Mozzarella cheese sticks are the perfect combination of gooey, melty cheese wrapped in a crispy, golden-brown crust. Whether you’re serving them as a party snack, a game day treat, or a fun appetizer, these homemade mozzarella cheese sticks are a crowd favorite! The crispy exterior pairs perfectly with the stretchy, creamy mozzarella inside, making every bite absolutely irresistible.
Making mozzarella cheese sticks from scratch might sound like a challenge, but with this simple recipe, you’ll have them ready in no time. They’re quick, easy, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try them. Best of all, you can enjoy this cheesy goodness from the comfort of your own home.
Why You’ll Love These Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
✔ Crispy and Golden – A perfectly crunchy exterior that holds in all the melty cheese goodness.
✔ Melt-in-Your-Mouth Cheese – The mozzarella inside becomes soft, stretchy, and delicious.
✔ Perfectly Seasoned – Coated with seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor and texture.
✔ Easy to Make – With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can make these cheese sticks in under 30 minutes.
✔ Customizable – You can add herbs and spices to the breadcrumb coating for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (or mozzarella cheese blocks, cut into sticks)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sticks
- Freeze the cheese sticks: For best results, freeze your mozzarella cheese sticks for at least 1 hour before frying. Freezing the cheese helps prevent the cheese from melting out during frying.
- If using mozzarella blocks, cut them into sticks that are approximately 3-4 inches long.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
- Set up three shallow dishes for the breading process:
- In the first dish, place the flour.
- In the second dish, beat the eggs.
- In the third dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Coat the Cheese Sticks
- Dip each frozen mozzarella stick into the flour, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Next, dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring the cheese is fully coated.
- Finally, roll the cheese stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks. For an extra crispy crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
Step 4: Fry the Cheese Sticks
- Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. You can also use a deep fryer if you have one. The oil should be at about 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the coated cheese sticks to the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the sticks for 2-3 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the cheese sticks from the oil, placing them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the cheese sticks have cooled slightly, serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. Marinara sauce is a classic option, but ranch, buffalo sauce, or even garlic butter are delicious alternatives.
Cook Notes and Tips
- Freezing the Cheese: Freezing the cheese sticks is an essential step in this recipe. It ensures that the cheese doesn’t melt too quickly when frying and helps the breading stay intact.
- Double Coating for Extra Crispiness: For a crunchier, thicker crust, try double coating your cheese sticks. After the first round of egg and breadcrumbs, dip them back into the egg and breadcrumbs again.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They create a lighter, crispier coating that makes the cheese sticks extra satisfying.
- Shallow Frying vs. Deep Frying: While deep frying gives the most even result, you can also shallow fry the cheese sticks in a skillet. Just make sure the oil is hot enough to crisp the coating without overcooking the cheese.
Variations
- Spicy Cheese Sticks: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a little extra heat.
- Herb-Crusted: Add freshly chopped herbs such as basil, thyme, or rosemary to the breadcrumbs for an added layer of flavor.
- Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Sticks: Wrap each cheese stick with a slice of cooked bacon before breading for an irresistible savory twist.
Keto and Low-Carb Version
If you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, you can still enjoy these cheesy treats by making a few simple substitutions:
- Breadcrumbs: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds in place of traditional breadcrumbs. Both options are low-carb and will give the cheese sticks a nice texture.
- Flour: Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour to keep it low-carb.
- Frying Oil: Use avocado oil or coconut oil for frying, as these oils are better for a low-carb diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these cheese sticks ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and bread the cheese sticks ahead of time. After breading, freeze them until you’re ready to fry. This ensures they stay crispy and prevents the cheese from oozing out during frying.
Can I bake these cheese sticks instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the mozzarella sticks. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the cheese sticks for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy. However, keep in mind that frying gives a more crispy texture.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! While mozzarella is traditional for cheese sticks, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as cheddar, colby jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist. Just make sure the cheese you use is firm enough to hold up during frying.
