Mozzarella Sticks (Print Version)

Golden and crunchy with a melted cheesy center, perfect for sharing

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese

01 - 14 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½ x 3-inch sticks

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 2 tbsp milk
05 - 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)
06 - ½ tsp garlic powder
07 - ½ tsp dried Italian herbs
08 - ½ tsp salt
09 - ¼ tsp black pepper

→ For Frying

10 - Vegetable oil for deep frying

→ To Serve

11 - Marinara sauce for dipping

# Method:

01 - Set up three shallow bowls: place flour in the first bowl, whisk eggs with milk in the second bowl, and mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in the third bowl.
02 - Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumb mixture. For optimal crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps to double-coat each stick.
03 - Arrange coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 1 hour or until firm to the touch. Freezing prevents cheese from leaking during frying.
04 - Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot and heat to 350°F.
05 - Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain proper oil temperature.
06 - Remove sticks using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • That satisfying crunch when you bite through the coating into molten cheese is pure kitchen magic
  • They come together faster than delivery arrives, and youre in control of every ingredient
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something seriously comforting
02 -
  • Freezing the coated sticks is absolutely non-negotiable, or you will end up with cheese exploding into your oil and a disappointed kitchen
  • Working in small batches keeps the oil temperature stable and prevents soggy, greasy results
  • The internal temperature of your oil will drop when you add cold sticks, so give it time to recover between batches
03 -
  • Use one hand for wet ingredients and one for dry to keep your fingers from becoming completely breaded themselves
  • Aim for oil about 2 inches deep, enough to submerge the sticks without being dangerously full
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