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Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

A stack of golden-brown, crispy mozzarella sticks with a gooey cheese pull stretching between them.
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Create crispy, gooey mozzarella sticks at home with this easy recipe. Learn the trick to freezing the cheese before frying for the perfect cheese pull every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound string cheese, cut into 3-inch pieces
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs, beaten
  • 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Marinara sauce, for serving

Instructions

  1. Place the cut string cheese pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until solid.
  2. In three shallow dishes, set up your breading station: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Working in batches, dredge each frozen cheese stick first in flour, then dip completely in the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Ensure each stick is fully coated.
  4. Place the breaded cheese sticks back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for another 30 minutes to set the coating.
  5. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Carefully add the frozen, breaded mozzarella sticks to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  7. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried mozzarella sticks from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil.
  8. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • For baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. Note that baked mozzarella sticks may not be as gooey as fried ones.
  • Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature before frying. Too low, and the coating will absorb too much oil; too high, and it will burn before the cheese melts.
  • For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning to your breadcrumb mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/mozzarella-sticks-homemade-ooey-gooey-cheese-pull/