Name: Homemade Mozzarella Sticks: Crispy, Cheesy Perfection at Home Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 16 oz (450g) block of mozzarella cheese (whole milk preferred), cut into sticks about 3 ½ inches long and ½ inch thick (or use string cheese sticks as an alternative); 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour; 2 cups (200g) seasoned Italian breadcrumbs; 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon dried oregano or basil; 3 large eggs, beaten; 2 tablespoons milk

Ingredients

16 oz (450g) block of mozzarella cheese (whole milk preferred), cut into sticks about 3 ½ inches long and ½ inch thick (or use string cheese sticks as an alternative)

1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour

3 large eggs, beaten

2 tablespoons milk

2 cups (200g) seasoned Italian breadcrumbs

1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon dried oregano or basil

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the mozzarella block into uniform sticks about 3 ½ inches long and ½ inch thick. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour to ensure they hold their shape and don’t melt too quickly during cooking.

Step 2: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with the all-purpose flour, one with whisked eggs combined with milk, and one with a mixture of seasoned Italian breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Roll each frozen cheese stick first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg wash until fully coated. Next, roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere. Repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb step a second time for a double breading that seals in the cheese and ensures crispiness. Return the breaded sticks to the baking sheet and freeze again for 30–60 minutes before frying.

Step 4: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a heavy pot or deep fryer. Fry the cheese sticks in small batches of 6 to 8 for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Serve immediately with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for the best experience.

Optional Step: For a baked version, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), place sticks on a parchment-lined tray, spray with cooking oil, and bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C), spray the sticks with oil, and cook for 6–7 minutes, turning halfway to ensure even crisping.

Tips & Variations

Freeze the mozzarella sticks thoroughly before breading and after breading to prevent the cheese from leaking during frying.

Use a combination of Italian and panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and flavor.

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.

Serve with a side of marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping.

Try substituting part of the mozzarella with provolone or pepper jack for flavor variations.

FAQs

Can I make mozzarella sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread and freeze the mozzarella sticks ahead of time. Keep them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Fry or bake them directly from frozen for best results.

What dipping sauce pairs well with mozzarella sticks?

Classic marinara sauce is a popular choice, but ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo also complement the crispy, cheesy sticks beautifully.