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Mozzarella Sticks Recipe: Crispy and Easy
Mozzarella sticks are a beloved snack or appetizer that many people adore for their gooey, cheesy center and crispy exterior. This recipe is incredibly easy to follow and will have you enjoying homemade mozzarella sticks in no time!
Why make this recipe
These crispy mozzarella sticks are perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in. They are fun to make, satisfying to eat, and pair wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping!
Ingredients
- 16 string cheese sticks
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ½ cups peanut or vegetable oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce (warmed)
- 1 Tablespoon minced parsley for garnishing (optional)
How to make it
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Slice each string cheese stick in half crosswise so you have 32 pieces of cheese total.
- Pour flour into a pie dish or shallow bowl.
- Add eggs to a second pie dish or shallow bowl and beat them with a fork.
- Add bread crumbs, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder to a food processor and pulse the mixture until finely ground.
- Pour the bread crumbs mixture into a third pie dish or shallow bowl.
- Add a piece of cheese to the flour and turn to coat. Then, add the cheese to the egg and turn to coat.
- Next, add the cheese to the breadcrumbs and turn to coat. Finally, place the coated cheese stick onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining cheese sticks.
- Pop the cheese sticks into the freezer and freeze for 2 hours or overnight.
- Line a baking sheet with 3 layers of paper towels and set aside.
- Add oil to a large pot and heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 400 degrees F.
- Add a few cheese sticks to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
- Move the cheese sticks to the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain.
- Repeat the frying with the remaining mozzarella cheese sticks. Garnish mozzarella sticks with minced parsley, if desired. Serve with warmed marinara sauce.
- For baking instructions: Move the oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack right in the pan on top of the foil. Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the mozzarella cheese sticks on top of the wire rack. Spray the tops of the cheese sticks with nonstick cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the cheese sticks are golden brown. Cool for 3 minutes and then garnish with minced parsley, if desired. Serve with warmed marinara sauce.
How to serve it
These crispy mozzarella sticks can be served as a delicious appetizer or snack. Pair them with warmed marinara sauce for dipping, and sprinkle with parsley for added color and flavor.
How to store it
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer to maintain their crispy texture.
Helpful tips
- Make sure to freeze the cheese sticks before frying or baking to help them hold their shape.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot while frying; this ensures they cook evenly and become crispy.
- If you prefer baking, ensure you spray the tops of the cheese sticks with cooking spray for a golden finish.
Optional variations
- For a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- You can substitute the string cheese with other cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack for different flavors.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko will give a crunchier texture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and coat the cheese sticks, then freeze them until you’re ready to fry or bake.
What dipping sauces work well with mozzarella sticks?
While marinara is classic, you could also try ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or even a garlic aioli for a twist.
Crispy Mozzarella Sticks
These crispy mozzarella sticks are a delightful snack or appetizer, featuring a gooey, cheesy center and a crunchy exterior, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cheese Sticks
- 16 sticks string cheese sticks
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2½ cups peanut or vegetable oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce warmed
- 1 Tablespoon minced parsley for garnishing (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Slice each string cheese stick in half crosswise so you have 32 pieces of cheese total.
- Pour flour into a pie dish or shallow bowl.
- Add eggs to a second pie dish or shallow bowl and beat them with a fork.
- Add bread crumbs, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder to a food processor and pulse the mixture until finely ground.
- Pour the bread crumbs mixture into a third pie dish or shallow bowl.
- Coat a cheese piece in flour, dip it in eggs, and then coat it in breadcrumbs before placing it on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining cheese sticks.
- Pop the cheese sticks into the freezer and freeze for 2 hours or overnight.
Frying
- Line a baking sheet with 3 layers of paper towels and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 400 degrees F.
- Fry a few cheese sticks for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on the paper towel-lined baking sheet.
- Repeat with the remaining mozzarella cheese sticks. Optionally garnish with minced parsley and serve with warmed marinara sauce.
Baking (optional)
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack in the pan on top of the foil.
- Spray the wire rack with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the mozzarella cheese sticks on the wire rack and spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 3 minutes, then garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
These crispy mozzarella sticks can be served as an appetizer or snack. For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
