golden perfection! These Homemade Mozzarella Sticks served with marinara sauce are the perfect appetizers or snacks for your next house party, game day, or movie night.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Freezing time1 hour
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cheese Sticks, Fried Cheese Sticks, Fried Mozzarella Sticks, Mozaarella Stick recipe, Mozzarella Sticks
Servings: 16 sticks
Calories: 179kcal

Ingredients

  • cup flour
  • 3 whole eggs
  • 2 Tablespoon water
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 16 pieces mozzarella sticks cut in half - string cheese
  • 1 cup canola oil

Instructions

  • Place the flour in a bowl and set it aside.
  • Whisk the eggs and water together in a small bowl. Set this next to the bowl of flour.
  • Mix the panko bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and pepper in another small bowl and set this next to the bowl with the beaten eggs.
  • Prepare a tray lined with parchment paper and set this next to the bowl with the bread crumb mixture.
  • Use tongs to place each mozzarella stick into the flour mixture (cover completely), then dip it into the egg mixture, then completely cover it with the bread crumb mixture and set it onto the prepared tray.
  • When all of the mozzarella sticks have had one coat of breading we are going to give them a second coating. This time, flour is not needed. So again using the tongs, place each bread stick in the egg mixture and then coat completely with the bread crumb mixture (sides and ends as well). Again place these on the tray.
  • Freeze the coated mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour.
  • Heat the oil in a heavy skillet, or dutch oven, to a temperature of 325-350 degrees. (just pay attention to how quickly they are browning and adjust your temperature)
  • Place a plate lined with paper towels next to the deep frying station.
  • Fry mozzarella sticks for a minute or 2 per side, or until golden brown. Do not crowd the pan as it will drop the temperature of the oil.
  • Remove mozzarella sticks to the plate lined with paper towels.
  • Serve with marinara sauce on the side if you like.

Notes

Storing Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

 
Place the mozzarella sticks in an airtight container (or sandwich bag) and keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
 

FAQs about Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

 
  1. Can I make these ahead? Yes! After you've frozen them on a tray, just move them into freezer bags. Then you can just fry up the amount you want at one time.  
  2. Do I need to thaw the frozen Mozzarella Sticks before frying them? No need; you can deep fry the frozen cheese sticks directly from the freezer.
  3. I don't have any cheese sticks, can I make these with a block of cheese? Yes! That actually works really well. Just be sure to cut the cheese into uniformly sized bricks.  
  4. How would you recommend reheating these? If you have an air fryer, this is the best way. Set the air fryer for 375 degrees, cook the mozzarella sticks for 4 minutes, turn them, and cook for another 4 minutes. If you don't have an air fryer, bake them in a 350 degrees F oven for 10 minutes or until hot and crispy.
  5. Can I bake them instead of frying them? You can technically bake them but always remember that the texture will be different. They will not have the same crunch that you get when deep-frying them.
  6. Can I use this recipe with other types of cheese? Well, you'd have to call it differently, but other breaded cheese sticks use provolone, Edam, and cheddar instead. You will not get the stringy, stretchy cheese, but they will still be delicious nonetheless

Nutrition

Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 158mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg