Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe

Mozzarella cheese sticks: These are the main ingredient and provide the gooey, cheesy center.

All-purpose flour: Used for the initial dredging to help the egg and breadcrumb coating adhere.

Breadcrumbs: Creates the crispy outer layer.

Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese sticks.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the breadcrumb coating.

Onion powder: Enhances the flavor of the breadcrumb mixture.

Dried oregano: Adds a hint of herbaceous flavor to the coating.

Vegetable oil: Used for frying the cheese sticks to golden perfection.

When preparing mozzarella cheese sticks, ensure that the oil is at the right temperature before frying. If the oil is too hot, the cheese sticks will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining cold on the inside. Conversely, if the oil is not hot enough, the cheese sticks will absorb too much oil and become greasy. A good way to test the oil temperature is to drop a small piece of bread into the oil; it should sizzle and turn golden brown in about 60 seconds.

• mozzarella cheese sticks - Substitute with string cheese: String cheese is essentially mozzarella and has a similar texture and flavor, making it a convenient alternative.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can provide a similar coating and crispiness when frying, though it may result in a slightly different texture.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and flakier, providing an extra crispy texture to the fried cheese sticks.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese sticks and adds a slight tangy flavor.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can offer a fresh and slightly sweet onion flavor.

• dried oregano - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano has a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to dried oregano.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it suitable for frying.

• Allow the fried mozzarella cheese sticks to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching each other.
• Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze the mozzarella sticks for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. This step helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the mozzarella sticks to a resealable plastic freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through and the coating is crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the mozzarella sticks in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Serve the reheated mozzarella sticks immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake for 5-10 minutes or until they are heated through and the cheese is melty.
  4. For extra crispiness, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the mozzarella sticks in a single layer.
  3. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and crispy.
  4. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the mozzarella sticks on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking halfway through.
  3. Note: This method may result in less crispy mozzarella sticks but is the quickest option.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the mozzarella sticks on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melty.
  4. For extra crispiness, use the broil function for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely.

• Three bowls: For setting up the breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.

• Whisk: To beat the eggs until smooth.

• Frying pan: To heat the vegetable oil and fry the mozzarella sticks.

• Tongs: To turn the mozzarella sticks while frying and to remove them from the pan.

• Paper towels: To drain the excess oil from the fried mozzarella sticks.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the flour, breadcrumbs, and vegetable oil.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.

• Plate: To hold the breaded mozzarella sticks before frying.

• Slotted spoon: An alternative to tongs for removing the mozzarella sticks from the oil.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano ahead of time.

Freeze mozzarella sticks: Freeze the mozzarella sticks for 30 minutes before breading to prevent them from melting too quickly during frying.

Double breading: Ensure an extra crunchy texture by repeating the egg and breadcrumb coating process.

Use a deep fryer: If available, use a deep fryer instead of a frying pan for more even cooking and to save time.

Batch frying: Fry multiple mozzarella sticks at once to reduce overall cooking time.