Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly golden, crispy mozzarella stick and experiencing that gooey, stretchy cheese inside. It’s a snack that brings back memories of childhood parties, movie nights, and casual dinners. But here’s the thing—store-bought mozzarella sticks just don’t compare to the homemade version. When you make them yourself, you control the quality of the ingredients, the level of crispiness, and, of course, the amount of cheese (because let’s be honest, more cheese is always better).

I’ve experimented with countless recipes over the years, and I’ve finally perfected the art of making mozzarella sticks at home. They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, and the result is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game days, or even a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to the frozen kind. Let’s dive into the details!

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Mozzarella cheese: The star of the show! Use block mozzarella cheese, not the fresh kind packed in water. Block mozzarella has the perfect texture for frying—it holds its shape while melting into that irresistible gooeyness we all love.

Flour: All-purpose flour is the first layer of coating for the mozzarella sticks. It helps the egg wash stick to the cheese, creating a solid base for the breadcrumbs.

Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the glue that binds the flour and breadcrumbs to the cheese. They ensure the coating stays intact during frying, giving you that perfect crunch.

Breadcrumbs: For the ultimate crispy exterior, use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs. They add a flavorful kick, but you can also use plain breadcrumbs and mix in your favorite herbs and spices.

Oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, is ideal for frying. It ensures the mozzarella sticks cook evenly and achieve that golden-brown color without burning.

Marinara sauce: While optional, marinara sauce is the classic dipping companion for mozzarella sticks. Its tangy, slightly sweet flavor complements the richness of the cheese beautifully.

Ingredients List

12 oz block mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch sticks
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
1 cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola) for frying
½ cup marinara sauce (for serving)

How to Make Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese

Start by cutting the mozzarella block into ½-inch sticks. Make sure they’re not too thick, or they won’t cook evenly. Pat the sticks dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture—this helps the coating adhere better.

Step 2: Set Up Your Coating Station

Arrange three shallow bowls in a row. Place the flour in the first bowl, the beaten eggs in the second, and the breadcrumbs in the third. This assembly line setup makes the coating process quick and efficient.

Step 3: Coat the Cheese Sticks

Roll each mozzarella stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated, then roll it in the breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps to create a double coating.

Step 4: Freeze the Coated Sticks

Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial—it prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during frying and helps the coating stay intact.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet or pot, heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the temperature is accurate. If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the cheese melts; if it’s too cool, the sticks will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Step 6: Fry the Mozzarella Sticks

Carefully place a few sticks into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the mozzarella sticks immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. They’re best enjoyed fresh and hot, when the cheese is at its gooiest!

Tips for Making This Recipe

Freeze the cheese sticks before coating: This makes them easier to handle and prevents the cheese from oozing out during frying.
Double coat for extra crunch: Dip the sticks in egg and breadcrumbs twice for a thicker, crispier coating.
Don’t skip the freezing step after coating: This ensures the coating stays intact and the cheese melts evenly.
Use a thermometer for the oil: Maintaining the right temperature is key to achieving perfectly fried mozzarella sticks.
Serve immediately: Mozzarella sticks are at their best when served fresh and hot.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the mozzarella sticks on a greased baking sheet for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as fried, but they’ll still be delicious.

Can I use string cheese instead of block mozzarella?
Absolutely! String cheese works well and is already the perfect size for mozzarella sticks.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can coat the mozzarella sticks and freeze them for up to a month. Fry them straight from the freezer when ready to serve.

What other dipping sauces can I use?
Try ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a fun twist!

There you have it—homemade mozzarella sticks that are crispy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself to a snack, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking!