Crispy Golden Mozzarella Sticks
These Crispy Golden Mozzarella Sticks are perfectly crunchy on the outside with a gooey, stretchy mozzarella center. Made with a seasoned double-breadcrumb coating and fried until golden brown, they're a restaurant-style appetizer that's perfect for parties, game day, or family snacks.
Servings: 6
Calories: 320kcal
Ingredients
- Mozzarella Sticks
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For Serving
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing optional
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and freeze them for 1 hour.
- Prepare three breading stations: flour; whisked eggs with milk; breadcrumbs mixed with panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper.
- Coat each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a thicker, crispier crust.
- Place the breaded mozzarella sticks back on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches for 1½–2 minutes, until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce
Notes
- Freezing before and after breading prevents the cheese from leaking.
- Double-coating creates an extra crispy crust.
- Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
- Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- Serve immediately for the best cheese pull.
- Freeze uncooked breaded mozzarella sticks for up to 3 months.
- Homemade mozzarella sticks with a crispy golden coating and gooey cheese center.
- Perfect appetizer for parties, game day, movie nights, or family gatherings.
- Delicious served with marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy dipping sauces.
- Breaded mozzarella sticks can be frozen ahead for quick cooking.
- Better than restaurant-style mozzarella sticks with simple pantry ingredients.
- Great for deep frying, air frying, or baking with easy recipe variations.