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Easy Irresistible Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe

Easy Irresistible Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 18 reviews

These Easy Irresistible Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are a crispy, gooey appetizer perfect for any occasion. With a seasoned breadcrumb coating and melty mozzarella center, they’re fried to golden perfection and best served with warm marinara sauce for dipping. This recipe is straightforward, making homemade cheese sticks accessible and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Sticks

  • 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks

Breading

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper

For Frying & Serving

  • Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill 2-3 inches in a deep fryer or Dutch oven)
  • Marinara sauce, warmed, for dipping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheese: Cut the 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks in half lengthwise, creating 24 shorter sticks for easier breading and frying.
  2. Heat the Oil: In a Dutch oven or deep fryer, heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot enough for frying but not smoking.
  3. Combine Breadcrumbs and Seasonings: In a shallow bowl or pie plate, mix 1 cup of unseasoned breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, a pinch of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a flavorful coating.
  4. Coat Cheese Sticks with Flour: Dredge each mozzarella stick thoroughly in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, making sure to cover all sides and ends well. Shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping.
  5. Dip in Egg Wash: Beat 2 large eggs in a small bowl. Dip each floured cheese stick into the eggs, coating every surface including the ends to ensure the breadcrumbs will stick properly.
  6. Coat with Breadcrumb Mixture: Roll the egg-coated sticks in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to cover completely and evenly on all sides and ends. Take your time to avoid bare spots.
  7. Fry the Cheese Sticks: Fry the coated sticks in the preheated oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
  8. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet or on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately alongside warmed marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Make sure the oil maintains a consistent 350°F temperature for even frying.
  • To prevent cheese leakage, freeze the coated sticks for 30 minutes before frying.
  • Use good-quality mozzarella string cheese for best melting and flavor.
  • You can bake instead of fry: preheat oven to 400°F and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Serve immediately for the crispiest texture; cheese sticks tend to get soggy if left out too long.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella cheese sticks, cheese sticks, fried cheese sticks, appetizer, Italian appetizer, mozzarella sticks recipe

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