Can I use block mozzarella instead of string cheese sticks?

Absolutely—it works just as well. Slice the mozzarella into even sticks about the thickness of store-bought string cheese for consistent frying and melting.

Do I really need to freeze them before frying?

Yes, freezing is crucial. Skipping this step often leads to cheese leaking out into the oil before the outside gets crunchy and golden.

What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil is great due to its neutral taste and high smoke point. Canola or sunflower oil are also good options if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I reheat mozzarella sticks in the oven?

Definitely. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F until hot and crisp again. They reheat remarkably well with this method.

Homemade Fried Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Description

Crispy and gooey homemade fried mozzarella sticks are the ultimate snack or appetizer. Wrapped in a flavorful Italian-style breadcrumb crust with a double coating for extra crunch, these gooey cheese sticks are fried to golden perfection and served with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, they’re easy to prepare ahead of time and guaranteed to please any cheese lover.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

2 (16-ounce) packages mozzarella cheese sticks

Breading

1 1/2 cups Italian-style dried breadcrumbs
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt

Coating & Frying

4 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

For Serving

1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

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Instructions

Prepare the Breading Mixture – In a medium bowl, combine the Italian-style dried breadcrumbs, 1 cup of the Parmesan cheese, and salt. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
Cut the Mozzarella Sticks – Take each mozzarella stick and cut it in half to make shorter sticks, which are easier to handle and fry.
Coat the Sticks – Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl. Dip each mozzarella stick half completely into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, patting gently to ensure the coating adheres well. For maximum crunch, repeat this process: dip each coated stick back into the eggs and then again into the breadcrumb mixture.
Freeze the Cheese Sticks – Arrange the breaded cheese sticks on a baking sheet. Cover the sheet and place it in the freezer. Freeze until the sticks are firm and completely frozen, about 2 hours. This step helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
Heat the Oil – Pour the vegetable oil into a large frying pan and heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
Fry the Mozzarella Sticks – Working in batches, carefully place the frozen cheese sticks into the hot oil. Fry each stick until golden brown and crispy, about 1 minute per side. Avoid overcrowding the pan for best results.
Drain and Serve – Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup of Parmesan on top before serving. Enjoy hot, optionally with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Freezing the breaded sticks before frying is crucial to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
You can prepare and freeze mozzarella sticks ahead of time, frying just before serving.
Serve immediately while hot for the gooeyest texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 mozzarella sticks
Calories: 220
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 45mg