Crispy Mozzarella Sticks

Savor the World.

Crispy Mozzarella Sticks

These Crispy Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate crunchy, creamy, cheesy snack—and totally irresistible. They’re perfect for sharing at get-togethers, movie nights, or anytime you're craving something delicious, quick, easy, and homemade. The ingredients are simple to find, and the step-by-step process couldn’t be easier. We’re pretty sure this recipe will win you over from the very first bite.

Servings:8 Sticks

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

8 mozzarella cheese sticks
1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon milk
1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil (for frying)

Tools You’ll Need

3 medium bowls
Fork or small whisk
Deep skillet or fryer
Tongs or spatula
Paper towels
Tray or flat plate

See 5 variations of the recipe at the end.

You might also be interested in:

...

Did You Know?

Some studies say that the crunching sound when you bite into something fried actually makes the food taste better. So that first crispy bite of a mozzarella stick? It's not just delicious—it’s scientifically satisfying!

Instructions

Get your bowls ready: Let’s get started! Set up three medium bowls on your counter. In the first one, add the flour.
Beat the eggs: In the second bowl, crack the eggs, add the milk, and beat them together with a fork or small whisk until smooth.
Mix the coating: In the third bowl, combine the panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix it well so every bite is flavorful.
Coat the cheese sticks: Let’s do this! Roll each mozzarella stick in the flour to coat completely. Then dip it into the egg mixture and finally into the breadcrumb mix. Press gently so the coating sticks well.
Double coat for extra crunch: Because two is better than one! Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for each stick to make them extra crispy.

Freeze before frying: Sounds weird, but trust me—place the coated sticks on a tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This keeps the cheese from melting too fast when frying.
Heat the oil: In a deep skillet or fryer, heat enough vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one, or carefully test with a bread crumb—if it sizzles, it's ready. Be careful—hot oil is no joke.
Fry the sticks: Time to fry! Cook the mozzarella sticks in small batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil hot.
Drain the oil: Don’t skip this part! Use tongs to remove the sticks and place them on paper towels to soak up any extra oil. No one likes greasy fingers.
Serve right away: That’s it! Easy, right? Enjoy them hot with gooey melted cheese inside. Pair with marinara sauce or your favorite dip.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cheese: If you don’t have mozzarella sticks, you can totally use Oaxaca cheese or American-style string cheese—both melt beautifully.
Breading: Panko can be swapped out for regular breadcrumbs. They won’t be as crispy, but still taste great.
Parmesan: No Parmesan? No worries. You can skip it or use any dry grated cheese you have on hand.
Spices: Missing garlic or onion powder? A pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning will still give great flavor.

Preparation Tips

Freeze before frying: Seriously—freeze the breaded sticks for at least 30 minutes to keep the cheese from melting too quickly.
Oven option: Trying to keep it light? Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Double coating: Don’t skip this. Go through the egg and breadcrumb steps twice for extra crunch and flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches to maintain a consistent oil temperature.
Check the oil temp: If you’ve got a kitchen thermometer, aim for 350°F (175°C). If not, test with a breadcrumb—it should sizzle.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Energy: 210 kcal
Protein: 9 g
Healthy fats: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Natural sugars: 1 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 360 mg

Nutritional Benefits

These mozzarella sticks are a fun and satisfying snack packed with protein and calcium from the cheese. The panko coating gives them that amazing crunch without needing a heavy fry, and spices like garlic and parsley add flavor without empty calories. They’re perfect for a casual get-together with friends or movie night at home—comfort food with a homemade touch that’s hard to resist.

Storing & Reheating

Storage: You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—easy.
Reheat in the oven: Just place them on a baking sheet and heat at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to bring the crunch back.
Reheat in the air fryer: Of course! Same temp and time as the oven. They’ll turn out beautifully crispy again.
Avoid the microwave: It’s fast, but not worth it. The crust gets soggy and the cheese melts too much. You’ll lose that perfect bite.

Recipe Inspiration

Mozzarella sticks are a true comfort food classic here in the U.S. They first popped up in bars and diners back in the 1970s and quickly became a crowd favorite. Whether it's game day or a chill movie night, these crispy, cheesy bites are always a hit. The best part? You can make them at home with simple ingredients and enjoy that golden, melty magic any time.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your crispy mozzarella sticks with classic marinara sauce—homemade or store-bought, both are great for dipping.
A light caprese salad with tomatoes, basil, and balsamic is a perfect fresh contrast.
Carrot or celery sticks with ranch dressing make a crunchy sidekick.
For drinks, a chilled mint lemonade is super refreshing.
And for dessert—how about a warm chocolate brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Yes, please!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make them ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bread and freeze them raw for up to a month—just fry whenever you're ready.
What kind of oil should I use? Vegetable, canola, or corn oil all work great for frying.

Can I cook them in the air fryer? Definitely! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes for a lighter take.
Can I use shredded cheese? Not recommended—it melts too fast and won’t hold the shape.
Why is my cheese leaking out? Either they weren’t cold enough or the breading wasn’t sealed properly. Try double-coating and freezing longer.

Recipe Variations

Cheddar cheese: Swap mozzarella for cheddar if you’re into bold flavor and a different melt—it’s amazing for cheddar lovers.
Spicy version: Like some heat? Add chili powder, hot paprika, or cayenne to the breadcrumbs for a spicy twist.

Baked version: Want something lighter? Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes or until golden—they’re still super tasty.
Mini sticks: One of my favorites—cut the cheese into small cubes to make bite-size party snacks. Great for kids or game night.
Pizza-style: Pizza lover? Place a slice of pepperoni between two cheese strips before breading and freezing. It’s like a gooey pizza stick surprise!

And that’s it! Now you know how to make these delicious and super easy Crispy Mozzarella Sticks at home. We hope you give them a try and enjoy them as much as we do. This kind of recipe quickly becomes a favorite—simple, tasty, and fast. Make a batch for yourself or share with your loved ones, and happy cooking!

Tastes of La Paz.