Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe

Mozzarella cheese sticks: These are the main ingredient, providing the gooey, cheesy center for the sticks.

All-purpose flour: Used to coat the cheese sticks, helping the egg and breadcrumb mixture adhere.

Breadcrumbs: Creates the crispy outer layer when fried.

Beaten eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese sticks.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the breadcrumb coating.

Onion powder: Enhances the flavor of the breadcrumb mixture with a hint of onion.

Dried oregano: Provides a touch of earthy, herbal flavor to the coating.

Dried basil: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to the breadcrumb mixture.

Vegetable oil: Used for frying the cheese sticks to a golden brown.

To achieve an extra crispy coating on your mozzarella sticks, consider double breading them. After the first round of coating with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, dip them back into the eggs and then again into the breadcrumb mixture. This second layer will provide a thicker, crunchier exterior that holds up well during frying.

• mozzarella cheese sticks - Substitute with string cheese: String cheese is essentially mozzarella and has a similar texture and flavor, making it a convenient alternative.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can provide a similar coating and crispiness when frying, though it may result in a slightly different texture.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and flakier, providing an extra crispy texture to the fried cheese sticks.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes can add a unique crunch and are a gluten-free alternative to traditional breadcrumbs.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the coating adhere to the cheese sticks and adds a slight tangy flavor.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with aquafaba: Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs and helps bind the coating to the cheese sticks.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can offer a fresh and more pronounced onion flavor.

• dried oregano - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano has a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to dried oregano.

• dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil provides a more intense and fragrant flavor than dried basil.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a suitable alternative for frying.

• Allow the fried mozzarella cheese sticks to cool completely before storing or freezing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• For storing in the refrigerator:
  • Place the cooled mozzarella sticks in an airtight container.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For freezing:
  • Arrange the cooled cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they do not touch each other.
  • Freeze the sticks for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid.
  • Transfer the frozen sticks to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
  • Label the container with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating from the refrigerator:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Place the mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• Reheating from the freezer:
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Place the frozen cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• For a quicker reheating option, use an air fryer:
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Place the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  • Air fry for 5-7 minutes if refrigerated, or 8-10 minutes if frozen, until they are hot and crispy.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the leftover mozzarella cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes until they are hot and the cheese is melty.

• For a quicker method, use an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer using a microwave, place the mozzarella sticks on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking to see if they are heated through. Be cautious as this method may make the coating less crispy.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the pan. Place the mozzarella sticks in the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, until they are heated through and crispy.

• If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the mozzarella sticks on the toaster oven tray and heat for 5-7 minutes until they are hot and the cheese is gooey.

• Three bowls: used to set up the breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.

• Whisk: used to beat the eggs until they are well mixed.

• Frying pan: used to heat the vegetable oil and fry the mozzarella sticks.

• Tongs: used to turn the mozzarella sticks while frying and to remove them from the oil.

• Paper towels: used to drain excess oil from the fried mozzarella sticks.

• Plate: used to hold the mozzarella sticks after they are coated and before frying.

• Measuring cups: used to measure out the flour, breadcrumbs, and vegetable oil.

• Measuring spoons: used to measure the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil.

• Knife: used to cut the mozzarella cheese sticks if they are not pre-cut.

• Cutting board: used as a surface to cut the mozzarella cheese sticks if needed.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil in advance to save time during assembly.

Freeze cheese sticks: Place mozzarella sticks in the freezer for 30 minutes before breading to prevent them from melting too quickly while frying.

Use assembly line method: Set up your breading station in an efficient order to streamline the process of coating the cheese sticks.

Batch frying: Fry multiple mozzarella sticks at once to reduce overall cooking time.