Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These homemade mozzarella sticks bring together everything you love about this classic snack—crunchy on the outside, melty on the inside, and bursting with cheesy goodness. The best part? You can customize the breading to your taste with garlic, onion, and paprika for extra flavor. Whether you’re deep-frying or baking, this recipe gives you the flexibility to cook them the way you prefer. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients

12 oz mozzarella cheese sticks
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-seasoned)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Oil for frying (if deep-frying)
Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the cheese: Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks in half for bite-sized pieces, if desired.
Set up the breading stations:
- In one bowl, place the flour.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat the cheese:
- Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour, coating evenly.
- Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, roll the cheese stick in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered.
Repeat: Continue this process for all cheese sticks, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Chill: Place the coated mozzarella sticks in the freezer for 15-30 minutes. This will help the breading adhere and prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
For frying:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
For baking:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve hot: Enjoy your homemade mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 mozzarella sticks
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5-20 minutes (depending on whether you fry or bake)
Total Time: 20-35 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a little heat.
Cheese Variety: Try using different types of cheese such as cheddar, provolone, or a combination for a twist on the classic mozzarella.
Herbed Breadcrumbs: Mix fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme into the breadcrumbs for added flavor.
Stuffed Mozzarella Sticks: Try stuffing the cheese sticks with a bit of pepperoni or cooked sausage before breading for a fun variation.

Storage/Reheating

Storing: Leftover mozzarella sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: These mozzarella sticks freeze beautifully. After breading, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the mozzarella sticks in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-10 minutes, or until crispy. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the texture will be softer.

FAQs

Can I use string cheese for this recipe?

Yes! String cheese works perfectly for mozzarella sticks, and you don’t even need to cut them if you prefer larger sticks.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying or baking helps to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out. If you’re frying, make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F) to cook the coating quickly.

Can I bake these mozzarella sticks instead of frying them?

Yes! Baking is a healthier option. Just make sure to spray the breaded mozzarella sticks with cooking spray and bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

How can I make these mozzarella sticks gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. You can find gluten-free breadcrumbs at most grocery stores, or you can make your own by using gluten-free bread.

Can I make these mozzarella sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep them in advance and freeze them before frying or baking. This is a great way to make them ahead of time for a party or event.

Can I use homemade breadcrumbs?

Definitely! Homemade breadcrumbs will add extra flavor to the mozzarella sticks. Just make sure the breadcrumbs are finely ground for the best coating.

How do I know when the mozzarella sticks are done?

The mozzarella sticks are done when the breading is golden brown and crispy. If frying, they usually only take 1-2 minutes. If baking, it may take 15-20 minutes.

Can I make these with other cheeses?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheese varieties such as cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses for different flavors.

Conclusion

These Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are a delicious and fun snack that everyone will love. Whether you’re frying them for a crispy bite or baking them for a healthier option, these mozzarella sticks are the ultimate cheesy indulgence. With easy-to-follow instructions and the option to customize, they’re perfect for parties, game nights, or whenever you’re craving a cheesy treat. So go ahead, make these irresistible mozzarella sticks, and enjoy!

Homemade Mozzarella Sticks: An Amazing Ultimate Snack Recipe

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Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are a crispy, cheesy snack coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, fried or baked to golden perfection. Serve them with marinara sauce for the ultimate appetizer or party snack!

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5-20 minutes
Total Time: 20-35 minutes
Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks
Category: Snack, Appetizer
Method: Frying, Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks in half for bite-sized pieces, if desired.
Set up the breading stations: In one bowl, place the flour; in another, beat the eggs; in a third, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat the cheese: Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered.
Place the coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the freezer for 15-30 minutes.
For frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
For baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.