Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Delicious, crispy mozzarella sticks that are easy to make at home and perfect for snacking or as an appetizer.
Ingredients
For the mozzarella sticks
- 12 oz mozzarella cheese sticks Opt for high-quality mozzarella for a deliciously melty center.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour This will help the egg wash adhere to the cheese and create a crispy crust.
- 2 large eggs Beaten to help bind the breadcrumbs to the cheese.
- 2 cups breadcrumbs Choose seasoned or plain for your preferred flavor and texture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds a lovely garlic flavor to the coating.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Enhances the taste with a mix of herbs for extra flair.
- vegetable oil for frying Essential for achieving that golden, crispy crust.
For serving
- marinara sauce A perfect dipping sauce that complements the cheesy goodness beautifully.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks in half. This makes them easier to handle and perfect for dipping.
- Set up a breading station: In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Dip each cheese stick: Start by coating a cheese stick in the flour, then move it to the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until evenly covered.
- Freeze the breaded cheese sticks: Lay the prepared cheese sticks on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat the vegetable oil: In a deep frying pan over medium heat, add enough oil to submerge the cheese sticks. Allow it to heat up until it reaches around 350°F.
Cooking
- Fry the mozzarella sticks: Carefully place the frozen sticks into the hot oil in batches, frying them until golden brown—about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Remove from oil: Use a slotted spoon to take the fried sticks out and let them drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce.
Notes
Freeze longer for extra crispiness. Choose your oil wisely; canola, sunflower, or peanut oil can enhance the frying experience. For an extra crunch, consider double-dipping in the egg and breadcrumbs. Maintain oil temperature with a kitchen thermometer.