Mozzarella Sticks

Published: July 10, 2025

by Sofia

This recipe for mozzarella sticks is the perfect blend of crispy breadcrumbs and gooey cheese. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or looking for a quick snack, these cheesy delights will satisfy your cravings. The best part? They’re better than what you find at restaurants! Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious appetizer.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these mozzarella sticks ready in no time.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of seasoned breadcrumbs and melted cheese creates an irresistible taste that everyone loves.
Versatile Appetizer: Perfect for parties, movie nights, or even as a side dish, these mozzarella sticks fit any occasion.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the breadcrumbs for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Fun for Kids: Involve the little ones in the cooking process; they’ll love helping to coat the cheese sticks!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your mozzarella sticks, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Deep pot
Small bowls (for flour, eggs, breadcrumbs)
Sheet pan
Parchment paper
Tongs or slotted spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Deep pot: Ensures even frying by providing enough oil for the cheese sticks to float freely.
Small bowls: Keeps your ingredients organized and makes the coating process easy.
Sheet pan: Perfect for laying out your coated cheese sticks before freezing.

Ingredients

For this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

16 string cheese (cut in half crosswise)
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups Italian style breadcrumbs
salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs
2 teaspoons milk
oil for frying
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 cup marinara sauce

How to Make Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Prepare the Coating Stations

Start by setting up three separate bowls for the coating process.

Place the flour in a small bowl.
In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, along with salt and pepper, and stir well.
In a third bowl, beat together the eggs and milk until fully mixed.

Step 2: Coat the Cheese Sticks

Now it’s time to give those cheese sticks a flavorful coating!

Dip each piece of string cheese into the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess egg to drip off.
Roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully covered.
For extra crunchiness, repeat by dipping in the egg again followed by another coat of breadcrumbs.
Place each finished cheese stick on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Freeze Before Frying

To achieve that perfect gooey center:

Freeze the coated cheese sticks for at least 2 hours or until they are frozen solid.

Step 4: Heat Oil for Frying

Get your oil ready for frying!

Heat about 3 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees F.

Step 5: Frying Time!

Now comes the exciting part—frying!

Carefully place a few frozen cheese sticks into the hot oil.
Cook them for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once fried, let’s finish them off!

Drain each cheese stick on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley, then serve hot with marinara sauce on the side.

Enjoy your homemade mozzarella sticks—a delightful treat that’s sure to please everyone!

How to Serve Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a delightful appetizer that can be served in various ways. They pair beautifully with different dips and sides, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

With Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce is the classic pairing for mozzarella sticks. The tangy tomato flavor complements the cheesy goodness perfectly.

With Ranch Dressing

For a creamy twist, serve mozzarella sticks with ranch dressing. The coolness of ranch adds a tasty contrast to the hot, crispy cheese.

With Garlic Butter

Drizzling garlic butter over your mozzarella sticks makes each bite even more indulgent. It’s a rich option that enhances the flavor profile.

With Spicy Ketchup

If you like a kick, try spicy ketchup. It adds heat and depth that works great with the crispy exterior of mozzarella sticks.

With Pesto

A dollop of pesto makes for a fresh and herby alternative. Its vibrant taste pairs well with the savory cheese.

How to Perfect Mozzarella Sticks

To achieve the ultimate mozzarella sticks, follow these tips to enhance texture and flavor.

Freeze before frying – Freezing the coated cheese ensures it holds its shape during frying, preventing leaks.
Use high-quality cheese – Opt for fresh mozzarella string cheese for the best melt and flavor.
Control oil temperature – Make sure your oil stays at 350 degrees F for even cooking; this keeps your sticks crispy without burning.
Double breading – For an extra crunchy coating, dip your cheese twice in flour and breadcrumbs.
Serve immediately – Mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed right after frying when they’re hot and gooey.

Best Side Dishes for Mozzarella Sticks

Pairing side dishes with mozzarella sticks can elevate your appetizer game. Here are some delicious options to consider:

Garlic Bread – Crunchy and buttery, garlic bread complements mozzarella sticks nicely.
Caesar Salad – A fresh salad provides a crisp contrast to the warm, cheesy appetizer.
Buffalo Wings – For those who love spice, crispy buffalo wings add a hearty element to your spread.
Onion Rings – Crunchy onion rings make for an excellent side with their bold flavor.
Vegetable Platter – Fresh veggies offer a healthy balance to the richness of mozzarella sticks.
French Fries – Classic fries are always a hit; sprinkle them with seasoning for extra flavor.
Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory stuffed mushrooms bring gourmet flair to your appetizer table.
Antipasto Skewers – Colorful skewers filled with olives, peppers, and meats create an appealing presentation alongside mozzarella sticks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making mozzarella sticks can be simple, but common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

Skipping the Freezing Step: Not freezing the cheese before frying can lead to melted cheese spilling out. Ensure you freeze the sticks for at least 2 hours for optimal results.
Inconsistent Coating: Failing to coat the cheese evenly can result in uneven frying. Make sure to dip each stick in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs thoroughly.
Using Low-Quality Oil: Using oil that can’t withstand high temperatures may lead to soggy sticks. Opt for oils with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil.
Overcrowding the Fryer: Placing too many mozzarella sticks in the oil at once can lower the temperature, causing them to cook unevenly. Fry in small batches for best results.
Not Draining Properly: Skipping the draining step after frying means excess oil will make your mozzarella sticks greasy. Use paper towels to drain them well before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mozzarella Sticks

Place cooked mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer frozen sticks to a freezer bag; they will keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating Mozzarella Sticks

Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds, but this may make them softer rather than crispy.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed, turning occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making mozzarella sticks that may help you perfect your dish.

What are mozzarella sticks?

Mozzarella sticks are breaded and fried cheese snacks that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, perfect for dipping.

How do I make mozzarella sticks healthier?

Consider baking instead of frying them. You can also use whole grain breadcrumbs or reduce the amount of cheese used.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While traditional mozzarella is best, you can experiment with cheddar or pepper jack for different flavors.

How do I know when my mozzarella sticks are done frying?

They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per batch at 350°F (175°C).

Final Thoughts

These homemade mozzarella sticks make a delightful appetizer that everyone loves. They’re perfect for parties or game day snacks. You can customize them by adding different spices or cheeses, making them your own unique twist! Try this recipe and enjoy cheesy goodness at home.

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