Description
Classic Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are crispy, cheesy snacks perfect for dipping in marinara sauce. This recipe features mozzarella cheese coated in an Italian-seasoned breadcrumb mixture, double breaded for extra crunch, and fried to golden perfection. You can also prepare them using an air fryer or oven with detailed instructions.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 1 pound block whole milk mozzarella cheese
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
Breading Mixture
- 2 cups plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup grated parmesan
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying, about 2 quarts
Instructions
- Slice Mozzarella: Slice the 1 pound block of whole milk mozzarella cheese into 16 sticks of roughly equal size to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl or shallow dish large enough to hold a cheese stick, whisk together the 2 large eggs and ¼ cup milk until well combined.
- Prepare Breading: In another small bowl, mix together 2 cups plain breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese.
- First Coating: Dip each mozzarella stick first into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, then immediately coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Second Coating: Repeat the dipping in egg wash followed by another coating in the breadcrumb mixture to create a double breaded crust for extra crunch.
- Freeze: Arrange the double-breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet or freezer-safe plate and freeze for at least one hour to prevent cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
- Heat Oil: When ready to cook, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, wide pot over medium heat to a temperature between 350 and 365 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fry Mozzarella Sticks: Fry 3-4 sticks at a time for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Maintain oil temperature between 350 and 365 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal results.
- Drain: Remove cooked mozzarella sticks with a slotted spoon and place on a paper-towel lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the mozzarella sticks immediately while hot and crispy, with marinara sauce for dipping if desired.
- Optional Air Fryer Method: Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Arrange mozzarella sticks in a single layer and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, and watch carefully to prevent cheese leakage.
- Optional Oven Method: Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray and place frozen mozzarella sticks on it. Lightly spray the sticks and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through baking.
Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks before cooking is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out during cooking.
- Double breading helps to create a sturdy coating that holds the cheese well.
- The oil temperature must be monitored closely to maintain between 350-365°F for perfect frying results.
- The recipe can be adapted for air fryer or oven cooking if you prefer a lower-fat or less greasy option.
- Serve immediately for best texture and taste.
- Using whole milk mozzarella provides a creamy, melty interior while maintaining the right firmness for cutting.
