Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are crispy, golden, and filled with gooey, melty cheese that just can’t be beat. These little bites have a crunchy breadcrumb coating on the outside and warm…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are crispy, golden, and filled with gooey, melty cheese that just can’t be beat. These little bites have a crunchy breadcrumb coating on the outside and warm mozzarella stretching with every bite. They’re a classic snack that bring a lot of joy and are perfect for sharing.
I love making these mozzarella sticks from scratch because it feels special and way better than store-bought. The secret is in the breading—double dipping in egg and breadcrumbs gives such a satisfying crunch. Plus, you can add your favorite herbs or spices to the coating to make them your own. I always get excited when the cheese melts just right and starts to ooze out, that’s the best part!
Serving these up with some marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce is a total winner. I like to have a small plate with a bowl of sauce on the side, so everyone can dunk away happily. They’re perfect for movie nights, parties, or whenever you’re craving something warm, crunchy, and cheesy. Homemade mozzarella sticks definitely make snacking way more fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: String cheese works great for convenience and size. If unavailable, block mozzarella cut into sticks also works. Use whole milk mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
Bread Crumbs: Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs add extra flavor. You can swap for plain breadcrumbs and add your own herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic powder.
Flour and Eggs: These help the coating stick well. If eggs are an issue, try a mixture of milk and mayonnaise or a plant-based milk with a little flour as a binder.
Oil for Frying: Vegetable oil is best for high heat. Canola or peanut oil are good alternatives too. Make sure the oil is hot enough to avoid greasy mozzarella sticks.
How Do You Keep the Cheese from Melting Out While Frying?
Freezing is the key to keep mozzarella sticks from leaking cheese while frying. Here’s how:
- Cut cheese sticks and freeze them for at least 1 hour before breading.
- Double coat: Dip in flour, egg, breadcrumbs, then egg and breadcrumbs again.
- Freeze breaded sticks for another 30 minutes to firm up the coating.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) during frying for quick crisping.
By following these steps, the coating crisps up quickly and traps the cheese inside, giving you that perfect melty center with a crunchy outside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot – holds enough oil for even frying and keeps heat steady.
- Kitchen thermometer – helps you keep the oil at the perfect 350°F so sticks get crispy, not greasy.
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer – makes it easy to lift out sticks without carrying extra oil.
- Three shallow bowls – perfect for setting up your flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb coatings.
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – great for freezing the coated mozzarella sticks without sticking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Mix Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes into breadcrumbs for a bit of extra flavor and heat.
- Try different cheeses like provolone or pepper jack for a unique twist and spicier kick.
- Add finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture for more freshness.
- Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mix to boost the cheesy taste and crispiness.
How to Make Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3 cups)
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus freezing time of 1 hour before breading and another 30 minutes after breading. Frying takes about 10 minutes in small batches. Altogether, plan for roughly 2 hours including freezing and cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Freeze the Cheese:
Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and cut each one in half to make 24 pieces. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 1 hour to keep the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
2. Prepare the Coatings:
Set up three shallow bowls: put the flour in the first bowl; whisk eggs and water together in the second; and mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper in the third.
3. Bread the Mozzarella Sticks:
Dip each frozen mozzarella stick first into the flour, shaking off any extra. Then dip it in the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mix, pressing gently. For an extra crispy crust, repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb coating one more time. Place the coated sticks back on the parchment-lined tray.
4. Freeze the Breaded Sticks:
Freeze the coated mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes to set the breading and prevent cheese from leaking out during frying.
5. Fry Until Golden:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry mozzarella sticks in small batches for 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and Serve:
Remove the sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with extra dried parsley for a fresh touch. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh string cheese sticks and freeze them yourself to ensure they hold up well during frying. Pre-frozen sticks might not coat or crisp properly.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Yes! Bake the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and melty. The texture will be slightly less crispy than frying.
How Should I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crunchy.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Italian-Style Breadcrumbs?
Plain breadcrumbs work fine—just add 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to mimic the flavor of Italian seasoning.