These mozzarella sticks are a cheesy delight! They’re crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, making them perfect for a snack or party treat.
Who wouldn’t love pulling apart a hot, melty mozzarella stick? They remind me of my childhood—always a hit with my friends! 😊 Enjoy them with marinara sauce for extra yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Sticks: Use string cheese for easy handling. If you want a stronger flavor, buffalo mozzarella is delicious, but it’s softer and may require more care while breading.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs are great for flavor, but panko is a fantastic substitute for extra crunch. You can also make your own by toasting and grinding bread.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor, but pre-grated works too. Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free alternative, giving a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Vegetable Oil: For frying, use oils with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil. They won’t flavor the mozzarella sticks differently and tolerate high temperatures well.
How Do You Get a Perfectly Crispy Coating?
The secret to crispy mozzarella sticks lies in the breading technique. Make sure you coat each stick evenly. Double coating with breadcrumbs really helps create that crunchy texture.
- After dipping in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps. This extra layer helps seal in the cheese while frying.
- Freezing the coated sticks is key! It keeps the cheese from oozing out too quickly, allowing for a golden, crispy outside.
- When frying, don’t overcrowd the pan. This keeps the oil temperature consistent and helps achieve that perfect crisp.
How to Make Delicious Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus at least 1 hour to freeze. When you’re ready to fry, expect about 10-15 minutes for cooking. So, in total, set aside a little over an hour and a half (including freezing time) to make these delightful mozzarella sticks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Cheese Sticks:
Start by unwrapping the mozzarella sticks. If you’d like smaller bites, you can cut each stick in half. This step is optional, but it makes for cute little snacks!
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
Grab three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined. In the third bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You’re ready to coat the cheese!
3. Coating the Cheese:
Take one mozzarella stick and dredge it in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, coating it completely. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered. For an extra crispy layer, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps again for a double coat!
4. Freezing the Breaded Sticks:
Once all the cheese sticks are breaded, lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This freezing step is important as it prevents the cheese from melting too quickly while frying.
5. Heating the Oil:
In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Make sure you have enough oil to fully submerge the mozzarella sticks. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread—if it sizzles, it’s ready!
6. Frying the Mozzarella Sticks:
Carefully add a few cheese sticks to the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it can lower the oil temperature. Fry the mozzarella sticks for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they’re cooking evenly!
7. Draining and Serving:
Using a slotted spoon, remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy and not greasy.
8. Serve Up the Goodness:
For a nice touch, you can sprinkle chopped parsley or extra Parmesan on top for presentation. Serve the crispy mozzarella sticks hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your cheesy creation!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Yes! While mozzarella is traditional, you can use other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a twist. Just keep in mind that the melting point may differ, so adjust frying time as needed.
Can I Make These in the Oven Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! To bake them, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment and spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
What Should I Do If They Stick Together in the Freezer?
If they stick, it’s no big deal! Just gently separate them with a spatula before frying. If you’d like, you can also layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking next time.
How Do I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. Enjoy them again!
