Description
Crispy golden Homemade Mozzarella Sticks bring irresistible Italian-American comfort to kitchen counters everywhere. Melty cheese centers wrapped in crunchy breading create perfect party snacks you cannot resist devouring in delightful, cheesy bites.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (or string cheese)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Breading Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Slice the mozzarella into uniform segments, ensuring each piece is ready for coating.
- Create three distinct preparation zones: first with flour, second with whisked eggs, and third with seasoned breadcrumb mixture incorporating Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Methodically coat each cheese piece by first rolling in flour, ensuring complete coverage, then dipping thoroughly in egg mixture, and finally generously rolling in herbed breadcrumb blend.
- For enhanced crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process, creating a robust exterior layer.
- Arrange the prepared mozzarella segments on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to freezer for precise chilling, allowing minimum 60 minutes for firm setting.
- Carefully heat neutral oil to precise temperature of 350°F, monitoring with culinary thermometer for consistent heat.
- Gently lower chilled cheese pieces into hot oil, frying in small batches to maintain optimal temperature and prevent overcrowding.
- Monitor closely until each piece transforms into a golden-brown, crispy exterior with minimal cooking time of 1-2 minutes.
- Remove immediately using slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on wire rack or paper towels.
- Plate alongside warm marinara sauce, serving immediately to preserve maximum crunchiness and molten cheese interior.
Notes
- Choose high-moisture mozzarella for the best melty interior and stringy texture when biting into the sticks.
- Freezing prevents cheese from completely melting during frying, ensuring a crispy exterior and gooey center.
- Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version.
- Double-dip in breadcrumbs or add panko for an ultra-crispy coating that stays crunchy longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg