Description
These crispy homemade Mozzarella Sticks are golden on the outside and perfectly gooey inside. Made with whole milk mozzarella, seasoned breadcrumbs, and simple pantry staples, they’re the ultimate cheesy snack for any occasion. Fry, bake, or air fry for delicious results every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups plain Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 lb whole milk mozzarella block or 15 whole milk string cheese sticks
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a bag and crush lightly for a finer texture. Mix with Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for the breadcrumb mixture.
- Cut mozzarella into sticks if using a block. If using string cheese, skip this step.
- Coat each stick in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and then coat fully in the panko mixture. Repeat to ensure full coverage.
- Arrange coated sticks on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack and freeze for at least one hour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry two sticks at a time for about one minute until golden brown. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
- For baking: Preheat oven to 415°F (210°C), spray a lined baking sheet, and bake for 10–15 minutes until golden.
- For air frying: Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C), spray basket and sticks lightly with cooking spray, and cook for 6–8 minutes, tossing halfway through.
Notes
- Freeze coated sticks before frying to prevent cheese from leaking.
- Use a thermometer to keep oil at a steady 350°F for best results.
- Double coat for extra crispiness.
- Can be frozen uncooked for up to 3 months.
- Whole milk mozzarella yields the best flavor and melt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying, Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Mozzarella Stick
- Calories: 138
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 281mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 46mg
Keywords: Mozzarella Sticks, fried cheese, appetizer, crispy snack, homemade mozzarella sticks, cheesy bites, easy party food