This recipe for mozzarella sticks is a delightful treat that brings the taste of your favorite restaurant right to your kitchen. They’re perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, making them an ideal appetizer for any gathering. Whether it’s game day, a movie night, or just a cozy evening at home, these mozzarella sticks will impress your friends and family. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy Preparation: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cheese sticks in no time.
Perfect for Sharing: Great as appetizers for parties or gatherings, they encourage sharing and are sure to be a hit.
Customizable Flavor: You can easily adjust the seasonings in the breadcrumbs to match your taste preferences.
Golden Brown Crispiness: The double coating ensures that each stick comes out beautifully crispy while keeping the cheese perfectly melted inside.
Serves a Crowd: This recipe yields 16 mozzarella sticks, making it perfect for feeding a group.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your mozzarella sticks, gather all necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Deep pot
Mixing bowls
Whisk or fork
Sheet pan
Parchment paper
Slotted spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Deep pot: Essential for frying; it allows for even cooking and prevents oil splatter.
Mixing bowls: Multiple bowls help keep ingredients organized while preparing the coatings.
Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing mozzarella sticks from hot oil without excess grease.

Ingredients

This recipe for mozzarella sticks requires simple ingredients that you likely have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Mozzarella Sticks

16 string cheese (cut in half crosswise)
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups Italian style breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs
2 teaspoons milk
Oil for frying
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 cup marinara sauce

How to Make Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Prepare Your Coatings

Place the flour in a small bowl.
In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with salt and pepper.
In a third bowl, beat together the eggs and milk until well mixed.

Step 2: Coat the Cheese Sticks

Dip each piece of cheese into the flour first.
Next, coat it in the egg mixture.
Roll it in the breadcrumb mixture.
Repeat dipping in egg and coating with breadcrumbs again.
Arrange each finished cheese stick on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Freeze Before Frying

Freeze the coated cheese sticks for at least 2 hours or until solid.

Step 4: Heat Oil for Frying

Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees F.

Step 5: Fry Mozzarella Sticks

Carefully place a few cheese sticks into the hot oil at a time.
Cook them for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Remove the fried mozzarella sticks with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving alongside marinara sauce.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade mozzarella sticks! They make a fantastic snack or appetizer that everyone will love!

How to Serve Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a delightful appetizer that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your mozzarella stick experience.

With Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce is a classic partner for mozzarella sticks. Its rich flavor complements the cheesy goodness perfectly.

With Garlic Aioli

A creamy garlic aioli adds an upscale twist. This savory dip enhances the flavors of the mozzarella sticks.

On a Charcuterie Board

Arrange mozzarella sticks alongside cured meats and olives. This makes for a beautiful and delicious presentation.

With Spicy Ranch Dip

For those who love some heat, spicy ranch dip brings an extra kick. It’s the perfect balance to the cheesy texture.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

Garnishing mozzarella sticks with chopped parsley or basil adds freshness. It enhances both the taste and appearance of your dish.

How to Perfect Mozzarella Sticks

To ensure your mozzarella sticks come out perfectly every time, follow these tips for crispy and delicious results.

Use Quality Cheese: Opt for high-quality string cheese. The better the cheese, the better the taste and texture.
Double Coat: For extra crunch, double coat each stick with breadcrumbs. This creates a thicker barrier that keeps the cheese inside.
Freeze Before Frying: Freezing the coated sticks for at least two hours prevents them from melting too quickly when frying.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep oil at 350 degrees F while frying. Too hot will burn them, while too cool will leave them greasy.
Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pot. Frying in small batches ensures even cooking and crispy results.

Best Side Dishes for Mozzarella Sticks

Pairing side dishes with mozzarella sticks can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements mozzarella sticks beautifully, making it a perfect snack combo.
Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese flavor.
Buffalo Wings: Spicy buffalo wings add excitement to your appetizer platter, balancing out the cheesiness of mozzarella sticks.
Veggie Platter: Crunchy carrots and celery provide a healthy option that pairs well with dips like ranch or blue cheese.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges serve as a hearty side that works wonderfully with marinara sauce.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, complementing the rich flavors of fried cheese nicely.
Pickles: Tangy pickles provide a sharp contrast that brightens up each bite of cheesy goodness.
Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings create an indulgent pairing that makes for a satisfying snack staple.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making mozzarella sticks, it’s easy to encounter a few pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Skipping the freezing step: Not freezing the cheese sticks can lead to melted cheese oozing out during frying. Make sure to freeze them for at least 2 hours before cooking.
Overcrowding the frying pan: Adding too many sticks at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy mozzarella sticks. Fry in small batches for crispy results.
Not seasoning the breadcrumbs: Failing to add salt and pepper to the breadcrumbs may result in bland flavor. Always season your breadcrumbs for a tasty bite.
Using low-quality cheese: Cheap string cheese may not melt properly or have great flavor. Opt for good quality mozzarella for the best outcome.
Inconsistent coating: Inadequate coating can cause the cheese to leak out while frying. Ensure each stick gets a thorough dip in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container.
They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mozzarella Sticks

Place mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container; they will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mozzarella Sticks

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on high for about 30 seconds, but expect them to be less crispy.
Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, reheat mozzarella sticks for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make mozzarella sticks crispy?

To achieve crispy mozzarella sticks, ensure they are well-coated and fried at the right temperature (350°F). Freezing them before frying also helps maintain their structure.

Can I use different cheeses for mozzarella sticks?

Yes! While traditional mozzarella works best, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for unique flavors.

What dipping sauces pair well with mozzarella sticks?

Marinara sauce is classic, but ranch dressing or spicy aioli also make great accompaniments!

How long do homemade mozzarella sticks last in the fridge?

Homemade mozzarella sticks will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days if stored properly.

Are frozen mozzarella sticks as good as fresh?

While fresh mozzarella sticks offer superior taste and texture, frozen ones can be quite convenient and still delicious when prepared correctly.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for mozzarella sticks is easy and fun, perfect as an appetizer or snack. You can customize it by adding spices or trying different cheeses. Enjoy making these cheesy treats that everyone will love!

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Mozzarella Sticks

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 21 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible delight of homemade mozzarella sticks, a perfect blend of crispy coating and gooey cheese. These golden-brown appetizers are not only quick and easy to make but also versatile enough for any occasion—be it game day, movie night, or a cozy gathering with friends. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create these cheesy bites that will impress everyone at your table. Serve with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable snack experience.

Instructions

Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with seasoned breadcrumbs, and the last with beaten eggs and milk.
Coat each cheese stick first in flour, then egg mixture, followed by breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crispiness.
Freeze the coated sticks for at least 2 hours until solid.
Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the cheese sticks in small batches for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels and garnish with parsley before serving with marinara sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Italian