These cheesy mozzarella sticks are golden and crispy on the outside with gooey cheese inside. Perfect for dipping in your favorite marinara sauce!
They’re an instant party favorite! I could snack on these all day, but I usually save some for movie night. Who can resist that cheesy pull? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: String cheese works great here as it’s already portioned. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use part-skim mozzarella. Just remember, fresh mozzarella may not work as it tends to be too moist.
Breadcrumbs: I enjoy using Italian-style breadcrumbs for added flavor. If you want to make it gluten-free, substitute with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. They provide a nice crunch too!
Parmesan Cheese: This ingredient gives a lovely depth of flavor. If you’re out of Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano as a substitute for a slightly saltier kick.
Spices: Garlic powder and oregano add a nice touch. Don’t have those? You could use Italian seasoning blend instead for a simpler option.
How Can I Fry Mozzarella Sticks Without Them Melting Too Quickly?
Preventing cheese overflow while frying is key to achieving perfect mozzarella sticks! Here’s what to do:
- First, make sure to **freeze** the breaded sticks for at least **1 hour**. This step firms up the cheese and keeps it from leaking out during frying.
- Heat your oil to **350°F (175°C)**; a hotter oil cooks the outside quickly and keeps the cheese from melting too fast.
- Fry them in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature. Add too many at once, and they won’t cook evenly.
- Lastly, once golden and crispy, quickly **remove** them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to keep them crispy.
With these tips, you can enjoy gooey, cheesy mozzarella sticks with just the right crunch!
How to Make Delicious Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 sticks mozzarella cheese (string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Coating:
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying and Serving:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare before frying and at least 1 hour for chilling. Additionally, frying the mozzarella sticks will take around 5-10 minutes, so you’ll end up with a delicious snack in about 1 hour and 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Grab three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second, whisk together the eggs and water. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. This is your breading setup!
2. Prepare Cheese Sticks:
Unwrap all the mozzarella sticks and pat them dry gently with paper towels. This helps them hold the breading better without getting soggy.
3. Coat the Sticks:
Take each cheese stick and first coat it in the flour, ensuring it’s covered all around. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat it well with the breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crispy layer, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps with each stick.
4. Freeze for a Firm Texture:
Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer for at least 1 hour. Chilling them will keep the cheese from melting too quickly during frying!
5. Heat the Oil:
When you’re ready to fry, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can gently drop a breadcrumb into the oil; if it sizzles, it’s ready!
6. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
Carefully lower a few frozen cheese sticks into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry them in batches for about 1-2 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot to keep the oil temperature consistent!
7. Drain and Serve:
Once fried, remove the mozzarella sticks with the slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your homemade crispy, cheesy mozzarella sticks! Perfect for snacking or sharing! 🧀🍽️
Can I Use Regular Mozzarella Instead of String Cheese?
Yes, you can! Just cut a block of mozzarella into sticks about the same size as string cheese. However, make sure to freeze them for at least 1 hour before frying to prevent excess melting.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet. Spray them lightly with cooking spray and bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
How Do I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bread the mozzarella sticks and freeze them (prior to frying) for up to a month. Just fry them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
