Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

This Mozzarella Sticks recipe is a crispy and cheesy recipe, which is made with fresh mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano. It’s the perfect party appetizer, ready in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including freezing time.

Mozzarella Sticks Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh salted mozzarella, patted dry
• ½ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup packed finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1 ounce)
• 2 teaspoons mixed dried herbs, such as thyme, basil, parsley, and oregano
• Safflower or other neutral-flavored oil, for frying
• Marinara, warmed, for serving

How To Make Mozzarella Sticks

1. Cut the mozzarella: Pat the mozzarella block completely dry. Cut it lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick slices, then cut the slices into 4-by-1/2-inch sticks.
2. Set up the breading station: Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first, place the flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In the second, whisk the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water and season with salt and pepper. In the third, stir together the breadcrumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and mixed dried herbs, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Coat the mozzarella sticks: Working one at a time, dredge a mozzarella stick in the flour, tapping off the excess. Dip it into the egg wash, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, coat it completely with the breadcrumb mixture, patting gently to help it adhere.
4. Freeze the sticks: Place the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until they are firm, for at least 1 hour.
5. Fry the mozzarella sticks: Pour enough oil into a heavy pot to come 2 inches up the sides. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Working in small batches, fry the frozen mozzarella sticks for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden and crisp.
6. Drain and serve: Transfer the cooked mozzarella sticks to a wire rack to drain. Season with a little more salt and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Recipe Tips

• How to prevent the cheese from leaking out? The most crucial step is freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks for at least one hour until they are completely firm. This ensures the coating gets crispy before the cheese has a chance to melt and ooze out.
• Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes. For a healthier option, arrange the frozen sticks on a baking sheet. Spray them generously with cooking spray and bake at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
• What kind of mozzarella is best? A block of fresh, salted mozzarella (not the kind packed in water) is ideal. It’s important to pat it very dry with paper towels so the breading will stick properly.
• Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely. Follow the recipe through the freezing step. Once the sticks are frozen solid, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 2 months. Fry them directly from frozen.

What To Serve With Mozzarella Sticks

While classic marinara is the go-to, these are also delicious with:

• Ranch dressing
• A spicy arrabbiata sauce
• Pesto mixed with a little mayonnaise

How To Store Mozzarella Sticks

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cooked mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F to restore their crispness.

Mozzarella Sticks Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 3-4 sticks
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 15g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

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