Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are a crispy, gooey snack that’s hard to resist. They’re made with fresh mozzarella cheese coated in a crunchy breadcrumb layer, then fried or baked to golden…
Tip: save now, cook later.Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are a crispy, gooey snack that’s hard to resist. They’re made with fresh mozzarella cheese coated in a crunchy breadcrumb layer, then fried or baked to golden perfection. The warm, melty cheese inside paired with that satisfying crunch outside makes them perfect for any snack time or party.
I love making these at home because it’s way tastier and more fun than store-bought versions. Plus, you can season the breadcrumbs just how you like—sometimes I add a little garlic powder and Italian herbs for extra flavor. It’s great to watch the cheese stretch as you pull the sticks apart, and my friends always ask for seconds!
One of my favorite ways to eat these is with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. It adds a nice tang and makes every bite even better. Whether you’re sharing with family or just treating yourself, these mozzarella sticks always bring a little bit of comfort and joy to the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella sticks are best for that gooey center. String cheese is a good option if you want easy portioning. For a low-moisture option, you could try block mozzarella cut into sticks.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs add great flavor and crunch. If you don’t have them, plain breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper work well. Panko breadcrumbs can give an extra crispy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan mixed into the breadcrumbs adds a salty, nutty taste that boosts flavor. You can skip it or substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a different kick.
Egg Wash: Eggs mixed with water help the coating stick nicely. If you’re avoiding eggs, a thick plant-based milk or a flour-water slurry could work, but the egg gives the best binding.
Vegetable Oil: Use neutral oils with a high smoke point like canola, sunflower, or peanut oil for frying. Olive oil isn’t ideal due to its low smoke point and strong flavor.
How Do You Keep the Cheese from Melting Out While Frying?
Melty cheese is the goal, but when frying, it can quickly turn into a gooey mess if not handled right. Here’s how to prevent that:
- Freeze before and after coating: Freezing the cheese sticks solid twice helps the coating stay intact and stops the cheese from melting too fast in hot oil.
- Double coat the sticks: Dredge in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs twice. This creates a thick, sturdy crust that traps the cheese inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady, which cooks the coating evenly without letting the cheese burst out early.
- Keep oil temperature at 350°F (175°C): Too hot means outside will burn while inside stays cold; too low and cheese melts out before a crispy crust forms.
By following these steps, you’ll get crispy outside and perfectly gooey cheese inside every time. Just be ready for some amazing cheese stretch!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep skillet or pot – perfect for frying; holds enough oil to cook sticks evenly.
- Thermometer – helps keep oil at the right temperature so cheese doesn’t leak.
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – keeps sticks from sticking while freezing.
- Three shallow bowls – makes dredging easy with separate flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb stations.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – lets you safely remove sticks from hot oil and drain excess oil.
- Paper towels – absorb leftover oil after frying for crispy, not greasy sticks.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use pepper jack cheese sticks for a little spicy kick inside the crispy crust.
- Add chopped fresh basil or oregano to the breadcrumb mix for a fresh herb flavor.
- Mix in some crushed red pepper flakes into the breadcrumbs if you want a bit of heat.
- Try dipping the sticks in ranch or garlic aioli instead of marinara for different dipping fun.
How to Make Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese sticks work well)
For Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Frying and Serving:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for serving
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Plan for about 10 minutes of prep, plus 1 hour (and 30 minutes extra) for freezing the mozzarella sticks before and after coating. Frying and finishing should take about 10 minutes. Altogether, expect around 1 hour and 50 minutes, mostly hands-off freezing time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks:
Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and cut each into halves or thirds, depending on how big you’d like your snacks. Spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then freeze for at least 1 hour. This helps keep the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
2. Set Up Dredging Stations:
Get three shallow bowls ready: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with water (the egg wash), and one with the Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs combined with grated Parmesan cheese. These will help coat the cheese sticks evenly.
3. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
Take each frozen mozzarella piece and roll it first in flour, shaking off any extra. Then dip it completely in the egg wash. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. For extra crunch, repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb steps one more time.
4. Freeze Again:
Place the coated sticks back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for another 30 minutes. This extra chill keeps the coating firm and ready for frying.
5. Heat the Oil and Fry:
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a breadcrumb in – if it sizzles and browns quickly, you’re good to go! Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches, about 1-2 minutes each, turning gently so they brown evenly all around. Remove when they’re a golden, crispy delight.
6. Drain and Serve:
Lay the fried mozzarella sticks on paper towels to soak up any extra oil. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil if you like. Serve your warm, gooey sticks immediately with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your crispy, melty homemade mozzarella sticks — perfect for snack time or sharing with friends!
Can I Bake Mozzarella Sticks Instead of Frying?
Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip halfway through for even browning. Keep in mind they won’t be as crispy as fried but still delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
It’s best to start with fresh mozzarella sticks to ensure the coating sticks properly and melts nicely. If using frozen ones, thaw completely, pat dry, then proceed with the coating and freezing steps to prevent excess moisture.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well With Mozzarella Sticks?
Classic marinara sauce is a favorite, but ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo all make tasty alternatives. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combo!
