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Crispy Mozzarella Sticks Recipe Easy Homemade Gooey Melted Cheese Snack

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These crispy mozzarella sticks feature a golden, crunchy crust with gooey melted cheese inside, perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer. The triple coating technique ensures a satisfying crunch without cheese leaks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (about 1 ounce/28g each), string cheese or fresh mozzarella cut into sticks
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • 2 cups (200g) seasoned breadcrumbs (plain panko mixed with Italian seasoning)
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • About 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable or canola oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Prep the Mozzarella: If using fresh mozzarella, cut into sticks about ¼ inch thick and 3 inches long. If using string cheese, unwrap and set aside.
  2. Set Up Your Dredging Station: Place flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in the third bowl.
  3. Coat the Cheese Sticks: Roll each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, letting excess drip back. Coat thoroughly in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Double Coat for Extra Crunch: Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating step once more to prevent cheese leaks.
  5. Freeze the Sticks: Place coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
  6. Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Fry a few sticks at a time for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding.
  8. Drain and Cool: Remove sticks with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let cool for a minute or two before serving.

Notes

Freeze the coated sticks before frying to prevent cheese from leaking. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for best results. Double coating with egg and breadcrumbs adds extra crunch and prevents leaks. Drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep sticks crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, crispy cheese sticks, homemade mozzarella sticks, fried cheese snack, easy appetizer, party snack