Mozzarella sticks are a beloved appetizer known for their gooey, cheesy center and crispy exterior. They are a crowd-pleaser at parties, game days, or anytime you’re craving a savory snack. Making homemade mozzarella sticks is easier than you might think, and the result is far superior to store-bought versions. This recipe will guide you through the process of making delicious mozzarella sticks that are crispy on the outside and melty on the inside. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Mozzarella Sticks
- 12 sticks of string cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How to Make Mozzarella Sticks
- Prepare the Cheese: Unwrap the string cheese and cut each stick in half crosswise to make 24 pieces. Place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Set Up a Dredging Station: In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour in one, beat the eggs and milk together in another, and mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Coat the Cheese Sticks: Working quickly, dredge each frozen cheese stick in the flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze Again: Once all the cheese sticks are coated, place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 1 hour, or until the cheese sticks are frozen solid.
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: In a large, deep skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the frozen cheese sticks in batches for about 1-2 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Serve: Serve the mozzarella sticks hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
About the Main Ingredients
- String Cheese: String cheese is a type of mozzarella cheese that has been stretched and rolled into individual sticks. It melts beautifully when heated, making it ideal for mozzarella sticks. Look for low-moisture, part-skim string cheese for the best results.
- Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs provide the crispy coating for the mozzarella sticks. You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor. Panko breadcrumbs can also be used for a lighter, crispier texture.
- Seasonings: The seasonings in the breadcrumb mixture, such as garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, add flavor to the mozzarella sticks. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
- Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is used for frying the mozzarella sticks. It should be heated to the correct temperature before frying to ensure that the cheese sticks cook quickly and evenly.
