Description
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are a crispy, golden-fried snack with a gooey, melty cheese center. Perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, these homemade cheese sticks are fun to make and far better than frozen ones.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella sticks (or 1 block mozzarella cut into 3–4 inch sticks)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
- Marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)
Instructions
- Cut mozzarella into sticks if not using string cheese. Each stick should be about 3–4 inches long.
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko, Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, then dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture. Repeat egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crispiness.
- Place coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 1 hour.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry cheese sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dip.
Notes
Freezing before frying prevents cheese from leaking out.Double-coating ensures a crisp crust and helps contain melted cheese.Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.Can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes or air-fried at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes.Try with cheddar or pepper jack for a cheesy twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
