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.
Yes, freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying them is essential. If they aren’t completely frozen, the cheese will ooze out of the flour and panko coating before it’s gotten the chance to crisp up.
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.
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.
Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks | Easy Cheese Sticks
FAQ
Can you pan fry frozen cheese sticks?
How do you preserve cheese sticks?
How long can frozen cheese sticks sit out?
Can you freeze fried cheese sticks?
You can make Fried Cheese Sticks ahead of time. Simply coat them as usual and then either store them in the fridge overnight before frying or freeze them to fry later for up to 1 month. If you want to freeze them, place them on a parchment lined baking sheet after you bread them and freeze for 2 hours.
Can you freeze mozzarella cheese sticks?
Place the coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least one hour. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook half of the cheese sticks in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes, use tongs to turning occasionally until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove the homemade mozzarella cheese sticks using a slotted spoon.
How do you freeze mozzarella cheese?
Cut a block of mozzarella cheese into sticks. Bread the cheese sticks with egg and Italian bread crumbs. Freeze for 2 hours. Fry. Let’s break it down! Slice a block of whole milk mozzarella down through the center: Then cut those halves into sticks a few inches tall and about 1/2″ thick:
How long does it take to cook fried cheese sticks?
It takes about one minute per batch to cook in the fryer! If you’re preparing these fried cheese sticks in advance, you can freeze them for a few hours before frying.