Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe
Introduction
There’s something instantly comforting about the pull of hot, gooey cheese stretching from a crisp, golden shell — the aroma of frying bread crumbs, the first warm, salty bite, and the creamy, slightly tangy center. These mozzarella cheese sticks deliver that satisfying contrast: a crackly exterior that gives way to molten cheese, brightened by garlic and Italian seasoning. They’re the kind of snack that turns a quiet night in into an occasion and makes game day feel like a celebration. Serve them as an indulgent appetizer, a weekend snack for friends, or as a quick pick-me-up on busy afternoons.
If you love party-ready finger foods, pair them with a hearty pasta or sandwich — for example, try them alongside a saucy baked ziti recipe for a crowd-pleasing combo that balances crispy and comforting flavors: easy baked ziti.
At a Glance
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 45 minutes freezing)
- Cook Time: 6–8 minutes (frying in small batches)
- Total Time: ≈ 1 hour 10 minutes (including freezing)
- Servings: 8 (about 3 cheese sticks per person, based on 24 sticks total)
- Difficulty Level: Easy–Intermediate (requires frying technique; baking alternative possible)
Nutrition Highlights
Estimated nutrition per serving (about 3 cheese sticks). These are approximate values based on ingredient amounts and standard nutrient databases such as USDA FoodData Central; use a nutrition calculator for precise personal tracking.
- Calories: ~360 kcal
- Protein: ~19 g
- Carbohydrates: ~19 g
- Fat: ~24 g
- Saturated Fat: ~10 g
- Fiber: ~1–2 g
- Sodium: ~420 mg
Notes on accuracy: values are estimates calculated from USDA FoodData Central entries for low-moisture part-skim mozzarella, all-purpose flour, eggs, seasoned breadcrumbs, and typical oil absorption for frying. Actual numbers will vary with specific brands, the exact amount of oil absorbed, and final serving sizes. For clinically accurate guidance, consult resources such as the USDA FoodData Central or a registered dietitian.
Perfect For…
- Game day and parties: Handheld, shareable, and crowd-pleasing.
- Cozy nights in: Pairs perfectly with movie snacks or a casual pasta.
- Quick entertaining: Make ahead (to the freezing step) and fry just before guests arrive.
- Comfort-food cravings: The crispy-oozy texture satisfies savory cravings and nostalgia for classic fried snacks.
Preparation Guide
Ingredients
- 16 oz low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese block
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- Cooking spray for baking or 2 cups oil for frying
Optional ingredients and substitutions
- Gluten-free: use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Vegan: use vegan mozzarella sticks or firm vegan cheese and a flax "egg" (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) with vegan breadcrumbs.
- Extra flavor: add 1 tsp dried oregano or 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs.
- Lower-fat bake option: spray with cooking spray and bake at 425°F (220°C) until crisp, about 10–12 minutes, flipping once.
Step-by-step Instructions
- Prepare three bowls: In Bowl 1, stir together the 2/3 cup all-purpose flour and 1 tsp garlic salt. In Bowl 2, beat the 3 large eggs thoroughly with a fork. In Bowl 3, place the 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs.
- Cut the mozzarella block into 20–24 cheese sticks, each just under 1/2” thick and about 3” long.
- Dredge one cheese stick in the flour, tapping off excess.
- Dip the floured stick into the beaten egg until coated, letting excess drip back into the bowl.
- Dip the stick back into the flour a second time, then again into the egg (this double-dip helps the crumbs adhere).
- Roll the cheese stick in the bread crumbs, turning until all sides are well-coated. Transfer to a platter. Repeat for all sticks.
- Once plated, cover the platter tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for 45 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent cheese from melting out immediately during frying.
- When ready to cook, heat oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer. Test readiness by dropping a pinch of crumbs into the oil — they should sizzle and bubble.
- Fry cheese sticks in small batches (about 4 at a time) for 60–90 seconds, turning halfway through. Remove as soon as the exterior is golden brown and crisp and you see just a hint of cheese oozing.
- Make sure oil reheats to 350°F between batches to ensure even cooking.
- Transfer fried cheese sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and serve hot.
Practical tips
- Freeze time is non-negotiable if frying; it keeps the cheese from leaking.
- Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F; too hot will brown them before the center warms, too cool will increase oil absorption.
- Work quickly when dredging to avoid the cheese warming and sticking.
- If baking, brush or spray generously with oil and watch closely at high temperature for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.
Serve It Up
- Classic duo: Serve with warm marinara or your favorite pizza sauce for dipping.
- Elevated platter: Add honey mustard, ranch, or spicy arrabbiata for variety; sprinkle chopped parsley and grated Parmesan on top for a restaurant touch.
- Party tray: Offer alongside crunchy vegetables, olives, and mini sandwiches for a varied appetizer spread — pair with a hearty sandwich like a Philly cheesesteak for a satisfying mix of textures and flavors: ground beef Philly cheesesteaks.
- Casual snack: Serve plain or with a pat of herb butter for a quick afternoon bite.
- Beverage pairings: Beer, a fruity red wine, or a sparkling soda complement the salty, gooey nature.
Keeping it Fresh
- Room temperature: Not recommended — fried mozzarella sticks are perishable and should not be left at room temp for more than 2 hours.
- Refrigeration: Store cooled, leftover cheese sticks in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 6–8 minutes to regain crispness.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked, breaded sticks (after the 45-minute freeze step) on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Fry from frozen — add about 15–30 seconds to the cooking time. For cooked leftovers, freeze for up to 1 month and reheat in an oven for best texture.
Insider Secrets
- Double-dipping the cheese in flour and egg builds a thicker coating that helps breadcrumbs stay intact during frying.
- Pre-freezing on a single layer before bagging prevents sticks from sticking together.
- Use low-moisture part-skim mozzarella — it melts well but is less prone to becoming oily and prevents excessive leakage.
- When frying, don’t overcrowd the pan; overcrowding drops oil temperature and yields soggy exteriors.
- Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the flour for extra crispness in the crust.
Switch It Up!
- Spicy Buffalo Mozzarella Sticks: Add 1 tsp cayenne to the bread crumbs and serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing.
- Herb & Lemon Zest: Mix lemon zest and chopped fresh basil into the breadcrumbs for a bright, Mediterranean twist.
- Gluten-Free Crunch: Use almond flour for dredging and gluten-free panko for a nutty, crispy exterior.
- Baked Light Version: After breading, spray each stick generously with cooking spray and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Recipe Q&A
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes — breaded sticks can be frozen after the 45-minute freeze and stored up to 2 months; fry from frozen when ready.
Q: Why did my coating fall off while frying?
A: Likely causes are insufficient drying time in the freezer, oil temperature too low, or overcrowding the pan. Ensure 350°F and single-layer frying.
Q: How can I reduce oil absorption?
A: Maintain correct oil temperature (350°F), fry in small batches, and drain well on paper towels. Baking is a lower-fat alternative.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Low-moisture part-skim mozzarella is ideal for meltiness without excessive oiliness. Avoid fresh mozzarella (too wet) for this method.
Q: Are these suitable for kids?
A: Yes — they’re a kid-friendly finger food. Reduce spice levels, and monitor serving sizes.
Conclusion
These mozzarella cheese sticks marry simple techniques with deeply satisfying results: a crispy, golden shell and a warm, stretchy center that brings people together. Give them a try for your next gathering, freeze some for quick snacks, and experiment with the variations for new favorites. For additional step-by-step inspiration and alternative methods from other home cooks, check out this well-loved take on the recipe at Homemade Mozzarella Sticks – Sugar Spun Run and another detailed approach at Homemade Mozzarella Sticks (Breaded Cheese) – Fifteen Spatulas.
If you make these, I’d love to hear how they turned out — leave a comment, share a photo, and join the conversation with other home cooks.
Print
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and gooey mozzarella cheese sticks, perfect for game day, parties, or cozy nights in. Serve with marinara for a delicious snack.
Ingredients
- 16 oz low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese block
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- Cooking spray for baking or 2 cups oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare three bowls: In Bowl 1, combine flour and garlic salt. In Bowl 2, beat the eggs. In Bowl 3, place the bread crumbs.
- Cut mozzarella into 20–24 sticks, about 1/2” thick and 3” long.
- Dredge a cheese stick in the flour, then dip in the egg, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge in flour again, then dip back into the egg, followed by rolling in the bread crumbs until well-coated.
- Place the breaded sticks on a platter, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze for 45 minutes.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry cheese sticks in small batches until golden brown (about 60–90 seconds), turning halfway through.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and serve hot.
Notes
Double-dipping in flour and egg creates a thicker coating. Freeze before frying to prevent cheese leakage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 cheese sticks
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
