Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are a fun and tasty snack that’s crispy on the outside and gooey, cheesy on the inside. These sticks are made with fresh mozzarella cheese coated in…
Tip: save now, cook later.Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are a fun and tasty snack that’s crispy on the outside and gooey, cheesy on the inside. These sticks are made with fresh mozzarella cheese coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust, then fried or baked to golden perfection. They’re one of those easy-to-love finger foods that make any day feel like a little celebration.
I love making these mozzarella sticks at home because you can control how cheesy and crispy they get, plus you avoid all the extra fillers often found in store-bought versions. I usually double-dip them in egg and breadcrumbs to get that extra crunchy shell, and I always keep a close eye while frying so they don’t overcook and lose that lovely melty center.
They’re perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or even ranch dressing — whatever you’re in the mood for! I find that serving them hot and fresh with some good dipping sauces brings people together and makes for an easy, delicious treat during game nights, movie time, or when friends drop by unexpectedly. Trust me, once you try homemade mozzarella sticks, they’ll be a go-to snack in your recipe box!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella sticks or string cheese work best because they melt nicely. If you want a firmer texture, low-moisture mozzarella is a good choice. Just be sure to freeze them before coating so they don’t melt too quickly.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add great flavor with herbs and spices included. If you don’t have these, plain breadcrumbs with extra dried oregano and basil mixed in will do just fine.
Eggs and milk: These help the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese. You can swap milk for a plant-based alternative if needed. Just make sure the mixture isn’t too thin, or your coating won’t hold well.
Parmesan cheese: This adds a savory bite and extra crispness. If you want, you can skip it or substitute with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Oil for frying: Vegetable oil is neutral and has a high smoke point. You can also use canola or peanut oil for frying. If you prefer baking to frying, try spraying the sticks with oil and bake in a hot oven for a crisp finish.
How Do You Get Mozzarella Sticks Crispy Without the Cheese Melting Out?
To keep your mozzarella sticks crispy and avoid gooey cheese leaks, freezing is the key! Here’s how:
- Cut the cheese sticks and freeze them for at least 1 hour before coating.
- Double-coat your mozzarella sticks: flour first, then egg wash, breadcrumb mix, and repeat egg and breadcrumb layers.
- Freeze the coated sticks again for 30 minutes before frying or baking. This extra step firms up the coating.
- Fry in hot oil (around 350°F) but just for 1-2 minutes until golden; overcooking will melt the cheese too much and break the coating.
These steps make a sturdy crust while keeping the cheese perfectly melted inside. Using a slotted spoon helps drain oil quickly and keep them less greasy. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce for the best experience!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep frying pan or pot – perfect for frying the sticks evenly in hot oil.
- Slotted spoon – helps you lift the sticks out of hot oil while draining excess oil.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – to freeze the cheese sticks without sticking.
- Three shallow bowls – for flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumb coating; keeps the process neat and organized.
- Thermometer – handy to check oil temperature for perfect frying crispness.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to breadcrumbs for a little spicy kick.
- Try cheddar or pepper jack cheese sticks instead of mozzarella for different melting flavors.
- Mix finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil into the breadcrumb coating for extra freshness.
- Swap marinara sauce with ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy marinara for a flavor twist in dipping.
How to Make Homemade Mozzarella Sticks?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 sticks of mozzarella cheese (string cheese or block cut into sticks)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 20 minutes of active preparation, plus about 1 to 1.5 hours of freezing time to firm up the cheese sticks before and after coating. Frying each batch takes just a couple of minutes, so plan for around 1 hour and 45 minutes total including freezing and cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks:
If you’re starting with a block of mozzarella, cut it into stick shapes about 3 to 4 inches long and ½ inch thick. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 1 hour to keep the cheese firm and prevent it from melting too fast when cooked.
2. Prepare the Coating Stations:
Set up three shallow bowls: one with the flour, one with the eggs beaten together with milk, and one with a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. The flour helps the egg stick, and the egg helps the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese.
3. Coat the Sticks:
Take the frozen mozzarella sticks and first dredge each one in flour, tapping off any extra. Dip them in the egg mixture to coat well, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture to cover completely. For extra crunch, dip again in egg and breadcrumbs once more. Place the coated sticks back on the parchment-lined tray.
4. Freeze Again:
Freeze the coated sticks for at least 30 more minutes. This step makes sure the coating sticks well and prevents the cheese from oozing out during frying.
5. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the sticks in batches for about 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. Don’t crowd the pan, or the temperature will drop and the sticks won’t crisp properly.
6. Drain and Serve:
Use a slotted spoon to lift the fried sticks out of the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess grease. Serve immediately while hot and melty, paired with marinara sauce for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them slightly in the fridge before breading if using pre-frozen sticks, then refreeze after coating for best results. This helps the coating stay intact and prevents too much cheese from leaking during frying.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking oil, and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
How Do I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep them crispy—microwaving can make them soggy.
What’s the Best Dipping Sauce?
Traditional marinara sauce is a classic choice, but ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo are delicious alternatives to mix things up.