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Irresistible Mozzarella Cheese Sticks


  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 halves 1x

Description

Mozzarella cheese sticks are a crispy, golden-brown appetizer with a melty, gooey center. Serve them with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious snack or party treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the cheese sticks: Unwrap the mozzarella cheese sticks and cut each in half, so you have 24 pieces in total.

  • Set up the breading station:

    • Place the flour in a shallow dish.
    • In a second dish, beat the eggs.
    • In a third dish, combine breadcrumbs, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Coat the cheese sticks:

    • Dredge each cheese stick half in flour, dip it in the beaten eggs, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
    • For an extra-crispy coating, repeat the process to double-bread the cheese sticks.
  • Freeze the cheese sticks: Place the breaded cheese sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during frying.

  • Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or large pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

  • Fry the cheese sticks: In batches, carefully drop the frozen cheese sticks into the hot oil. Fry them for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.

  • Drain the cheese sticks: Remove the cheese sticks from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

 

  • Serve and enjoy: Serve the mozzarella cheese sticks immediately with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Spicy Mozzarella Sticks: Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Baked Mozzarella Sticks: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Parmesan-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Herbed Mozzarella Sticks: Add fresh basil or thyme to the breadcrumbs.

 

  • Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and rice flour.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Freezing Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3-4 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack
  • Method: frying
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, Fried Cheese, Appetizers, Snack Recipe, Party Foods