Irresistible Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Secret Recipe

Introduction

These irresistible crispy homemade mozzarella sticks are a perfect snack or appetizer that everyone will love. With a crunchy coating and gooey cheese inside, they are best served fresh with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 12 ounces low moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into pieces 3-inch x ¾ inch (or 12 oz string cheese cut in half)
• Homemade marinara, for dipping
• 1 quart vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Step 2: Beat the eggs in a separate bowl until smooth.
3. Step 3: In a third bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning.
4. Step 4: Coat each mozzarella stick first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll in the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.
5. Step 5: Place the coated sticks on a tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to help the coating adhere during frying.
6. Step 6: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
7. Step 7: Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches, turning after about 30 seconds per side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
8. Step 8: Remove the fried sticks and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve immediately with homemade marinara sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Freezing the coated sticks before frying is key to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
• For extra crunch, double dip the sticks by repeating the egg and Panko coating before freezing.
• Try adding cayenne pepper to the Panko mixture for a spicy kick.
• If you prefer baking, bake the sticks at 425°F (220°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage

Store any leftover fried mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to help maintain their crispiness. For best results, make and serve fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of sticks?

Shredded mozzarella won’t work well because it melts too quickly and won’t hold its shape. Sticks or solid cheese pieces are best for frying.

Why do I need to freeze the mozzarella sticks before frying?

Freezing the coated sticks firms up the cheese and helps the breading stay intact during frying, preventing the cheese from leaking out.

Irresistible Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Secret Recipe

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4.7 from 54 reviews

Crispy homemade mozzarella sticks with a flavorful seasoned coating, perfect for a delicious snack or appetizer. These mozzarella sticks are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and fried to golden perfection for an irresistibly crunchy exterior and gooey cheesy center. Serve hot with homemade marinara sauce for dipping.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Wet Ingredients

• 2 eggs

Coating

• 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Main Ingredient

• 12 ounces low moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 3-inch x ¾ inch sticks (or 12 oz string cheese cut in half)

Other

• 1 quart vegetable oil (for frying)
• Homemade marinara sauce, for dipping

Instructions

1. Prepare Dry Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
2. Beat Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until the yolk and whites are fully combined and smooth.
3. Prepare Coating Mixture: In a third shallow bowl, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning to infuse the coating with herbaceous flavor.
4. Coat Mozzarella Sticks: One at a time, coat each mozzarella stick first by dredging it in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it thoroughly in the Panko and Italian seasoning mixture to ensure a full, even coating.
5. Freeze Coated Sticks: Place the coated mozzarella sticks onto a tray and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial to help the coating adhere during frying and prevent the cheese from melting out too quickly.
6. Heat Oil: In a deep fryer or a large heavy pot, heat the vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to ensure precise temperature for perfect frying.
7. Fry Mozzarella Sticks: Fry the cheese sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for about 30 seconds or until golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with homemade marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Freezing the coated sticks before frying prevents the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
• Maintain oil temperature at 375°F to achieve crispy exterior without oil absorption.
• Use low moisture mozzarella for best results to minimize cheese melting out.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture and melty cheese.
• For a healthier option, consider baking the sticks at 425°F for 8-10 minutes until crisp, flipping halfway through, though frying yields the crispiest result.

Keywords: Mozzarella sticks, crispy cheese sticks, homemade appetizer, fried cheese snack, Italian dipping appetizer