Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
These Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks feature a crunchy exterior and gooey melted cheese inside, perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer.
Ingredients
Cheese Preparation
- 12 oz mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-seasoned)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Frying
- Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil) enough to cover 2 inches in the pan
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by cutting your mozzarella cheese sticks in half.
- In one shallow bowl, add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third bowl, combine regular breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs.
Breading the Cheese
- Dip each cheese stick in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
Freezing
- Lay the breaded cheese sticks on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 30 minutes.
Frying
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the frozen mozzarella sticks into the hot oil and fry for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Serving
- Remove the mozzarella sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For best results, chill the breaded sticks before frying and consider double-dipping for extra crunch. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze un-fried sticks for later use.