Crispy Mozzarella Stick Fries Recipe: Cheesy Comfort Snack

Every pizza night deserves these crispy mozzarella stick fries that blend two favorite comfort foods into one irresistible snack.

Cheese lovers understand the magic of melted goodness wrapped in a crunchy exterior.

Homemade versions crush any store-bought alternative with their perfect golden-brown crunch.

These fries pack serious flavor without complicated preparation steps.

Crisp panko breadcrumbs create an incredible texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Surprising guests becomes effortless when you serve this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

You cannot resist the combination of gooey cheese and crackling coating that makes these fries an instant hit.

Mozzarella Stick Fries That Crunch and Stretch Just Right

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform classic fries and mozzarella sticks into a mouthwatering combo that delights every taste bud.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up this recipe in under an hour, making it perfect for game nights, parties, or spontaneous snack cravings.
• Customize with Ease: Experiment with different seasonings for fries or try alternative dipping sauces to match your flavor preferences.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Follow simple step-by-step instructions that make this recipe approachable for home cooks of all experience levels.

Must-Have Picks for Mozzarella Stick Fries

Main Ingredients:

• Potato Fries: Crispy base of the dish, best when cut into uniform strips.
• Olive Oil: Helps create golden and crispy exterior.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: Essential seasonings for flavor enhancement.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Soft, stretchy cheese perfect for creating crispy exterior.

• Flour: First coating layer for mozzarella sticks, helps breading adhere.
• Eggs: Binding agent for breading.
• Breadcrumbs: Outer crispy coating for mozzarella, adds texture and crunch.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep frying mozzarella sticks.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps easy cleanup.

• Marinara Sauce, Ranch Dressing: Classic accompaniments for dipping.

Mozzarella Fries Crispy Prep

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet

Crank up your oven to a toasty 425°F.

Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season Potato Fries

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika

Spread the seasoned fries evenly across the baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake Potato Fries

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping fries halfway through until they turn golden and super crispy.

Step 4: Freeze Mozzarella

Pop mozzarella pieces into the freezer for 20 minutes.

This crucial step helps them stay intact during frying.

Step 5: Create Breading Station

• First dish: Flour
• Second dish: Beaten eggs
• Third dish: Breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and pepper

Step 6: Coat Mozzarella

Take frozen mozzarella pieces and coat them in sequence:

First, roll in flour

Next, dip in beaten eggs

Finally, cover in seasoned breadcrumbs

Repeat for all mozzarella pieces.

Step 7: Fry Mozzarella Sticks

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat.

Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes until they turn beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Drain Excess Oil

Place fried mozzarella sticks on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb extra oil.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate crispy potato fries alongside golden mozzarella sticks.

Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Snack Tricks for Mozzarella Stick Fries

• Chill cheese pieces for at least 20 minutes before breading to prevent melting and ensure a crispy exterior during frying.
• Season breadcrumbs with salt and pepper for extra flavor, and use a triple-dip method (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) to achieve a thick, crunchy coating.
• Maintain medium heat when frying to prevent burning and ensure even golden-brown coloring on mozzarella sticks.
• Spread fries evenly on the baking sheet and flip halfway through cooking to guarantee uniform browning and a crisp texture.
• Pair mozzarella stick fries with marinara sauce or ranch dressing to enhance the overall taste experience and add exciting flavor dimensions.

Mozzarella Stick Fries Reheat Advice

• Store leftover mozzarella stick fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate the fries and mozzarella sticks to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and taste.
• Restore crispiness by baking at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. Spread on a baking sheet and avoid overcrowding to ensure even heating.
• Quickly crisp up leftovers in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, turning halfway through for even reheating.

Fun Matches for Mozzarella Stick Fries

• Pairing Cheese and Tomato Delight: Combine with a crisp Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness of the fried mozzarella and adds a light, refreshing touch.
• Dip into Zesty Companion: Serve alongside a homemade marinara sauce with fresh basil and a hint of garlic, which complements the cheesy and crispy textures perfectly.
• Cool Down with Creamy Contrast: Add a side of cool ranch dressing or garlic aioli to balance the hot, crispy mozzarella sticks and provide a smooth, tangy counterpoint.
• Beer Buddy Boost: Pair with a cold, hoppy craft IPA that helps cut through the heaviness of the fried cheese and adds a refreshing bitter note to the meal.

Mozzarella Stick Fries Snack Styles

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Fry Version: Replace traditional potato fries with roasted cauliflower florets seasoned with same spices for a healthier, low-carb alternative that maintains crispy texture.
• Gluten-Free Breading Option: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed almond flour, using corn starch instead of wheat flour to coat mozzarella pieces for celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cheese Adaptation: Use plant-based mozzarella alternatives made from cashews or soy, coating with gluten-free breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast for similar crispy, cheesy experience without dairy.
• Air Fryer Quick Method: Transfer entire recipe to air fryer, reducing cooking time and oil usage while maintaining crispy exterior for both fries and mozzarella sticks with less cleanup.

FAQs

• What makes the breading process important for mozzarella sticks?

The breading creates a crispy exterior that prevents the cheese from leaking out during frying. Each layer (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) helps the coating stick securely and provides a crunchy texture when fried.

• Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Mozzarella works best because it melts smoothly and stretches nicely. Other similar cheeses like provolone or mild cheddar can work, but they might not have the same classic stretchy texture as mozzarella.

• Why do I need to freeze the mozzarella before breading?

Freezing helps the cheese maintain its shape during frying. It prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and keeps the breading intact, ensuring a perfect crispy exterior and gooey interior.

• Is deep frying necessary for this recipe?

While deep frying gives the traditional crispy texture, you can also bake the mozzarella sticks at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes. Just be aware that baking might result in a slightly different texture compared to deep frying.

Mozzarella Stick Fries Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden mozzarella stick fries deliver a mouthwatering fusion of classic appetizer and french fry magic. Cheese lovers will devour these irresistible crunchy delights that promise pure comfort and indulgent satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into small pieces (about 1-inch long)

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Marinara sauce or ranch dressing, for dipping

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for crispy potato base.
2. Toss potato strips with aromatic seasonings, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly coated with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. Distribute seasoned potato strips evenly across the prepared baking sheet, creating a single layer for optimal crispiness.
4. Roast potato strips for 30-35 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee uniform golden-brown exterior and tender interior.
5. Simultaneously, prepare mozzarella segments by placing them in the freezer for minimum 20 minutes to maintain structural integrity during cooking.
6. Establish a three-part coating station: flour for initial dusting, whisked eggs for binding, and seasoned breadcrumbs for final crispy exterior.
7. Remove frozen cheese segments and meticulously coat each piece: first dredge in flour, then submerge in egg wash, finally roll in seasoned breadcrumbs for complete coverage.
8. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to medium temperature, creating ideal frying environment for cheese segments.
9. Carefully lower breaded mozzarella pieces into hot oil, frying until achieving a rich golden-brown color and crisp texture.
10. Transfer fried mozzarella onto paper towels to absorb excess oil and maintain crunchiness.
11. Plate roasted potato strips alongside crispy mozzarella segments, accompanied by marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping pleasure.

Notes

• Chill mozzarella pieces thoroughly in the freezer to prevent melting during frying, ensuring a crispy exterior and gooey interior.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness and better coating adhesion on the mozzarella sticks.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, maintaining the same crispy texture.
• Control oil temperature between 350-375°F when frying to achieve perfect golden-brown mozzarella sticks without burning or becoming greasy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg