Description
Delicious homemade mozzarella sticks that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, perfect for snacking or as an appetizer.
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
- Prepare the Cheese: 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.
- Set Up the Breading Station: 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.
- Bread the Cheese Sticks: Dredge each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, dip into the egg mixture, then coat in breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, double coat.
- Fry: Heat oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray mozzarella sticks with cooking oil and air fry for 6–8 minutes.
- Serve: 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.
- 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: 1 stick
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg