Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Everyone Will Love

Golden, crispy, and irresistibly cheesy mozzarella sticks are the ultimate snack or party appetizer.

With their crunchy coating and gooey melted cheese inside, they’re a crowd-pleaser every single time. This easy mozzarella sticks recipe shows you how to make them at home with just a few ingredients and simple steps.

Perfect for game nights, movie nights, or casual get-togethers, these cheesy bites taste even better than restaurant versions. Serve them hot with marinara sauce or ranch for dipping and watch them disappear fast. Once you try these homemade mozzarella sticks, you’ll never want the frozen kind again.

Recipe Information

• Servings: 4 people
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Freezing Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
• Total Time: 56-58 minutes

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality mozzarella sticks right in your kitchen. The double-breading technique ensures an extra crispy coating that holds up perfectly during frying, while the freezing step prevents the cheese from oozing out too quickly.

You get that perfect golden exterior with gloriously melted cheese inside every single time. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile and can serve as an appetizer, snack, or side dish with your favorite marinara sauce.

Equipment Needed

• 3 shallow bowls or dishes
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Deep heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
• Cooking thermometer
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Knife and cutting board

Check Other Recipes –

• Sweet, Savory & Addictive: Honey Garlic Chicken Rice
• Crispy on the Outside, Fluffy Inside: The Best Hash Browns Recipe
• Cheesy Breadsticks So Good You’ll Never Order Out Again
• Fast, Flavorful & Fancy: Red Curry Poached Salmon in the Microwave

Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

• 1 pound (450g) mozzarella cheese block (low-moisture)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

For Serving:

• Marinara sauce
• Ranch dressing (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese

Cut the mozzarella block into sticks about 3-4 inches long and ½ inch thick. You should get approximately 12-14 sticks. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.

In the third bowl, mix the Italian breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks

Take each mozzarella stick and coat it first in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.

For extra crispiness, dip the breaded stick back into the egg mixture and coat it with breadcrumbs once more (double breading).

Step 4: Freeze the Sticks

Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for at least 30 minutes.

This crucial step prevents the cheese from melting out during frying. You can freeze them for up to 2 hours if needed.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot until it’s about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a cooking thermometer to monitor the temperature.

Step 6: Fry the Mozzarella Sticks

Working in batches of 3-4 sticks at a time to avoid overcrowding, carefully lower the frozen mozzarella sticks into the hot oil using tongs.

Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until they’re golden brown on all sides. Don’t overcook them, or the cheese will burst out.

Step 7: Drain and Serve

Remove the mozzarella sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them cool for 1-2 minutes before serving—they’ll be extremely hot inside! Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Pro Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Sticks

• Use low-moisture mozzarella: Regular fresh mozzarella contains too much water and will leak during frying.
• Don’t skip the freezing step: This is essential for keeping the cheese contained while frying.
• Maintain oil temperature: If the oil is too cool, the sticks will absorb oil and become greasy. Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside melts.
• Work quickly: Once fried, serve them right away for the best cheese pull and texture.
• Make ahead: You can bread the sticks and freeze them for up to 2 weeks before frying.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Freezer: Freeze breaded, uncooked mozzarella sticks for up to 2 weeks. No need to thaw before frying—just add an extra minute to the cooking time.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 3 sticks)

Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

These homemade mozzarella sticks are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Crispy, cheesy, and downright addictive, they’ll disappear from the plate in minutes. Whether you’re hosting game night, looking for a fun appetizer, or just craving something deliciously indulgent, this recipe delivers every time. Give them a try, and you’ll never go back to store-bought again!