Introduction:
These homemade mozzarella sticks are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, offering a deliciously cheesy snack or appetizer. Whether you choose to fry, bake, or air fry them, they’re sure to be a hit with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
- 1 block of whole milk mozzarella (or 10-12 pieces of string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs, crushed slightly with a rolling pin
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking/air frying)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Directions
- Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks
- If using a block of mozzarella, cut it into sticks about 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. For string cheese, simply cut each piece in half.
- Prepare the Dredging Stations
- In one bowl, place the flour.
- In a second bowl, whisk the eggs.
- In a third bowl, mix the panko, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
- Dredge the Sticks: Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, ensuring it’s fully covered. Shake off any excess.
- Dip in Egg: Dip the floured stick into the egg mixture, coating it completely.
- Coat with Panko: Roll the egg-covered stick in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the crumbs adhere well.
- Freeze
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet or cooling rack and freeze for at least 1 hour. Freezing helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
- Cook the Mozzarella Sticks
- To Fry:
- Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot to 350°F (use a thermometer to monitor the temperature).
- Fry 2-3 mozzarella sticks at a time for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm with marinara sauce.
- To Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and place the frozen mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spray them lightly with cooking spray and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- To Air Fry:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Spray with cooking spray and cook for 6-8 minutes until crispy.
- To Fry:
- Serve
- Enjoy your homemade mozzarella sticks with warm marinara sauce or any dipping sauce you prefer!
Variations
- Spicy Mozzarella Sticks: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the panko mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Variations: Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese with the panko breadcrumbs for an extra cheesy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes or in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
10 FAQs
- Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella for this recipe?
- It’s best to use a block of mozzarella or string cheese for optimal results. Pre-shredded cheese can be too soft and may not hold up well.
- Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?
- Yes, you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for panko to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Do I have to freeze the mozzarella sticks?
- Freezing is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and escaping from the coating during cooking.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, you can use other cheeses like cheddar or gouda, but the melting point and texture may vary.
- How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
- Use a thermometer to check that the oil is at 350°F. You can also drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it browns in about 60 seconds, the oil is ready.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare and freeze the mozzarella sticks ahead of time. Just cook them directly from frozen.
- Can I bake or air fry these without freezing?
- Freezing helps the coating adhere and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly. If you skip freezing, they may be less crispy and more likely to leak cheese.
- What can I serve with mozzarella sticks besides marinara sauce?
- Try serving with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or a spicy aioli.
- Can I use olive oil for frying?
- Yes, you can use olive oil, but it has a lower smoke point. Vegetable or canola oil is preferred for high-temperature frying.
- How can I make these dairy-free?
- Use dairy-free cheese and substitute almond milk or another plant-based milk for the egg wash.
Conclusion
Homemade mozzarella sticks are a delicious treat that’s easy to make and customizable to your taste. Whether you choose to fry, bake, or air fry them, these crispy, gooey sticks are perfect for snacking or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying and indulgent bite.
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Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8–12 mozzarella sticks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these homemade mozzarella sticks are a delightful snack or appetizer. Whether you choose to fry, bake, or air fry them, they offer a deliciously cheesy experience with a flavorful crunch, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 block of whole milk mozzarella (or 10–12 pieces of string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs, crushed slightly with a rolling pin
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking/air frying)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks
- If using a block of mozzarella, cut it into sticks about 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. For string cheese, simply cut each piece in half.
- Prepare the Dredging Stations
- In one bowl, place the flour.
- In a second bowl, whisk the eggs.
- In a third bowl, mix the panko, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
- Dredge the Sticks: Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, ensuring it’s fully covered. Shake off any excess.
- Dip in Egg: Dip the floured stick into the egg mixture, coating it completely.
- Coat with Panko: Roll the egg-covered stick in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the crumbs adhere well.
- Freeze
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet or cooling rack and freeze for at least 1 hour. Freezing helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
- Cook the Mozzarella Sticks
- To Fry:
- Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot to 350°F (use a thermometer to monitor the temperature).
- Fry 2-3 mozzarella sticks at a time for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm with marinara sauce.
- To Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and place the frozen mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spray them lightly with cooking spray and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- To Air Fry:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Spray with cooking spray and cook for 6-8 minutes until crispy.
- To Fry:
- Serve
- Enjoy your homemade mozzarella sticks with warm marinara sauce or any dipping sauce you prefer!
Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks before cooking is essential to prevent the cheese from leaking out.
- Ensure the oil is at the right temperature when frying to achieve a crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Frying, Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mozzarella stick
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg