Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, mozzarella sticks make for the perfect snack or appetizer. With a crispy seasoned coating and melty cheese center, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make at home.

Ingredients

• 200g low moisture mozzarella
• Neutral oil for deep frying
• 90g plain flour/all purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• 150ml cold water
• 100g panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the block of mozzarella into even sticks, about just over 1cm thick for the perfect size.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, a pinch of salt, and cold water until smooth to make the batter.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with oregano, basil, chilli flakes (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Prepare your dredging station with the mozzarella sticks, flour batter, seasoned breadcrumbs, and a wire rack.
5. Step 5: Dip each mozzarella stick into the batter, using a fork to toss and letting the excess drip off.
6. Step 6: Coat the dipped stick evenly in the breadcrumb mixture, shake off the excess, and place on the wire rack.
7. Step 7: Repeat until all sticks are coated, then let them sit for 10 minutes to set the coating.
8. Step 8: Dip the sticks into the batter and breadcrumbs a second time for a double coating, then rest on the rack for another 10 minutes.
9. Step 9: Arrange the coated sticks spaced out on a lined baking tray and freeze for at least 2 hours. After freezing, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months storage.
10. Step 10: When ready to cook, heat oil in a saucepan to 190°C (375°F). Set up a tray lined with paper towels and a wire rack nearby for draining.
11. Step 11: Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches of about 3, cooking until golden and crispy, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on the wire rack.
12. Step 12: Serve immediately with your favorite tomato or marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, try adding a little grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mix.
• You can switch up the herbs to fresh parsley or thyme for different flavor profiles.
• If you prefer milder heat, omit the chilli flakes or replace with smoked paprika.
• Double coating is key to preventing cheese from oozing out during frying.
• Use low moisture mozzarella to help keep the cheese firm.

Storage

Freeze the prepared mozzarella sticks before frying for up to 3 months, stored in an airtight freezer-safe bag. When ready, fry them straight from frozen; do not thaw to avoid soggy coating. Leftovers are best eaten fresh but can be reheated in a hot oven to maintain crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake mozzarella sticks instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F), place the frozen sticks on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy, turning halfway.

How do I prevent mozzarella sticks from leaking cheese during frying?

Double coating the sticks and freezing them before frying helps seal the cheese inside and prevents leakage. Using low moisture mozzarella also reduces the chance of oozing.

Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 84 reviews

These crispy and melty Mozzarella Sticks are a delightful appetizer featuring gooey low moisture mozzarella coated in a seasoned panko breadcrumb crust. Double coated and perfectly deep-fried, they offer a golden, crunchy exterior with a soft, cheesy center, ideal for dipping in marinara or tomato sauce.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes (+2 hours freezing time)
• Yield: Makes about 20 mozzarella sticks depending on size 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Mozzarella Sticks

• 200g low moisture mozzarella

Batter

• 90g plain flour (all purpose flour)
• Pinch of salt
• 150ml cold water

Breading

• 100g panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Frying

• Neutral oil for deep frying

Instructions

1. Cut the Mozzarella: Cut the block of low moisture mozzarella into even sticks about 1 cm thick for the perfect sized mozzarella sticks.
2. Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together plain flour, a pinch of salt, and cold water until smooth to form a batter.
3. Mix the Breading: In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with dried oregano, dried basil, chilli flakes (optional), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Set Up Dredging Station: Arrange the mozzarella sticks, flour batter, seasoned breadcrumbs, and a wire rack to create an efficient coating station.
5. First Coating: Dip each mozzarella stick into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture ensuring an even coating. Place coated sticks on a wire rack.
6. Rest Coated Sticks: Let the coated mozzarella sticks rest on the wire rack for 10 minutes to help the coating set.
7. Second Coating: Repeat the batter and breadcrumb coating process on each stick to create a double layer of protection and extra crispness, then rest on the rack for another 10 minutes.
8. Freeze the Sticks: Place the double-coated mozzarella sticks spaced apart on a lined baking tray and freeze for at least 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.
9. Heat Oil: When ready to cook, heat neutral oil in a saucepan to 190°C (375°F), and prepare a tray lined with paper towels and a wire rack for draining.
10. Deep Fry: Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches (about 3 at a time) to maintain oil temperature. Fry until golden and crispy, which happens quickly.
11. Drain and Serve: Remove fried sticks with a slotted spoon and place on the wire rack to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite tomato or marinara sauce.

Notes

• Using low moisture mozzarella is key to preventing excess moisture and sogginess.
• Chilling and double coating the sticks helps prevent the cheese from leaking out during frying.
• Freeze the sticks before frying for best results and to maintain shape.
• Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature steady, ensuring crisp texture.
• Optional chilli flakes add a spicy kick to the breadcrumb coating.

Keywords: Mozzarella sticks, deep fried cheese sticks, appetizer, crispy cheese sticks, panko crust, snack