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Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

A pile of golden-brown, crispy mozzarella sticks served with a side of marinara sauce.

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Learn how to make crispy, gooey mozzarella sticks at home, perfect for an appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound string cheese, cut into 34 inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Marinara sauce, for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the string cheese pieces dry with paper towels.
  2. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and pepper.
  3. In another shallow dish, place the beaten eggs.
  4. In a third shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and oregano.
  5. Dredge each piece of string cheese first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  6. Dip the floured cheese into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
  7. Roll the egg-coated cheese in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  8. Place the breaded cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  9. Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour, or until firm. This helps prevent them from leaking during frying.
  10. In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
  11. Carefully add a few frozen mozzarella sticks to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
  12. Fry for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  13. Remove the fried mozzarella sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain.
  14. Repeat with the remaining mozzarella sticks.
  15. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy coating, you can double-bread the mozzarella sticks: after the first breading, dip them again in egg and then in breadcrumbs.
  • Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature before frying. Too low, and the cheese will leak out; too high, and the breading will burn before the cheese melts.
  • Freezing is a crucial step for success. Don’t skip it!

Nutrition