Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are a fun and tasty treat that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Made with fresh mozzarella cheese, a crunchy breadcrumb coating, and just the right amount of seasoning, these sticks are perfect for snacking or sharing with friends. The best part is that you can make them in your own kitchen, so they’re always fresh and warm.
I love making these at home because you can customize them with your favorite spices or dip. My go-to is a classic marinara sauce for dipping, but sometimes I like to mix it up with ranch or a spicy sriracha mayo. Plus, making mozzarella sticks from scratch gives you that extra cheesy pull every time, which I think is the best part. Just a little tip: chill the sticks before frying to keep the cheese from melting too fast and escaping the crust.
Serving these up at a casual get-together always gets lots of smiles and happy hands reaching for more. They’re great as an appetizer, game day snack, or even a kid’s party favorite. Whenever I make a batch, it always feels like a celebration of simple, delicious food made with love right at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: Using string cheese is super convenient because it’s already portioned and melts beautifully. If you want a richer flavor, try fresh mozzarella, but just be careful with moisture—it can be a bit wetter.
Breading Mix: Italian-style breadcrumbs add both crunch and flavor with herbs included. You can swap them for plain breadcrumbs plus a pinch of Italian seasoning if that’s easier. For a gluten-free option, try crushed cornflakes or gluten-free panko.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil give the coating a delicious herbal touch. Feel free to adjust these to suit your taste or add a pinch of chili powder for a little heat.
Oil for Frying: Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works well for frying because they have a high smoke point. Avoid using olive oil here since it burns faster at high heat.
What’s the Trick to Keep the Cheese from Melting Out While Frying?
The biggest challenge is making sure the cheese doesn’t leak out during frying. Here’s how to prevent that:
- First, double-coat the sticks by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps. This forms a thicker, more secure crust.
- Freeze the breaded sticks for at least 1 hour. This chills the cheese and hardens the crust so the cheese melts slowly.
- Keep the frying oil at a steady 350°F (175°C). Too hot, and the crust burns before melting the cheese; too cool, and the cheese will melt too fast and leak.
- Work in small batches to avoid crowded pans and uneven frying.
Following these tips will help you get golden, crispy sticks with nicely melted cheese inside—no mess, just delicious bites.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep frying pan or heavy skillet – perfect for frying the sticks evenly and keeping oil temperature steady.
- Thermometer – helps you keep the oil at the right temperature to avoid greasy or burnt sticks.
- Three shallow bowls – makes dipping in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs quick and organized.
- Baking sheet – to place the breaded sticks on before freezing without sticking.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – lets you safely remove the sticks from hot oil and drain excess oil.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add Italian sausage bits inside the cheese sticks for a meaty surprise and extra flavor.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick that melts just as well as mozzarella.
- Mix Italian herbs with parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb coating for a sharper cheesy crunch.
- Serve with different dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy marinara to change up the taste experience.
How to Make Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk or water
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking oil, such as vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour of freezing time to chill the breaded mozzarella sticks before frying. Frying them only takes a few minutes per batch, so plan for roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes total, including prep and freezing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Mozzarella Sticks:
If you like smaller sticks, cut each mozzarella cheese stick in half. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and milk (or water), and one with the seasoned breadcrumbs (combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper).
2. Coating the Cheese Sticks:
Take each mozzarella stick and first dip it in the flour, shaking off any extra. Then dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s completely coated. Finally, press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture so it’s nicely covered. For an extra crispy coat, dip the stick again into the egg and then breadcrumbs one more time.
3. Freezing and Frying:
Place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 1 hour. This helps the cheese stay inside while frying. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the sticks in small batches for 1 to 2 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Mozzarella Sticks?
Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent the cheese from leaking out.
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Cheese Sticks?
It’s best to use fresh string cheese that’s fully thawed if previously frozen. If using frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and pat dry to remove excess moisture before breading. This helps the coating stick better and prevents sogginess.
How Should I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
What Dips Go Well with Mozzarella Sticks?
Classic marinara sauce is a popular choice, but ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo are delicious alternatives. Feel free to experiment with your favorite dips to find your perfect match!