Learn how to make homemade mozzarella sticks at home with this easy-to-follow recipe! These mozzarella sticks are a great make-ahead snack or appetizer that can be frozen and fried whenever you have a craving.
I’ll admit, making homemade mozzarella sticks always seemed like too much of a fuss, especially when you can get yourself to a restaurant to indulge. However, when I realized I was paying $9 for just six fried cheese sticks, I knew it was time to try making them myself. Also, leaving the house is hard, even if mozzarella sticks are the prize.
So, stay in your comfy clothes because you don’t have to go anywhere to get your fix. Hot and crispy cheese sticks at home are just a few steps away.
When I tested and tweaked this mozzarella sticks recipe, I learned a few things: the best way to slice the cheese, the best way to bread the cheese, and the best way to fry the mozzarella sticks, so you get crispy breading with melty cheese inside.
Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Deep fry cheese sticks, a few at a time, until the coating is golden brown and crisp and the cheese is soft, 5 to 8 minutes. Let sticks drain on paper towels; cool slightly and serve warm.
Can you air-fry mozzarella sticks?
I have tested this recipe in the air fryer, and I didn’t love the results. If there is even the littlest amount of cheese exposed (not completely coated in breadcrumbs), it will leak out and get all over the air fryer basket.
The only way to prevent this is to coat the cheese in even more egg and breadcrumbs – at least three coats. If you want to try air fryer mozzarella sticks, I recommend lightly coating them with cooking spray and air frying them at 400°F for about 10 minutes or so. Be sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mozzarella Sticks
The Best Cheese: For the perfect mozzarella sticks, with the right ratio of cheese to breading, cut a 16-ounce block of low-moisture mozzarella cheese into 1/2″ thick sticks. This will yield 33 sticks that are ideal for frying.
I slice the block of cheese into 11 slices and then cut each slice into three sticks.
Breading the Cheese Sticks: Set up a breading station with whisked eggs in one bowl and a mix of Italian-style bread crumbs, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese in another shallow dish. Bread the cheese sticks twice to ensure a thick enough coating to prevent cheese leakage during frying. Use one hand for the egg wash and the other for the breadcrumb mixture to minimize clumping.
Freezing Before Frying: Place the breaded mozzarella cheese sticks on a baking sheet and freeze them for 15-20 minutes. This will help the breading adhere to the cheese, reducing the risk of it falling off during frying.
Tips for Frying Mozzarella Sticks: Use a thermometer to maintain an oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F when frying your mozzarella sticks. Make sure to fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding, and remember that the oil’s temperature will drop as you add more sticks. If the temperature drops, wait until it increases before adding more sticks.
Cooking Time: Mozzarella sticks only need 30 seconds to 1 minute to cook to a delicious golden brown. Once fried, transfer them to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb excess oil. If you freeze the sticks for later, you may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the frying time. If they are frozen solid, they will take longer.
Dipping Sauce Ideas: Serve your homemade mozzarella sticks with your favorite sauces, like marinara sauce, pizza sauce, Alfredo sauce, ranch dressing, or even salsa, for a unique twist.
Don’t skip the second coating of breadcrumbs. The double breading ensures that the cheese won’t leak out while the sticks are frying. It also makes a super crispy coating!
For the best results, you will need a deep-fry thermometer. It takes away all of the guesswork! Maintaining the oil temperature between 350°F and 375° will get you golden crispy breading and ooey-gooey melted cheese.
The amount of oil you need will depend on the size of the pan you use. I like to fry small batches of cheese sticks in a 3-quart pan. 24 ounces of oil is enough to fully submerge the sticks in this size pan. If you use a larger pot or pan, you will need more oil.
If you freeze the mozzarella sticks for later, store them in a freezer container or freezer bag. They will keep well for several months. You don’t need to thaw them before frying – just add one to three minutes more of cooking time.
MOZZARELLA STICKS 2 WAYS
FAQ
How do you know when mozzarella sticks are done?
How long to deep fry mozzarella sticks at 375?
How long do mozzarella sticks go in the air fryer?
How long do you fry mozzarella sticks?
Add homemade mozzarella sticks in the oil and fry until golden-brown, about 2-3 minutes. Carefully flip the sticks with tongs and repeat on the other side. Once the cheese stick is fried carefully remove from the oil and place on a paper towel lined plate. Repeat this until all the mozzarella sticks are fried.
How do you cook frozen mozzarella sticks?
Once frozen, heat vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat until the oil has reached 350 degrees F or is shimmering. Add homemade mozzarella sticks in the oil and fry until golden-brown, about 2-3 minutes. Carefully flip the sticks with tongs and repeat on the other side.
How do you cook mozzarella sticks in a deep fryer?
While the mozzarella sticks chill, fill a deep fryer to its fill line with canola or vegetable oil and preheat to 350°F. Once the oil has come to frying temperature, carefully lower 2 to 3 mozzarella sticks into the oil. Take care to not overcrowd your fryer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
How much oil do you need to deep fry mozzarella sticks?
Add enough oil to the pan so that the mozzarella sticks will be fully covered as they fry (about 24 ounces of oil). You can fry two to three sticks at a time with this set-up. If you want to fry more at a time you will need to use a bigger pan and more oil. The ideal temperature to deep fry is between 350°F to 375°F.