If you love mozzarella sticks and crispy fries, then you’re in for a treat with these Mozzarella Stick Fries! Combining the best of both worlds, these fries are loaded with gooey mozzarella cheese and crispy, seasoned fries all in one bite. Crispy on the outside and melty on the inside, they’re perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or ranch dressing. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family dinner, or just a fun snack, these Mozzarella Stick Fries are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These Mozzarella Stick Fries combine the comfort of fries with the deliciousness of mozzarella sticks, offering the best of both worlds in one irresistible dish. The crispy fries are loaded with melted cheese inside, and the gooey mozzarella creates the perfect pull when you bite into them. You get all the savory, cheesy goodness you crave in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing snack. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or your favorite creamy dressing—what’s not to love?
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen French fries
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into quarters
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing (for dipping)
You’ll find the full list of ingredients with measurements below.
Directions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Fries
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the frozen French fries on a baking sheet in a single layer, and bake according to the package instructions until they’re golden and crispy. You’ll want them nice and crispy to balance the gooey cheese inside.
Prepare the Mozzarella Stick Filling
While the fries are baking, cut your mozzarella cheese sticks into quarters. You should get 4 pieces from each cheese stick.
Coat the Cheese and Fries
Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and set them aside. For the mozzarella-filled fries, you’ll need to coat the cheese pieces in a crispy breadcrumb coating to keep the cheese from oozing out when baked.
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
Take each piece of mozzarella and coat it first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Do the same for the rest of the mozzarella pieces.
Assemble the Mozzarella Stick Fries
Once all the mozzarella pieces are coated, it’s time to assemble! Take a cooked French fry and place a piece of the coated mozzarella stick in the center of the fry. Gently press down to make sure the cheese is nestled in securely. Repeat with the rest of the fries, making sure they are arranged on the baking sheet so they don’t touch each other.
Bake Again
Return the fries to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the mozzarella sticks inside are gooey and melted, and the coating is golden and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let the Mozzarella Stick Fries cool slightly before serving. Serve them with marinara sauce or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch and texture, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They give the fries an even crispier coating.
- Freezing Option: If you want to prepare these ahead of time, you can assemble the Mozzarella Stick Fries and freeze them for later. Just freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
- Try Other Cheeses: While mozzarella is classic, you can try using other melting cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a different twist.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Air Fryer Version: You can also cook these Mozzarella Stick Fries in an air fryer. Simply preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 10 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
- Vegan Version: For a vegan twist, substitute the mozzarella with dairy-free cheese sticks and use plant-based eggs or a flax egg.
- Seasoning Variations: Add different seasonings to the breadcrumbs like paprika, Italian seasoning, or even Parmesan cheese to customize the flavor to your liking.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Mozzarella Stick Fries are delicious on their own, but they also pair great with:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even garlic butter for extra flavor.
- Salads: Balance out the richness of the fries with a fresh side salad, like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Burgers or Sandwiches: These fries would make a fantastic side dish with burgers, chicken sandwiches, or veggie wraps.
- Cold Drinks: Pair with a cold soda, iced tea, or even a light beer for a perfect casual meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover Mozzarella Stick Fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, it’s best to use an oven or air fryer to get the fries crispy again. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the fries soggy.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of mozzarella sticks?
A: You can, but be careful that the cheese doesn’t melt out during baking. Fresh mozzarella has a higher moisture content, so it may ooze more than mozzarella sticks. Make sure to drain it well before using.
Q: Can I make these Mozzarella Stick Fries ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble them and freeze them. Just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Q: Can I use homemade fries instead of frozen?
A: Absolutely! Homemade fries will work great as long as they’re crispy and firm enough to hold the cheese. Just bake them until golden and crispy before assembling the Mozzarella Stick Fries.
Q: How can I make the coating extra crispy?
A: Using panko breadcrumbs and double-coating the mozzarella sticks will give you the crispiest coating. You can also spray the fries with a little cooking oil before baking for added crunch.
Conclusion
These Mozzarella Stick Fries are a fun and delicious twist on two beloved comfort foods. The gooey mozzarella cheese wrapped in crispy fries creates a mouthwatering snack that’s perfect for dipping. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a snack, or a side dish, these Mozzarella Stick Fries are sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s cheesy cravings. Enjoy!
Print
Mozzarella Stick Fries
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mozzarella Stick Fries are a fun and cheesy twist on your regular fries. These crispy, golden fries are stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, making them the ultimate appetizer or snack. Perfect for dipping in marinara or ranch sauce, they’re a crowd-pleaser that will quickly disappear!
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into small pieces (about 1-inch long)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, toss the potato fries with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the fries for 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- While the fries are baking, prepare the mozzarella sticks. Freeze the mozzarella pieces for at least 20 minutes to ensure they stay intact during frying.
- Set up a breading station: Place the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs in a third. Season the breadcrumbs with a little salt and pepper.
- Once the mozzarella pieces are frozen, dredge each piece in flour, dip it in the beaten eggs, and coat it in breadcrumbs. Repeat until all the mozzarella pieces are coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat. Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for about 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the mozzarella sticks on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Once the fries are cooked and crispy, serve them with the fried mozzarella sticks and a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
For a lighter option, you can bake the mozzarella stick fries instead of frying them. Just spray them with cooking spray and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg