Easy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Servings: 12 servings
Cost: $15
Mozzarella cheese (string cheese sticks or a round cut into sticks) is coated twice and deep fried to golden perfection with an inside that is warm, gooey and delicious.
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Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- 3 bowls or shallow dishes
- Pot or deep fryer
- Tongs or skimmer
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks or 16 oz. mozzarella cheese cut into sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 egg
- 3 Tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
Breadcrumb Mix
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs panko or regular
- 1 Tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Crushed red pepper optional
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In three separate bowls or shallow dishes, prepare the following assembly line:
- Dish #1: Combine flour, salt, and pepper and whisk to combine.
- Dish #2: Combine eggs and milk and whisk to combine.
- Dish #3: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder & onion powder, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Whisk to combine.
To dredge
- Coat each piece of string cheese in flour mixture, shake off any excess. Dip in the egg mixture, then coat in breadcrumb mixture and gently press into the cheese to ensure it sticks. Repeat this process again for each stick, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze for at least 1 hour.
- Fill a large pot with 2-3" of oil or a deep fryer to the recommended oil level. Heat oil to 350º F. Carefully drop 4-5 of the frozen mozzarella sticks into the hot oil, turning occasionally. Cook until they are cripsy and golden brown, about 90-120 seconds.
- Line a plate or cooling rack with paper towels. After excess oil has drained, serve with your favorite dipping sauce (try the small-batch marinara sauce recipe included above).
Notes
- Italian seasoning mix: If you don't have the individual dried seasonings, using about 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning works just fine!
- Because mozzarella sticks are best eaten hot and fresh, it's best to only make as many as you're going to eat right then. They can be prepared and frozen for up to 3 days then fried (or baked) when you're ready to eat.