Mozzarella Sticks
This recipe for Mozzarella Sticks is the perfect appetizer that everyone loves. Golden brown and crispy on the outside, with gooey cheese inside, these sticks are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting game night or enjoying a cozy family dinner, they’re easy to make and even better than those from your favorite restaurant. Plus, they pair perfectly with marinara sauce for dipping!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious mozzarella sticks in no time.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of seasoned breadcrumbs and melted cheese creates an irresistible flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party food, these sticks fit any occasion seamlessly.
- Fun to Make: Involve the kids or friends in the coating process for a fun cooking experience!
- Freezable: You can prepare these ahead of time and freeze them for future cravings.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing mozzarella sticks easier and more efficient. Here’s what you need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Deep pot
- Mixing bowls
- Sheet pan
- Parchment paper
- Tongs or slotted spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep pot: A deep pot allows you to fry the mozzarella sticks evenly without splattering oil everywhere.
- Mixing bowls: These are essential for keeping your ingredients organized during preparation.
- Parchment paper: It prevents sticking on your sheet pan while allowing easy transfer of the coated cheese sticks.
Ingredients
This recipe for mozzarella sticks is cheese coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, then deep fried until golden brown and crispy. A fun and easy appetizer option that’s even better than what you would get at a restaurant.
For the Mozzarella Sticks
- 16 string cheese (cut in half crosswise)
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups Italian style breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons milk
- Oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 cup marinara sauce
How to Make Mozzarella Sticks
Step 1: Prepare Your Coating
- Place the flour in a small bowl.
- In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with salt and pepper.
- In a third bowl, beat together the eggs and milk until well mixed.
Step 2: Coat the Cheese Sticks
- Dip each piece of cheese into flour first.
- Next, dip it into the egg mixture.
- Then roll it in breadcrumbs before dipping it back into the egg.
- Finally, coat it again in breadcrumbs and place each finished cheese stick on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
Step 3: Freeze
- Repeat the coating process until all cheese pieces are coated. Freeze them for at least 2 hours or until frozen solid.
Step 4: Heat Oil
- Heat about 3 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees F.
Step 5: Frying Time
- Carefully place a few cheese sticks into the hot oil.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
- Drain cooked mozzarella sticks on paper towels. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your homemade mozzarella sticks!
How to Serve Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your appetizer experience.
With Marinara Sauce
- A classic pairing, marinara sauce adds a tangy flavor that complements the cheesy goodness of mozzarella sticks perfectly.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top for a fresh touch. This not only adds color but also enhances the flavor profile.
On a Platter
- Arrange mozzarella sticks on a serving platter with dips like ranch or garlic aioli for a fun appetizer spread at parties.
With a Side Salad
- Serve alongside a light salad for a balanced meal. The freshness of greens contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese.
As Part of an Italian Feast
- Incorporate mozzarella sticks into an Italian-themed dinner alongside pasta dishes and bruschetta for an authentic experience.
How to Perfect Mozzarella Sticks
Getting your mozzarella sticks just right takes some practice. Here are tips to help you achieve perfectly crispy and gooey results.
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Use Frozen Cheese: Freezing the cheese sticks before frying helps them hold their shape and prevents excessive oozing while cooking.
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Double Bread the Sticks: For extra crunch, coat each stick twice in breadcrumbs. This creates a thicker barrier that keeps the cheese inside.
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Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping oil at 350 degrees F is crucial. Too hot, and they burn; too cold, and they become greasy instead of crispy.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry only a few cheese sticks at a time. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and leads to uneven cooking.
Best Side Dishes for Mozzarella Sticks
Pairing sides with mozzarella sticks can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent choices to consider.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread pairs well with mozzarella sticks, perfect for soaking up marinara sauce.
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Caprese Salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil balances the richness of fried cheese.
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French Fries: Classic fries add crunch and make for a satisfying combo when served together.
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Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites make an excellent addition to any appetizer spread alongside mozzarella sticks.
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Antipasto Platter: A variety of cured meats, cheeses, and olives creates an enticing contrast with cheesy appetizers.
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Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges offer another comforting side that complements the flavors of fried cheese nicely.
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Roasted Vegetables: roasted veggies add nutrition and color to your plate while balancing the heaviness of mozzarella sticks.
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Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts well with warm, cheesy treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making mozzarella sticks can be simple, but some common errors can ruin your delicious snack. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
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Not freezing properly: Failing to freeze the cheese sticks for at least 2 hours can lead to a gooey mess when frying. Make sure they are frozen solid before cooking.
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Skipping the double coating: Omitting the second layer of egg and breadcrumbs will result in a less crispy texture. Always double coat for that perfect crunch.
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Using incorrect oil temperature: Frying at too low or high temperatures can lead to soggy or burnt mozzarella sticks. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at 350 degrees F.
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Overcrowding the frying pot: Placing too many cheese sticks in the oil at once can lower the temperature and cause uneven cooking. Fry in small batches for best results.
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Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season your breadcrumbs with salt and pepper can make your mozzarella sticks bland. Always add seasoning to enhance flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store mozzarella sticks in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Mozzarella Sticks
- Freeze mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Mozzarella Sticks
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and bake for about 10 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds but note this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, turning frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making mozzarella sticks.
What are Mozzarella Sticks made of?
Mozzarella sticks are made from string cheese that is coated with seasoned breadcrumbs and then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.
Can I make Mozzarella Sticks ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare mozzarella sticks and freeze them before frying. This allows you to enjoy freshly fried snacks whenever you want.
How do I know when my Mozzarella Sticks are done frying?
Mozzarella sticks are ready when they turn golden brown, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes in hot oil.
What should I serve with Mozzarella Sticks?
Pair mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce for dipping, or try ranch dressing for an extra flavor boost!
Final Thoughts
Mozzarella sticks are a delightful appetizer that everyone loves. They offer a perfect blend of gooey cheese and crispy coating, making them ideal for parties or cozy nights at home. You can customize these cheesy delights by adding different herbs or spices to the breadcrumbs or serving them with various dips. Try making this recipe today!
Mozzarella Sticks
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these easy-to-make Mozzarella Sticks! Perfectly golden brown and crispy on the outside, each stick is bursting with gooey cheese that melts in your mouth. Ideal for parties, game nights, or cozy evenings at home, these homemade delights are better than any restaurant version. Pair them with marinara sauce for a classic dipping experience that will leave everyone craving more.
Ingredients
- 16 string cheese (cut in half crosswise)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons milk
- Oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare your coating by placing flour in one bowl, mixing breadcrumbs with salt and pepper in another bowl, and beating eggs with milk in a third bowl.
- Dip each piece of cheese into the flour, then the egg mixture, followed by rolling it in breadcrumbs. Repeat the process for extra crunch.
- Freeze the coated cheese sticks for at least 2 hours until solid.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees F.
- Fry a few sticks at a time for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot with marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks (60g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
