If you have a soft spot for golden, crunchy, cheesy delights, then this Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Perfectly crispy on the outside with that satisfying gooey mozzarella pull on the inside, these cheese sticks bring a little bit of magic to any snack time or party spread. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic appetizer or a fun treat to share, these homemade sticks hit every note with their rich flavor, delightful texture, and simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Trust me, once you try making them yourself, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been whipping up Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe all along!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of crispy coating and melty cheese center. Grab these pantry staples and get ready for some seriously satisfying bites.
- 16 oz low moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese block: The foundation of your cheese sticks, providing creamy, melt-ready goodness without too much moisture that could cause sogginess.
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a light base coating that the egg adheres to, ensuring the breading sticks well.
- 1 tsp garlic salt: Adds a subtle punch of flavor to the flour for an extra savory edge.
- 3 large eggs: Binds the coatings together, giving the bread crumbs something to cling to for maximum crunch.
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs: Infused with herbs and spices, these give your cheese sticks that golden, crispy shell packed with flavor.
- Cooking spray or 2 cups oil for frying: Essential for frying your cheese sticks to crispy perfection or for lighter baking, depending on your preference.
How to Make Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepping Your Dredging Stations
Start by setting up three separate bowls to make the coating process efficient and tidy. In the first bowl, mix the flour and garlic salt — this adds a subtle seasoning and helps the egg wash cling. In the second bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly with a fork until combined; these eggs act like the glue between your flour and breadcrumbs. Finally, in the third bowl, pour the Italian seasoned bread crumbs, the star that will give your cheese sticks their irresistible crunch.
Step 2: Cutting the Mozzarella
Take your block of mozzarella cheese and carefully slice it into 20 to 24 sticks—aim for just under half an inch thick and about three inches long. Uniform size ensures even cooking and that perfect gooey center in every bite.
Step 3: Double Dredging for Extra Crunch
Dredge each cheese stick first in the flour mixture, gently tapping off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the extra drip back into the bowl, and dip it again in flour followed by the egg. This double-dredging technique builds layers that help the bread crumbs stick tightly and create a superior crispy crust.
Step 4: Coating with Bread Crumbs and Freezing
Next, roll the double-coated cheese stick in the Italian seasoned bread crumbs, turning it until every side is fully coated. This herb-infused breadcrumb crust is what makes these sticks irresistible. Place each one on a platter, cover, and freeze for 45 minutes. Freezing is a crucial step to prevent melted cheese from oozing out during frying.
Step 5: Heating the Oil
Heat your oil over medium heat, monitoring the temperature with a thermometer until it reaches 350°F. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a pinch of bread crumbs in — they should sizzle and bubble instantly. This temperature ensures a crunchy exterior without soaking up too much oil.
Step 6: Frying to Golden Perfection
Carefully fry your cheese sticks in small batches (about four at a time) for 60 to 90 seconds, turning halfway through. Keep an eye out for that golden brown color and a little sign of melted cheese peeking out—a sure sign they’re perfect. Remove and drain on paper towels to soak up excess oil, then repeat until all your cheese sticks are fried crisp and delicious.
How to Serve Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of grated Parmesan over your hot cheese sticks for a fresh, flavorful flourish. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes can add a fun spicy kick if you love a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
Nothing complements these cheesy sticks like a side of classic marinara sauce for dipping—its rich tomato tang provides an amazing contrast to the crunchy, savory cheese. You might also enjoy them alongside a crisp garden salad or some zesty garlic bread for a full snack or appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a casual vibe. Or, arrange them on a colorful platter surrounded by an array of dipping sauces—ranch, spicy mayo, or pesto—for a crowd-pleasing sharing platter that’s sure to spark conversations and cravings alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place your cheese sticks in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture and keep the crust crisp. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; beyond that, the texture and flavor may start to diminish.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked, breaded cheese sticks before frying by placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick batch whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness of your leftover or pre-cooked mozzarella sticks, reheat them in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crunchy. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy and less satisfying.
FAQs
Can I bake the cheese sticks instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter alternative, you can bake the cheese sticks on a greased baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. While they won’t be quite as crispy as frying, they’re still deliciously satisfying.
What type of mozzarella is best for this recipe?
Low moisture part-skim mozzarella is ideal because it melts beautifully without releasing too much liquid, which helps keep the breading crisp and helps prevent the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
Why do I need to freeze the cheese sticks before frying?
Freezing solidifies the cheese sticks so that when fried, the cheese melts slowly inside without leaking out and ruining the crispy coating. This step ensures you get that perfect melty center wrapped in a crunchy shell.
Can I make these cheese sticks gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour and Italian bread crumbs with gluten-free versions and you’re good to go. Just make sure your bread crumbs have seasonings or add herbs and spices yourself for that classic flavor profile.
How can I make the cheese sticks extra crispy?
Double coating the cheese sticks as outlined in the recipe and frying at the right temperature (350°F) is key. Also, frying in small batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping, which helps maintain that perfect crunch.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe enough! It’s such a fun, rewarding way to bring a beloved snack right into your own kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether you’re sharing with friends, feeding the family, or sneaking a few for yourself, these crispy, cheesy delights are guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy those cheese-lover cravings every single time. So go on, get your apron on and treat yourself to some homemade cheesy bliss—you won’t regret it!
Print
Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cheese sticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Crispy, golden mozzarella cheese sticks coated in seasoned bread crumbs and fried to perfection. These cheesy appetizers are perfect for parties or a delicious snack, featuring a crunchy exterior and gooey, melted mozzarella center.
Ingredients
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
- 16 oz low moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese block
Coating Mixture
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
For Frying
- 2 cups oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry and Wet Mixtures: In the first bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and garlic salt thoroughly. In the second bowl, beat the eggs with a fork until mixed well. In the third bowl, pour in the Italian seasoned bread crumbs.
- Cut Cheese Sticks: Slice the 16 oz mozzarella block into 20-24 sticks, each just under 1/2 inch thick and about 3 inches long to ensure even cooking and ease of handling.
- First Coating: Dredge each cheese stick in the flour mixture, then tap off excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, coating completely, and let excess egg drip back into the bowl. Repeat the flour and egg coating once more to create a sturdy layer.
- Bread Crumb Coating and Freeze: Roll the double-coated cheese sticks in the bread crumbs, turning them until evenly coated on all sides. Arrange them on a platter, cover loosely, and freeze for 45 minutes to firm up the coating. This step prevents cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
- Heat Oil: Pour oil into a deep pan or skillet and heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F as measured by a thermometer. You can test readiness by dropping a pinch of bread crumbs into the oil—they should sizzle and bubble immediately.
- Fry the Cheese Sticks: Fry the cheese sticks in small batches of 4, cooking each side for 60-90 seconds, turning halfway until the coating turns golden brown and crisp. Remove immediately once you notice any cheese starting to ooze out. Make sure the oil reheats to 350°F between batches to maintain proper frying temperature.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with your choice of marinara sauce or dip of preference.
Notes
- Freezing after breading is crucial to prevent melting and leaking cheese during frying.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even, crisp frying without greasy results.
- Use low moisture mozzarella for a better melt and less water content.
- For a lighter version, baking with cooking spray can be attempted but will result in less crispiness.
