Description
Mozzarella cheese sticks are crispy, golden, and gooey snacks or appetizers that everyone loves. Serve with marinara or ranch for the perfect cheesy treat!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mozzarella Cheese Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (cut in half to make 24 pieces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
Optional for Serving:
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Sticks:
- Cut each mozzarella stick in half, creating 24 smaller pieces.
- Arrange the pieces on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour.
- Set Up the Breading Station:
- Place flour in one bowl.
- In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Cheese Sticks:
- Coat each frozen cheese stick in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
- Freeze the breaded sticks for another 30 minutes to set.
- Fry the Cheese Sticks:
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the cheese sticks in small batches for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve:
- Serve the mozzarella cheese sticks warm with marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
Notes
- Double coating the cheese sticks ensures a crispy crust and prevents cheese from leaking.
- Freeze the breaded cheese sticks well before frying to help them hold their shape.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil at 350°F for consistent frying results.
- Make ahead by freezing breaded sticks for up to 3 months; fry directly from frozen when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus freezing time)
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~4 cheese sticks
- Calories: ~350
- Sugar: ~2g
- Sodium: ~450mg
- Fat: ~22g
- Saturated Fat: ~10g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~10g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~14g
- Cholesterol: ~85mg
Keywords: Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, Crispy Appetizer, Party Snack, Cheesy Treat