Crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, mozzarella sticks are a favorite for snack time! Just imagine biting into warm cheese melting out of a crispy coating.
They’re simple to make, and I love serving them with marinara sauce for dipping. It’s hard to stop at just one! Who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: These are the star of the show! You can find string cheese for this recipe, but if you want larger sticks, you can use blocks of mozzarella cut into pieces.
Breadcrumbs: I recommend Italian-style breadcrumbs for extra flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use plain breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers as a substitute. Panko breadcrumbs work great for extra crunch!
Eggs: They help bind the crumbs to the cheese sticks. If you need a vegan option, consider using a mixture of ground flaxseed and water instead, or even unsweetened applesauce as a binder.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, oregano, and basil add amazing flavor. Feel free to switch it up—add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or some Italian seasoning for a different twist!
How Do I Get the Crunchy Coating Just Right?
Coating mozzarella sticks is an essential step for that yummy crunch. Here’s how to make sure you nail it!
- **Freezing is Key**: Make sure to freeze the cheese sticks for at least an hour. This solidifies the cheese and helps prevent it from leaking during frying.
- **Double Coating for Extra Crunch**: After the first egg and breadcrumb layer, go over the sticks again with egg and breadcrumbs. This makes them even crispier!
- **Hot Oil Matters**: Ensure your oil is at 350°F (175°C) before frying. A thermometer is handy here! If the oil isn’t hot enough, the coating might soak up too much oil and get soggy.
- **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan**: Fry a few mozzarella sticks at a time to ensure even cooking and to maintain the oil temperature.
How to Make Delicious Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 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 of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to freeze the cheese. Cooking time is about 5 minutes. Overall, you’ll spend around 1 hour and 20 minutes to enjoy these cheesy snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Freezing the Cheese Sticks:
Start by unwrapping the mozzarella sticks and placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t skip this step! Freezing the cheese sticks for at least 1 hour prevents them from melting too quickly while frying, ensuring you get that gooey cheese inside!
2. Setting Up Your Breading Station:
Prepare three shallow dishes for breading: In the first dish, add the flour; in the second dish, beat together the eggs and milk; and in the third dish, mix the Italian-style breadcrumbs with garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Coating the Cheese Sticks:
Take the mozzarella sticks out of the freezer. One by one, roll each stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip them into the egg mixture, and finally coat them thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For a crunchier finish, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating step and return them to the baking sheet.
4. Firming Up the Coating:
Return the coated mozzarella sticks to the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the coating set and stay on during frying. It’s worth the patience!
5. Frying Them Up:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add a few mozzarella sticks at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Watch them closely so the cheese doesn’t melt out!
6. Draining the Fried Sticks:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the mozzarella sticks hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Take a bite and enjoy that beautiful combination of crispy outside and melty cheese inside!
Can I Use Regular Mozzarella Instead of String Cheese?
Yes, you can use regular mozzarella! Just cut it into sticks of similar size to string cheese. Keep in mind that the melting point might be different, so it’s best to freeze the blocks for longer before breading.
What If I Don’t Have Italian-Style Breadcrumbs?
No problem! You can use plain breadcrumbs or even Panko for extra crunch. For added flavor, you can season plain breadcrumbs with Italian herbs, garlic powder, or Parmesan cheese to mimic the taste of Italian-style breadcrumbs.
How Do I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes to regain that crispy texture.
Can I Make These Mozzarella Sticks in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare and coat the mozzarella sticks ahead of time and keep them in the freezer until you’re ready to fry. They can be frozen for up to 1 month—just fry them straight from the freezer without thawing!
