Name: Ultimate Crispy Mozzarella Sticks Recipe for Cheese Lovers
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ¾ cup all-purpose flour; 2 tsp sea salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 2 large eggs; 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 12 oz low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 3-inch x ¾-inch sticks; Homemade marinara sauce, for dipping; 1 quart vegetable oil, for deep frying

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Crispy Mozzarella Sticks are one of my all-time favorite snacks. This ultimate homemade recipe delivers gooey, stretchy cheese encased in a golden, crunchy coating that far surpasses any frozen version. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make these delightful cheesy snack sticks that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into how to make crispy mozzarella sticks that are perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Mozzarella Sticks

There are several reasons to adore these crispy mozzarella sticks. First, they are incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Second, the flavor combination of the cheesy filling and seasoned breadcrumb coating is simply irresistible. Third, they can be paired with various dipping sauces such as marinara or ranch, making them versatile. Additionally, these homemade mozzarella sticks are vegetarian-friendly, catering to a wide audience. You can even customize them by adding spices or herbs to the breadcrumb mix. Lastly, they will impress your family and friends, elevating your appetizer game!

Ingredients for Crispy Mozzarella Sticks

Gather these items:

¾ cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
2 large eggs
2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
2 tsp Italian seasoning
12 oz low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 3-inch x ¾-inch sticks
Homemade marinara sauce, for dipping
1 quart vegetable oil, for deep frying

How to Make Crispy Mozzarella Sticks Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cut low-moisture mozzarella cheese into 3-inch x ¾-inch sticks. Lightly dust the sticks with ¼ cup of the all-purpose flour; arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30-60 minutes.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, whisk the 2 large eggs. In another shallow bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and the remaining ½ cup all-purpose flour. Organize your station: frozen floured cheese, egg wash, breadcrumb mix, then a clean parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Dip each partially frozen, floured mozzarella stick into the egg wash, ensuring full coverage, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this process for a second layer of breading, ensuring the ends are well-sealed.
Step 4: Arrange the double-breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until rock-solid, at least 2-4 hours, or ideally overnight. This step is crucial for preventing cheese leaks during frying.
Step 5: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat 1 quart of vegetable oil to a steady 350°F (175°C) using a deep-fry thermometer. Carefully fry the rock-solid frozen mozzarella sticks in small batches (4-6 at a time) for 1.5-2.5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Remove the fried mozzarella sticks with tongs, transfer them immediately to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow the oil temperature to return to 350°F between batches. Serve immediately with warm homemade marinara sauce for dipping.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Crispy Mozzarella Sticks

Keep these in mind:

Freezing the mozzarella sticks is crucial to prevent the cheese from leaking during frying.
Use low-moisture mozzarella cheese for the best results as it melts perfectly without becoming too runny.
Ensure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F); if it’s too hot, the coating will burn before the cheese melts.
For extra flavor, try adding different herbs to your breadcrumb mix, such as oregano or paprika.

Best Ways to Serve Crispy Mozzarella Sticks

There are many delicious ways to enjoy your crispy mozzarella sticks. Pair them with:

Homemade marinara sauce for a classic dipping option.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing for a tangy twist.
Serve them alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How to Store and Reheat Crispy Mozzarella Sticks

If you have leftovers, place your crispy mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. This method helps maintain their crunchiness, making them ideal for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Mozzarella Sticks

What’s the secret to perfect Crispy Mozzarella Sticks?

The secret lies in freezing the cheese after breading. This ensures that the cheese stays intact while the coating becomes perfectly crispy during frying.

Can I make Crispy Mozzarella Sticks ahead of time?

Yes! You can bread the mozzarella sticks, freeze them, and fry them later. This makes them a great option for quick snacks or appetizers.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crispy Mozzarella Sticks?

To avoid common issues, ensure your oil is at the right temperature and do not overcrowd the pot while frying. This helps achieve that perfect crunchy texture.

Variations of Crispy Mozzarella Sticks You Can Try

Here are some fun twists on the classic recipe:

Try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for varied flavors.
Experiment with different seasonings in the breadcrumb mix for a unique taste.
Make oven-baked mozzarella sticks by spraying the breaded sticks lightly with oil and baking them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes.

Ultimate Crispy Mozzarella Sticks Recipe for Cheese Lovers

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Ultimate Crispy Mozzarella Sticks Recipe – Homemade & Easy!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Appetizer
Method: Deep Frying
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

¾ cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
2 large eggs
2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
2 tsp Italian seasoning
12 oz low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 3-inch x ¾-inch sticks
Homemade marinara sauce, for dipping
1 quart vegetable oil, for deep frying

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Instructions

Cut low-moisture mozzarella cheese into 3-inch x ¾-inch sticks. Lightly dust the sticks with ¼ cup of the all-purpose flour; arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30-60 minutes.
In a shallow bowl, whisk the 2 large eggs. In another shallow bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and the remaining ½ cup all-purpose flour. Organize your station: frozen floured cheese, egg wash, breadcrumb mix, then a clean parchment-lined baking sheet.
Dip each partially frozen, floured mozzarella stick into the egg wash, ensuring full coverage, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this process for a second layer of breading, ensuring the ends are well-sealed.
Arrange the double-breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until rock-solid, at least 2-4 hours, or ideally overnight. This step is crucial for preventing cheese leaks during frying.
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat 1 quart of vegetable oil to a steady 350°F (175°C) using a deep-fry thermometer. Carefully fry the rock-solid frozen mozzarella sticks in small batches (4-6 at a time) for 1.5-2.5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy.
Remove the fried mozzarella sticks with tongs, transfer them immediately to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow the oil temperature to return to 350°F between batches. Serve immediately with warm homemade marinara sauce for dipping.