Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside—these mozzarella cheese sticks are the ultimate snack or party appetizer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
What’s better than stretchy, melty cheese encased in a golden, crunchy coating? These Irresistible Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are the perfect comfort food for cheese lovers. They’re incredibly easy to make at home, and they rival any restaurant version. Perfect for game day, movie nights, or even as an appetizer for a cozy dinner, these cheese sticks are always a hit. With simple ingredients and a little prep, you’ll have a batch of hot, cheesy goodness ready to enjoy!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to make these:
- String cheese (mozzarella)
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs (regular or panko for extra crunch)
- Seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt
You’ll find the full ingredient list and precise amounts in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Prepare the cheese sticks: Cut string cheese in half if desired for smaller portions.
- Set up the dredging station: In separate bowls, place flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Coat the cheese: Roll each cheese stick in flour, then dip in egg, and coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crunch.
- Freeze the sticks: Place coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1–2 hours to prevent them from bursting while frying.
- Fry to perfection: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F. Fry the cheese sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain and serve: Remove from oil, place on paper towels to drain, and serve immediately with marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Double coating is key: The second layer of breadcrumbs helps seal the cheese and keeps it from oozing out while frying.
- Freeze thoroughly: Don’t skip this step! It’s essential to keep the cheese sticks intact during frying.
- Oil temperature matters: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at 350°F. Too hot, and they’ll burn; too cool, and they’ll get greasy.
- Bake or air fry: For a healthier version, bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes or air fry for 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Cheese options: While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can try cheddar, pepper jack, or even string cheese in fun flavors.
- Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, or crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.
- Vegan cheese sticks: Use plant-based cheese and an egg substitute like a flax egg for a vegan twist.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These cheesy delights are best served hot and fresh with:
- Marinara sauce for a classic pairing
- Ranch dressing or garlic aioli for dipping
- A side of crisp celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing balance
- For a fun twist, try serving with spicy sriracha mayo or honey mustard!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftover fried cheese sticks in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: For make-ahead convenience, freeze the uncooked, coated sticks for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–6 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as they can become soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Use a bit of cooking spray on the sticks for extra crispiness.
2. How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Freezing the coated sticks and ensuring a double breadcrumb coating are crucial steps to prevent cheese from escaping.
3. Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of string cheese?
Yes, but fresh mozzarella tends to have more moisture, so pat it dry thoroughly before coating. It also may require a slightly longer freeze time.
4. What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
Panko breadcrumbs create a crunchier texture, but regular breadcrumbs work great too. For added flavor, use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs.
Conclusion
These Irresistible Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are everything you could want in a snack—cheesy, crispy, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re entertaining friends or treating yourself, these homemade cheese sticks are guaranteed to impress. Dip them in your favorite sauce, savor that first melty bite, and watch them disappear from the plate in no time. Ready to make a batch? Let’s get frying!
Print
Irresistible Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus freezing time)
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (active)
- Yield: 24 cheese sticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are a crowd-pleasing favorite! Coated in a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb mixture and fried to golden perfection, they’re the ultimate cheesy snack or appetizer. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear in no time.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, halved
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Sticks:
- Cut each mozzarella stick in half and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze for at least 1 hour to prevent them from melting during frying.
- Set Up Breading Stations:
- In one shallow dish, place the flour.
- In a second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- In a third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Cheese Sticks:
- Roll each frozen mozzarella stick in the flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating. Return the breaded sticks to the freezer for another 30 minutes.
- Fry the Cheese Sticks:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the cheese sticks in small batches for 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- To make these in an air fryer, spray the breaded sticks with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F for 5–7 minutes.
- For a baked version, place the sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Freeze any uncooked breaded sticks for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese stick
- Calories: ~100
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3f
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg