These crispy and gooey cheese sticks are the perfect appetizer or snack to satisfy your savory tooth cravings.
Made with strips of mozzarella cheese coated in a crunchy breadcrumb mixture and fried until golden brown, these cheese sticks will surely be a hit with everyone.
And with the option to bake them in the oven for a healthier version, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize. So, grab your apron and get ready to indulge in some delicious homemade mozzarella cheese sticks!
How to Make Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
Stir the Panko Italian-style bread crumbs in a shallow dish and set aside. Combine the flour, paprika, and black pepper in a shallow dish and set aside. Whisk together the eggs, salt, paprika, and ground black pepper in another shallow dish.
Working with one piece of mozzarella at a time, dredge in the flour mix, dip in the egg mixture (letting excess drip), and coat in the breadcrumb mix.
Repeat by dipping again in the egg mixture and coating once more with breadcrumbs (use one hand for wet, the other for dry). Place coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet.
Freeze for about 2 hours or overnight until solid. Double-coating is essential for keeping the cheese from oozing out when frying.
Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat to 350°F (I highly recommend a deep-fry thermometer). In batches, fry cheese sticks for about 1 minute per side until golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
Serve hot with Homemade Marinara Sauce. Enjoy!
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Recipe
Easy Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups Panko Italian-style breadcrumbs , as needed
- 1 cup all-purpose , sifted
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper , divided
- 1 teaspoon paprika , divided
- 2 (16-ounce) blocks of pasteurized mozzarella cut into 4 by ½-inch sticks
- 4 large eggs , beaten
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups canola oil or vegetable oil
- 4 cups Homemade Marinara Sauce or store-bought
Instructions
- Stir the Panko Italian-style bread crumbs in a shallow dish, and set aside. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, and black pepper, and set aside. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, salt, paprika, and ground black pepper.
- Working with 1 piece of mozzarella at a time, dredge in the flour mix, dip in egg mixture, allowing the excess egg to drip back into the bowl; coat in breadcrumbs mix.
- Repeat this process one more time by dipping in the egg mixture again, followed by dipping in the bread crumbs again (use one hand with the dry mixture and the other with the wet mixture).
- Place the cheese sticks on a baking sheet. Repeat dipping the cheese sticks in the egg and bread crumb mixture to coat a second time. Cover and freeze until frozen, about 2 hours, or up to overnight.
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat 350F ( I highly recommend a deep-frying thermometer). Working in batches, fry the cheese until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Remove the fried cheese to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Transfer to a serving plate and serve with the Homemade Marinara Sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- To store: Leftover cheese sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent them from sticking together, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer of cheese sticks.
- To reheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the cheese sticks on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, but they may not be as crispy.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
