Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

Homemade mozzarella sticks are a delicious, gooey snack that’s perfect for any occasion. With a crispy breadcrumb coating and melty mozzarella cheese inside, they make for an irresistible appetizer or party treat. Whether served with marinara sauce or ranch for dipping, these homemade mozzarella sticks are sure to be a crowd favorite. Best of all, they’re easy to make and can be fried or baked, depending on your preference.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Crispy and cheesy: The perfect combination of crunchy exterior and gooey, melty cheese inside.
• Made from scratch: Fresh and flavorful, with no need for store-bought frozen mozzarella sticks.
• Versatile: You can customize the coating or dipping sauce to your liking.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a game night, party, or just a snack, these mozzarella sticks hit the spot.

Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

• Mozzarella cheese sticks: The star ingredient! Use thick, stringy mozzarella sticks for the best texture.
• Flour: For dredging the cheese before coating it in the breading.
• Eggs: Beaten, to help the breadcrumb coating stick.
• Panko breadcrumbs: For a light, crispy coating.
• Italian seasoning: Adds flavor to the breadcrumbs.
• Garlic powder: A savory seasoning to enhance the flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated for added richness and flavor in the breading.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning to taste.

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil: For frying the mozzarella sticks until golden brown and crispy.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Start by cutting the mozzarella cheese sticks in half (if they’re too long) or keeping them as is, depending on your preferred size.
2. Set up a dredging station: in one shallow dish, place the flour. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Coat the Cheese Sticks

1. Take each mozzarella stick and first coat it in the flour, making sure it’s fully covered.
2. Dip the floured cheese stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s coated well.
3. Finally, roll the cheese stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even, thick coating.
4. Repeat this process with all the cheese sticks. For an extra crispy coating, dip the sticks back into the egg and breadcrumbs for a second layer.

Step 3: Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Once all the mozzarella sticks are coated, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for at least 1 hour to ensure the cheese doesn’t melt too quickly when frying.

Step 4: Fry the Mozzarella Sticks

1. In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the sticks to break apart.
3. Use a slotted spoon to remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the homemade mozzarella sticks hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or garlic butter.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Servings: 4 (about 4-5 sticks per serving)
Calories: 300
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 500mg
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 15g

FAQ

Q1: Can I bake these instead of frying them?
A1: Yes, you can bake these mozzarella sticks at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy. To achieve the best result, spray the coated sticks lightly with cooking spray before baking.

Q2: Can I use a different cheese?
A2: While mozzarella is the most common cheese for sticks, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a different flavor. However, keep in mind that softer cheeses may melt too quickly.

Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can prepare and coat the mozzarella sticks, then freeze them until you’re ready to fry or bake them. This helps keep the cheese from melting too fast when cooked.

Q4: Can I use store-bought mozzarella sticks?
A4: You can, but making them from scratch allows you to control the quality of ingredients and coating, plus they’ll taste fresher!

Q5: How can I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.

Q6: Can I use a different coating?
A6: Yes! You can substitute the panko breadcrumbs for regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers for a different texture and flavor.

Q7: Are these mozzarella sticks spicy?
A7: These mozzarella sticks are not spicy unless you add extra seasonings, such as crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce, to the breadcrumb mixture.

Q8: Can I make these gluten-free?
A8: Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make these mozzarella sticks suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Q9: Can I make these without frying them?
A9: Yes, you can bake them or air fry them for a lighter version. They won’t be as crispy as the fried version, but they’ll still be delicious.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just be sure to freeze the mozzarella sticks before frying, especially if you’re making a large batch, to prevent the cheese from melting out during cooking.

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