Homemade Easy & Crispy Mozzarella Sticks

Get ready to indulge in a crispy, cheesy delight with these Homemade Mozzarella Sticks! Perfect as a party appetizer, a cozy snack for movie night, or a fun treat to share with friends, these golden bites are irresistible. What makes them special? The crunch of the breadcrumbs paired with the gooey, melty mozzarella inside. Packed with flavor from garlic powder and oregano, they're bound to be a hit with everyone!

What Are Mozzarella Sticks?

Mozzarella sticks, though often associated with American bar food, actually have roots in Italy, where fried cheese has been a popular treat for centuries. The concept of coating and frying cheese traces back to medieval times, with mozzarella becoming the cheese of choice due to its creamy texture and perfect meltability. In the 1970s, mozzarella sticks gained fame in the U.S. as a popular appetizer in diners and sports bars. A fun fact? National Mozzarella Stick Day is celebrated on September 15th, proving just how beloved this cheesy snack has become! Whether served with marinara or enjoyed on their own, mozzarella sticks have captured hearts (and taste buds) worldwide.

Pro Tips For The Best Mozzarella Sticks

• Chilled mozzarella sticks are less likely to melt too quickly while frying, keeping the cheese inside perfectly gooey.
• For an extra crispy exterior, coat the mozzarella sticks in flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumbs twice before frying.
• Ensure both the flour and breadcrumb coatings are well-seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano for maximum flavor.
• Fry the mozzarella sticks in oil that’s properly heated to about 180°C (350°F) to ensure they cook quickly and evenly without becoming greasy.
• Fry in batches to maintain a consistent oil temperature, which helps get that golden-brown crust.
• After frying, place the mozzarella sticks on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil and keep them crispy.

Should You Freeze Mozzarella Sticks Before Frying Them?

Yes, you should freeze mozzarella sticks for 15-30 minutes before frying. Freezing helps the cheese hold its shape during frying, preventing it from melting too quickly and ensuring the exterior becomes crispy while the interior stays gooey.

How Do I Get the Breading to Stick to The Mozzarella Sticks?

To ensure the breading sticks to mozzarella sticks, first pat the cheese dry to remove moisture. For extra security, double coat by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps, ensuring a thick, crispy breading.

What Can I Substitute Mozzarella With?

Mozzarella can be substituted with other firm, meltable cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack. These cheeses will give a similar gooey interior while offering different flavor profiles. Just ensure the cheese is firm enough to hold its shape when fried!

What's The Best Oil For Frying Mozzarella Sticks?

The best oil for frying mozzarella sticks is a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These oils can handle high heat without burning, ensuring your mozzarella sticks get perfectly crispy without an overpowering flavor.

Can I Make These Sticks in The Oven, Instead?

For sure! Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray them with cooking oil before baking.

How Do I Make Mozzarella Sticks in The Air Fryer?

To make mozzarella sticks in the air fryer, preheat it to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the breaded sticks in a single layer and air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until golden and crispy. For best results, lightly spray them with cooking oil before air frying to achieve a perfect crunch.

HELP! Why Did My Cheese Disappear?

If the cheese disappeared from your mozzarella sticks, it likely melted too much during cooking. This happens when the oil or oven is too hot, causing the cheese to ooze out of the breading. Freezing the sticks before cooking and maintaining the right temperature can help keep the cheese inside.

What Can I Eat With Mozzarella Sticks?

Mozzarella sticks pair well with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli. You can also serve them alongside fresh veggies like carrots and celery for a balanced snack, or pair them with wings, fries, or a light salad to create a fun appetizer platter. The contrast between crunchy mozzarella sticks and creamy dips makes for a perfect combination!

Can I Make Mozzarella Sticks Ahead of Time?

Of course! After breading them, freeze the sticks on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a sealed container. When ready to cook, fry or bake them directly from frozen without thawing. This makes them an easy, prep-ahead snack for any occasion!

More Crispy Snack Recipes You Need to Try

Fried Bread Rolls

Fried Pumpkin Balls

Fried Sandwich Pinwheels

Pan Fried Cheese Skewers

Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Fried Wontons

Fried Onions

How to Store Mozzarella Sticks

To store leftover mozzarella sticks, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness—avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy.

Keep in mind, however, that it's for the best if you eat them while they're still hot and at their cripsiest!

How to Make Mozzarella Sticks

Prepare the mozzarella sticks by refrigerating them.

Mix the flour with the salt and pepper.

Coat each mozzarella stick in it.

Then, mix the egg with the milk, the garlic powder and the dry oregano until they're blended together.

Pass the mozzarella sticks into it until they're covered with it.

Finally, coat them with the breadcrumbs and refrigerate them for about 30 minutes before frying.

Fry in hot oil and let them cook until they're crispy and golden.

Enjoy while they're still hot!