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Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 59 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 24 cheese sticks 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American-Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Crispy on the outside, gooey and melty on the inside, these homemade mozzarella cheese sticks are the ultimate snack or appetizer for any gathering. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, they deliver a deliciously cheesy bite that rivals any restaurant version. Serve them fresh with your favorite marinara sauce for the perfect party treat or indulgent snack.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cheese Sticks

  • 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, or mixed Italian seasoning)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)

For Serving

  • 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheese Sticks. Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and cut each in half for bite-sized pieces, if desired. Place them on a plate and set aside.
  2. Set Up the Breading Station. Arrange three shallow bowls: fill one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with milk, and the last with breadcrumbs combined with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bread the Cheese Sticks. Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour, coating it on all sides. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. For extra crispy sticks, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating. Place breaded sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
  4. Freeze Before Frying. Place the breaded cheese sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cheese from oozing out during frying.
  5. Heat the Oil. In a deep skillet or saucepan, pour in enough oil to cover the sticks by about an inch. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), checking with a thermometer for best results.
  6. Fry the Cheese Sticks. Working in batches, fry the mozzarella sticks for about 1-2 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  7. Serve. Arrange warm cheese sticks on a platter and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Freezing the breaded cheese sticks is crucial to prevent the cheese from leaking out during frying.
  • You can prepare and freeze breaded sticks in advance and fry them straight from the freezer when needed.
  • For a lighter option, try air frying the cheese sticks at 400°F (200°C) for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Panko breadcrumbs can be substituted for extra crunch.
  • If desired, spice up your breadcrumb mix with cayenne or smoked paprika.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 cheese sticks
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 370mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg