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Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
Cheesy, crispy, and oh-so-delicious, these mozzarella cheese sticks are perfect for snacking or as an appetizer. With their gooey insides and crunchy exteriors, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering or family meal. Let’s dive into why you should make these, what you’ll need, and how to create this tasty treat.
Why make this recipe
Who doesn’t love mozzarella cheese sticks? They are a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in. With a bit of prep and minimal cooking time, you can enjoy these homemade delights that are much better than store-bought versions. Whether you fry or bake them, they are sure to wow your taste buds!
Ingredients
- 16 string cheese sticks
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ½ cups peanut or vegetable oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce (warmed)
- 1 Tablespoon minced parsley for garnishing (optional)
How to make it
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Slice each string cheese stick in half crosswise so you have 32 pieces of cheese total.
- Pour flour into a pie dish or shallow bowl.
- Add eggs to a second pie dish or shallow bowl and beat with a fork.
- Add bread crumbs, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder to a food processor and pulse the mixture until finely ground.
- Pour the breadcrumb mixture into a third pie dish or shallow bowl.
- Take a piece of cheese and coat it in flour, turning to cover it completely. Then, dip it in the egg, coating it well.
- Next, add the cheese to the breadcrumbs and turn to coat thoroughly. Finally, place the coated cheese stick on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining cheese sticks.
- Freeze the cheese sticks in a single layer for 2 hours or overnight.
- For frying, line a baking sheet with 3 layers of paper towels and set aside.
- Add oil to a large pot and heat it over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 400 degrees F.
- Fry a few cheese sticks in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- Move the fried cheese sticks to the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- Repeat frying with the remaining mozzarella cheese sticks.
- Optionally, garnish mozzarella sticks with minced parsley and serve them with warmed marinara sauce.
For baking:
- Move the oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack inside the pan right on top of the foil. Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the mozzarella cheese sticks on top of the wire rack and spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray or brush them with olive oil.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the cheese sticks are golden brown. Allow them to cool for 3 minutes before garnishing with minced parsley if desired. Serve with warmed marinara sauce.
How to serve it
Serve these mozzarella cheese sticks warm, alongside a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with minced parsley for an added touch. They are perfect as a snack during movie night, a party appetizer, or even as a side dish for lunch or dinner.
How to store it
If you have any leftover mozzarella sticks, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen before frying. Simply wrap them securely and place them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, fry or bake them straight from the freezer.
Helpful tips
- Make sure the cheese sticks are frozen before frying to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.
- If you’re baking, ensure the wire rack is nonstick to prevent any sticking during cooking.
- For an extra crunchy texture, consider double-coating the cheese sticks by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
Optional variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for a unique flavor twist.
- Try adding herbs like basil or thyme for an aromatic twist in the breadcrumb mix.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives a lighter, crispier texture.
What should I do if I don’t have marinara sauce?
You can serve the cheese sticks with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or any other dipping sauce you prefer.
Can I make these cheese sticks ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare, coat, and freeze them ahead of time. Just fry or bake them when you’re ready to enjoy!
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
Cheesy, crispy, and delicious mozzarella cheese sticks, perfect for snacking or as an appetizer, with gooey insides and crunchy exteriors.
Ingredients
Cheese and Coating
- 16 sticks string cheese sticks Slice each stick in half for 32 pieces.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs Beaten.
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs For the coating.
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Cooking Ingredients
- 2½ cups peanut or vegetable oil For frying.
- 1 cup marinara sauce Warmed, for serving.
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley For garnishing (optional).
Instructions
Preparation
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Slice each string cheese stick in half crosswise so you have 32 pieces.
- Pour flour into a pie dish or shallow bowl.
- Add eggs to a second pie dish or shallow bowl and beat with a fork.
- Add bread crumbs, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder to a food processor and pulse until finely ground.
- Pour the breadcrumb mixture into a third pie dish or shallow bowl.
- Coat each cheese piece in flour, dip in egg, and then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Place the coated cheese sticks on the baking sheet and repeat until all are coated.
- Freeze the cheese sticks in a single layer for 2 hours or overnight.
Cooking - Frying
- Line another baking sheet with 3 layers of paper towels and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 400 degrees F.
- Fry a few cheese sticks in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Transfer fried cheese sticks to the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- Repeat frying with remaining cheese sticks.
- Garnish with minced parsley and serve with warmed marinara sauce.
Cooking - Baking
- Move the oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack inside the pan, spraying with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place mozzarella cheese sticks on the wire rack and spray or brush the tops with oil.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes until golden brown and allow to cool for 3 minutes before garnishing.
- Serve with warmed marinara sauce.
Notes
Store leftover cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen before frying; wrap securely and freeze for up to 2 months. Fry or bake from frozen.
