Cheese Sticks
Who can resist that perfect combo of crunchy outside and gooey, stretchy cheese inside? Forget the freezer aisle, making amazing fried mozzarella sticks at home is easier than you think! This recipe gets you that classic appetizer goodness.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 2-3 mins per batch
- Total Time: Approx. 1 hr 25 mins+ (including freezing)
- Yield: 2 people
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Cuisine: American / Italian-American
Ingredients
- Mozzarella: 200g block low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella (not fresh or shredded!)
- Flour: 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Egg: 1 large egg
- Panko: 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch!)
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Seasoning: Pinch of salt and black pepper
- Oil: Neutral oil for frying (like canola, vegetable, peanut – enough for 2-3 inches deep)
- Optional: 1 tbsp water or milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Cut Cheese: Slice mozzarella into sticks (about ½ inch thick, 3-4 inches long). Try to make them roughly the same size. Pat dry.
- Set Up Stations: Get 3 shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Mix flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bowl 2: Whisk egg well (add optional water/milk if using).
- Bowl 3: Pour in Panko crumbs.
- Bread Once: Dip each stick first in flour, then egg, then Panko. Press Panko gently to coat well, especially the ends. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bread Twice (Recommended!): For a sturdier crust, quickly dip each Panko-coated stick back into the egg, then roll again in Panko.
- FREEZE! Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 1-2 hours. They must be frozen solid. Seriously, don’t skip this – it stops cheese explosions!
- Heat Oil: Pour oil into a heavy pot. Heat to 180°C (350°F). Use a thermometer or test with a breadcrumb (it should sizzle fiercely).
- Fry ‘Em Up: Carefully lower a few frozen sticks into the hot oil (don’t overcrowd!). Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning gently, until deep golden brown.
- Drain: Lift sticks out, let excess oil drip off, then place on a wire rack (not paper towels!) to keep them crispy. Sprinkle with a tiny bit more salt if you like.
- Serve HOT! Eat immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Serving Ideas: Classic marinara sauce is perfect! Ranch dip or garlic butter are also great choices.
- Tips & Tricks:
- Use block low-moisture mozzarella for the best melt and stretch.
- Panko gives the best crunch.
- The double breading really helps prevent leaks.
- Freezing solid is the most important step!
- Keep the oil temperature steady (around 180°C/350°F).
- Fry in small batches so the oil stays hot.
- Drain on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
- Storing & Reheating: Best eaten immediately! If you have leftovers, cool completely, store airtight in the fridge (1-2 days). Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5-8 mins until crisp – never microwave! You can also freeze the breaded, unfried sticks for up to 3 months and fry directly from frozen (add ~1 min cook time).
Find it online: https://recipesh.com/cheese-sticks/