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    Home » Recipes » Appetizer

    Mozzarella Sticks

    Modified: Apr 4, 2023 · Published: Dec 13, 2022 by Tonia Larson

    This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Cheesy, crispy Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate appetizer with melted cheese coated with fried breadcrumbs dipped in marinara sauce.

    Fried mozzarella is one of the most popular appetizers, as well as other classics like tortilla chips and salsa, nachos, and chicken wings.

    mozzarella cheese oozes from a mozzarella stick

    If fried mozzarella sticks are on the menu at a restaurant, our family always orders them as an appetizer! Since it’s one of our favorites, we decided to make a homemade version that is just as good, or even better, than what you get at a restaurant.

    Here’s Everything You Need To Make Mozzarella Sticks

    • Ingredients Needed
    • Equipment Needed
      • Deep Fryer
      • Heavy Bottom Pot or Air Fryer
    • How To Make Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
    • Frequently Asked Questions About This Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
    • Want more appetizer recipes? Try these next:
    ingredients for making mozzarella sticks.

    Ingredients Needed

    Using only string cheese and a simple breading, you can make the most delicious homemade mozzarella cheese sticks! This cheese sticks recipe can be prepared ahead of time as well.

    • Cheese: Mozzarella string cheese sticks are the perfect size and shape for this recipe.
    • Coating: This recipe uses all-purpose flour to coat the cheese sticks. It makes a dry surface for the breading to stick to.
    • Breading: The breading is a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and plain breadcrumbs for the fullest coating and best combination of texture.
    • Seasoning: The breading is seasoned with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
    • Eggs: Beaten eggs help the breading stick to the cheese sticks.
    • Oil: We used peanut oil for deep frying, but vegetable oil can also be used.
    hamilton beach deep fryer photo collage.

    Equipment Needed

    Deep Fryer

    We purchased a deep fryer to use when deep frying food. The one we bought holds up to 8 cups of food and up to 12 cups of oil. You can find our exact deep fryer here. Always keep in mind that you need to be very cautious when frying food. Keep the oil at a steady temperature and always stay close by. Here are some of the reasons we prefer using a deep fryer:

    • Temperature: The deep fryer heats the oil and maintains the temperature. Choose the temperature you would like the oil to be and a green light comes on when it is ready.
    • Thermometer: The thermometer is built into the deep fryer. There is no need for an external one but we like using an instant-read thermometer to double-check the temperature.
    • Wire Basket: There is a wire frying basket for lowering and lifting food into and out of the oil.
    • Cover: There is a vented, removable cover with a small viewing window.

    Heavy Bottom Pot or Air Fryer

    You can also deep fry them in a heavy bottom pot with a thermometer. If you choose this method, be sure to carefully monitor the temperature of the oil so that it doesn’t get too hot.

    Another option is to cook them in an air fryer at 400˚F for 4-6 minutes. Spray (or brush) them with olive oil before cooking. Then, flip them over halfway through cooking and coat them with olive oil again.

    eight mozzarella sticks and some red sauce on a platter.

    How To Make Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

    This mozzarella sticks recipe is really easy to make but takes a little extra time and care. You’ll need to leave enough time to freeze the coated cheese stick and take extra care when deep frying them.

    • Cheese: Unwrap all of the string cheese sticks and cut them in half.
    • Breading: Coat the cheese in flour and then breading using the beaten eggs to help everything stick to the cheese.
    • Freeze: Once the mozzarella cheese sticks are coated, freeze them for at least two hours.
    • Deep Fry: Heat the oil in a deep fryer, remove the cheese sticks from the freezer, and work in batches to deep fry them.
    a hand dipping a mozzarella stick into marinara sauce.

    Frequently Asked Questions About This Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

    Can homemade mozzarella sticks be made ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare mozzarella sticks ahead of time and store them in the freezer until you are ready to fry them.

    How long do you cook air fryer mozzarella sticks?

    Cook them in an air fryer at 400˚F for 4-6 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.

    Do you have to freeze mozzarella sticks before frying?

    Yes, you need to freeze the mozzarella sticks before frying so that the cheese doesn’t melt in the hot oil before the breading gets crispy.

    a fried mozzarella stick with cheese oozing out of it.

    Want more appetizer recipes? Try these next:

    Jalapeno Poppers are one party appetizer that everyone loves! Who can resist creamy, melted cheese inside a spicy pepper with a crispy coating?

    Veggie Pizza with a flaky crust, creamy ranch spread, and crunchy veggies is a classic party appetizer.

    Bacon Wrapped Meatballs are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy! These bite-sized appetizers will disappear in a flash.

    This easy Queso Blanco Recipe is made with Velveeta and peppers! Serve with chips and veggies.

    mozzarella sticks on a tray with on showing the melted cheese on the inside.

    Mozzarella Sticks

    Make this homemade Mozzarella Sticks recipe for the ultimate appetizer with gooey, melted cheese coated with crispy, fried breadcrumbs!
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    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Freeze Time: 2 hours hours
    Total Time: 2 hours hours 12 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 people
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    Equipment

    • Cutting Board Set
    • Pure Peanut Oil
    • Deep Fryer

    Ingredients

    • 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
    • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
    • 1 cup plain bread crumbs
    • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 4 eggs beaten
    • peanut oil for frying

    Instructions

    • Cut the cheese sticks in half. Set aside.
      hands using a kitchen knife to cut cheese sticks.
    • In a wide shallow bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, plain bread crumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Put the flour in a second bowl and the beaten eggs in a third bowl.
      a hand using a spoon to stir breading ingredients.
    • Coat the cheese sticks halves in flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the breadcrumbs mixture. Coat with the eggs and breadcrumbs a second time.
      a hand dips cheese in the breading mixture
    • Place in a parchment-lined pan and freeze for at least 2 hours.
      breaded cheese sticks in a freezer pan.
    • Heat oil in a deep fryer (or use a large pot with a thermometer) to 350˚F. Remove the cheese sticks from the freezer and deep fry them 5-6 at a time for 2 minutes until golden brown.
      mozzarella sticks in the fryer basket.
    • Drain on paper towels and serve with marinara sauce.
      mozzarella cheese sticks on a serving tray.

    Video

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    Notes

    Nutrition facts were calculated using 1/4 cup of oil since most of it wasn't absorbed. Your results may vary depending on your oil temperature, length of cooking time, and the fryer you use.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 3sticks | Calories: 327kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 807mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 134IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 2mg
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Tonia Larson

    More Appetizer Recipes

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      Blueberry Salsa
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      Sweet Corn Flatbread Pizza
    • Dill pickle salsa in a wooden bowl surrounded by tortilla chips.
      Dill Pickle Salsa
    • Spicy Chex mix recipe served in a wooden bowl.
      Spicy Snack Mix

    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 14+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

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    Tonia Larson from The Gunny Sack.

    Hi, I'm Tonia! Welcome to The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 14+ years! Meet Tonia Larson →

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