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Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

Golden, crunchy, restaurant-style fried cheese sticks with a gooey mozzarella center.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 sticks
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheese & Coating
  • 12 sticks string cheese mozzarella, unwrapped
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs large, beaten
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1.5 cups Italian breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
Serving
  • 1 cup marinara sauce warmed

Equipment

  • Deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Three shallow bowls
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Set up a dredging station with three bowls: one with flour, one with eggs beaten with water, and one with the breadcrumbs mixed with seasonings.
  2. Coat each cheese stick in flour, dip in egg, and roll in breadcrumbs.
  3. Dip each stick back into the egg and then back into the breadcrumbs for a second coat (double dredge).
  4. Place coated sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour.
  5. Heat oil in a large skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Drain on a wire rack and serve hot with marinara sauce.

Notes

Freezing the sticks is mandatory to prevent the cheese from melting completely before the crust is crispy.