Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe

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Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, mozzarella cheese sticks are the ultimate comfort snack. These golden, crunchy appetizers are perfect for game nights, parties, or just a casual snack. While they’re easy to grab frozen from the store, making them at home adds a layer of freshness and a chance to customize the recipe. This guide will take you step-by-step through creating the most irresistible mozzarella cheese sticks.

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Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sticks

1. Cut the Cheese:
   • If using string cheese, cut each stick in half to create smaller, bite-sized pieces.
   • Place the sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 1–2 hours. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

1. Prepare the Flour:
   • In a shallow bowl, place the all-purpose flour. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Beat the Eggs:
   • In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. You can add a splash of milk or water for a thinner consistency.
3. Mix the Breadcrumbs:
   • In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix well for even seasoning.

Step 3: Bread the Cheese Sticks

1. Coat in Flour:
   • Take each frozen cheese stick and roll it in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess.
2. Dip in Egg Wash:
   • Next, dip the floured cheese stick into the beaten eggs, coating all sides.
3. Coat with Breadcrumbs:
   • Roll the egg-coated cheese stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
4. Repeat for a Double Coating:
   • For extra crispiness, repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb steps. This double coating helps prevent the cheese from leaking during frying.
5. Freeze Again:
   • Place the breaded cheese sticks back onto the tray and freeze for another hour. This ensures they stay intact during frying.

Step 4: Fry the Cheese Sticks

1. Heat the Oil:
   • In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent temperature.
2. Fry in Batches:
   • Carefully drop a few cheese sticks into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Drain Excess Oil:
   • Remove the fried cheese sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the mozzarella sticks hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
• Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
• Pair with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy chili sauce for variety.

Tips for Success

1. Keep the Cheese Cold:
   Freezing the cheese sticks before frying is essential. It prevents the cheese from melting and leaking out during the cooking process.
2. Double Coat for Crunch:
   A double layer of breadcrumbs ensures a crispy exterior and helps seal the cheese inside.
3. Monitor Oil Temperature:
   Maintain a consistent frying temperature. Too hot, and the coating will burn before the cheese melts. Too cool, and the sticks may absorb too much oil.
4. Test Fry:
   Fry one stick first to ensure the oil temperature and cooking time are perfect before frying the rest.

Variations

1. Spicy Mozzarella Sticks:
   Add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
2. Gluten-Free Option:
   Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.
3. Baked Version:
   Place the breaded sticks on a greased baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Air Fryer Version:
   Arrange the sticks in a single layer in an air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes.

Conclusion

Mozzarella cheese sticks are a classic appetizer that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With their crispy coating and melty cheese center, they’re sure to become a favorite at your table. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, these homemade mozzarella sticks offer unbeatable flavor and texture. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the ultimate snack experience!

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Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
5 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian-style)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese Sticks:
   Cut mozzarella sticks in half (if desired) to make smaller pieces.
   Place flour in a shallow bowl.
   In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
   In a third shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the Cheese Sticks:
   Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess.
   Dip into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
   Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a thicker coating.
3. Freeze the Cheese Sticks:
   Arrange coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   Freeze for at least 1 hour to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
4. Fry the Cheese Sticks:
   Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
   Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
   Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5. Serve:
   Serve hot with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dip.

Notes

• Air Fryer Option: Spray the frozen cheese sticks with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Baking Option: Arrange on a greased baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping once.
• Custom Coating: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.

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