fried mozzarella cheese sticks recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
fried mozzarella cheese sticks recipe
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The Best fried mozzarella cheese sticks recipe

I’ve always been a fan of fried mozzarella cheese sticks, and my family loves them too. They’re a perfect snack for any occasion, whether it’s a quick after-school treat or a special gathering with friends and family. I first discovered this recipe while browsing through an Italian cookbook, and I was immediately drawn to the simplicity and deliciousness of it.

The combination of melted mozzarella cheese, crispy breadcrumbs, and a hint of garlic is absolutely irresistible. What I love most about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. My kids can even help me prepare the mozzarella cheese sticks by dipping the breaded cheese sticks in hot oil.

It’s become a fun activity for us to do together on weekends. The result is always a tasty and satisfying snack that we all enjoy. One of the reasons I appreciate this recipe so much is that it’s not only delicious but also relatively healthy compared to other fried foods.

The mozzarella cheese provides calcium, while the breadcrumbs add some fiber and texture. Plus, the garlic gives it an extra boost of flavor without adding too much extra calories. This dish has become a staple in our household, and we often have leftovers that we store in an airtight container for later use.

When reheating the leftover mozzarella cheese sticks, I like to sprinkle some extra parsley on top for added freshness.

Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

4.9 from 1313 votes

Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these homemade fried mozzarella cheese sticks are a perfect appetizer or snack. Coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection, they pair wonderfully with marinara sauce.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cheese Sticks

12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying

For Serving

1 cup marinara sauce, warmed

👨‍🍳Directions

1Remove the mozzarella cheese sticks from the refrigerator and cut each in half crosswise to create 24 smaller sticks.
2Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes until firm.
3Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes.
4In the first dish, combine the all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt.
5In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
6In the third dish, mix the Italian breadcrumbs with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
7Working with a few frozen cheese sticks at a time, coat each stick first in the flour, shaking off any excess.
8Then dip into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
9Finally, roll in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
10Place the coated sticks back on the baking sheet.
11For a thicker crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process once more.
12Return the double-coated sticks to the freezer and freeze for at least 1 hour, or until completely solid.
13Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of 2 inches.
14Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F on a candy or deep-fry thermometer.
15Carefully add 4 to 6 frozen cheese sticks to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
16Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until the coating is golden brown and the cheese begins to soften.
17Using tongs, transfer the fried cheese sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
18Repeat with the remaining sticks, allowing the oil to return to 350°F between batches.
19Serve the fried mozzarella sticks immediately while hot and gooey, accompanied by warm marinara sauce for dipping.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Shallow dishes (3)
Whisk
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot
Candy or deep-fry thermometer
Tongs
Paper towels

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

Freezing the cheese sticks thoroughly before frying is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out. For best results, use block mozzarella cut into sticks instead of string cheese for a more authentic texture. Serve immediately as they lose their crispiness quickly.

Watch Video Of How Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Works

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion, whether it’s a casual gathering with friends or a special family event. My kids love helping me prepare the mozzarella cheese sticks by dipping them in hot oil, and they always get excited when they see how crispy they turn out.

To store leftover mozzarella cheese sticks, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them at 40°F (4°C) or below. When reheating leftover fried mozzarella cheese sticks, you can either bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 5-7 minutes or microwave them on high for around 20-30 seconds.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Q: What type of cheese is best for fried mozzarella cheese sticks?

The best type of cheese to use for fried mozzarella cheese sticks is fresh mozzarella cheese. You can either buy it pre-shredded or shred it yourself using a food processor or grater.

Q: Can I use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a lighter and crisper coating.

Q: How long do I need to fry the mozzarella cheese sticks?

You should fry the mozzarella cheese sticks until they’re golden brown and crispy, which should take around 2-3 minutes on each side.

Q: Can I bake the mozzarella cheese sticks instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the mozzarella cheese sticks instead of frying them by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and baking them for around 10-12 minutes.

Q: Are fried mozzarella cheese sticks suitable for vegetarians?

Fried mozzarella cheese sticks are suitable for vegetarians as long as you use vegetarian-friendly breadcrumbs and no animal-derived ingredients in the breading mixture.

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