Name: Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 block mozzarella cheese (16 oz), cut into sticks; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 ½ cups bread crumbs (plain or seasoned); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional); ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Oil, for deep frying

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Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, homemade mozzarella sticks are a snack I love making when I’m craving something cheesy and comforting. They’re simple to prepare, and the golden crunch paired with the stretchy mozzarella inside makes them completely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it turns a block of mozzarella into one of my favorite appetizers with just a few pantry staples. I can control the seasoning, make them in advance, and freeze them for quick frying whenever I want. They’re perfect for game nights, parties, or just a cozy snack at home. Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Mozzarella cheese block
All-purpose flour
Eggs, beaten
Bread crumbs (plain or seasoned)
Italian seasoning (optional)
Garlic powder (optional)
Salt and black pepper
Oil, for frying

Directions

I cut the mozzarella block into sticks, about 3–4 inches long.
I set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned bread crumbs.
I dredge each cheese stick in flour, dip it in the egg, then coat it with bread crumbs. I repeat the egg and bread crumb coating once more for an extra-crispy crust.
I place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 1 hour to prevent the cheese from leaking during frying.
I heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (177°C) and fry the sticks in small batches for 2–3 minutes, until golden brown.
I drain them on paper towels and serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 mozzarella sticks. Prep time takes 20 minutes, plus at least 1 hour of freezing, and frying takes around 10 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I use string cheese instead of a block for convenience. I like to season the bread crumbs with paprika, cayenne, or Parmesan for extra flavor. For a baked version, I place the frozen sticks on a baking sheet, spray them with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 8–10 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

I freeze uncooked breaded mozzarella sticks for up to 2 months and fry them straight from the freezer when needed. Cooked sticks are best enjoyed fresh, but I can reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to bring back their crispiness. Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

FAQs

Why do I need to freeze the sticks before frying?

Freezing keeps the cheese from melting too quickly and oozing out during frying.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes, I air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. They come out crispy and a little lighter than the fried version.

Can I use different cheeses?

Definitely. I’ve tried pepper jack, cheddar, and provolone, and they all work well.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

I double-dip the sticks in egg and bread crumbs, which creates a thicker coating that sticks better.

What dipping sauces go well with mozzarella sticks?

I usually serve them with marinara, but ranch, garlic aioli, or even spicy buffalo sauce are great options.

Conclusion

These homemade mozzarella sticks are a cheesy, crunchy snack I enjoy making again and again. With a golden crust and melty center, they’re just as good as restaurant versions—if not better—because I can season and serve them exactly how I like.