Description
Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are a delicious snack that features perfectly fried cheese, ideal for dipping in marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs + 1 tsp Italian seasoning)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing, for dipping
Instructions
- Unwrap the string cheese sticks and cut each in half to make 24 mini sticks (optional: keep whole for longer sticks). Place them on a plate or tray and freeze for at least 1 hour.
- In one bowl: add flour. In a second bowl: whisk together eggs and milk. In a third bowl: mix breadcrumbs, panko, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Dredge each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then coat in breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, double coat: dip again in egg, then in breadcrumbs a second time. Place coated sticks on a tray and freeze again for 30 minutes before frying.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray mozzarella sticks with cooking oil. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, turning halfway through, until crisp and golden.
- Serve hot with warm marinara sauce, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo for dipping!
Notes
- Freeze well: You can freeze breaded sticks for up to 3 months. Fry or air fry straight from frozen.
- Don’t skip freezing: It’s the secret to keeping that perfect melted cheese center without leaks.
- Customize: Add Parmesan, chili flakes, or dried basil to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying or Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 sticks
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Homemade Mozzarella Sticks, Fried Cheese, Appetizer