Description
Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are a quick and easy snack featuring a crispy double-coated golden crust with a melty, gooey mozzarella cheese center. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or any cheesy craving, customizable with your favorite spices and dips.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese), quantity as desired
- All-purpose flour, about 1 cup
- Eggs, 2 large, beaten
- Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, 1 ½ cups
- Parmesan cheese, ⅓ cup grated
- Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon
- Salt, ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper, ¼ teaspoon
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4 cups or enough for deep frying)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Coatings: Set up three shallow bowls: one with about 1 cup all-purpose flour, one with 2 beaten large eggs, and one with a mixture of 1 ½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. These coatings will create your mozzarella sticks’ crispy crust.
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks: Dip each mozzarella stick first into the flour, lightly dusting all around, then into the beaten eggs ensuring full coverage, and finally roll thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere well.
- Double Dip for Maximum Crispness: Repeat dipping each stick once more into the egg wash and then the breadcrumb mixture to create a thicker, sturdier crust that prevents cheese leakage and delivers extra crunchiness.
- Chill Before Frying: Arrange the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. This step keeps the cheese firm and the sticks intact during frying.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan or fryer. Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in small batches for 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature and an even fry.
- Drain and Serve Hot: Remove sticks using a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels. Serve immediately for the best crispy and gooey experience.
Notes
- Use cold cheese sticks by chilling before coating to help them hold together during frying.
- Freezing the coated sticks before frying prevents cheese from leaking out.
- Do not overcrowd the fryer; cook in small batches for even frying and crispiness.
- Use a candy thermometer to keep the oil consistently at 350°F (175°C) for best results.
- Double-coating the breadcrumbs is essential for that unbeatable crunch and to keep cheese contained.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 mozzarella sticks
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg