Fried Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Crispy on the outside and filled with melted mozzarella, these homemade fried mozzarella sticks are made with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, and string cheese for an irresistible appetizer or snack.
Servings
Ingredients
- 1½ cups Italian-style dried breadcrumbs
- 1⅓ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Two 16-ounce packages mozzarella cheese sticks, halved
- 4 large eggs beaten
- 1½ cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare the breading mixture.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Italian-style breadcrumbs, 1 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, and salt. Stir until evenly incorporated.
Slice the mozzarella sticks.
- Cut each mozzarella stick in half to create shorter pieces that are easier to coat and fry.
Bread the cheese sticks.
- Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl. Dip each mozzarella stick into the beaten egg, allowing excess egg to drip off, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs onto the cheese to ensure even coating. Repeat the process a second time by dipping the stick again in the egg and then again in the breadcrumbs to form a firm double coating.
Freeze the coated sticks.
- Arrange the prepared cheese sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for at least 2 hours or until fully frozen. This step helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly when frying.
Fry the mozzarella sticks.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the cheese sticks in small batches for approximately 1 minute per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Use tongs to turn them carefully during frying.
Drain and serve.
- Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese and serve hot with your preferred dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of traditional Italian-style breadcrumbs. Additionally, confirm that the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella sticks do not contain any gluten-based additives or stabilizers. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.