Why Make This Recipe
Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are a delightful snack that brings joy to all food lovers. With their gooey cheese center and crispy coating, these treats are perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a tasty indulgence. Making mozzarella sticks at home is not only fun but also allows you to customize them to suit your taste. You can experiment with different breadcrumbs or spices, and you know exactly what goes into your snack. Plus, they are much fresher than store-bought options, making them extra special.
How to Make Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients:
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Prepare the Cheese: Start by cutting the mozzarella cheese into sticks about 1/2 inch thick. This is the perfect size for a good cheese pull when they are cooked.
Set Up Your Breading Station: Create a breading station by placing flour in one bowl, beating the eggs in a second bowl, and mixing breadcrumbs with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a third bowl. Having everything ready makes the process smoother.
Dredge the Cheese Sticks: Take each cheese stick and coat it in flour first. This helps the egg stick better. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture until it’s fully coated. Repeat for all cheese sticks.
Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a deep frying pan or pot, making sure there’s enough to submerge the cheese sticks. Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C). You can test if it’s ready by dropping in a breadcrumb; if it sizzles, the oil is hot enough.
Fry the Cheese Sticks: Carefully place a few cheese sticks in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Drain and Garnish: Once you’ve fried all the sticks, drain them on paper towels. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your crispy mozzarella sticks right away with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli. Enjoy the gooey center and crispy outside that makes them so irresistible!
How to Serve Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are best served hot and fresh. Present them on a platter with a selection of dipping sauces for variety. Marinara sauce is the classic choice, but you can also serve them with ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or even a spicy aioli for those who enjoy some heat. Add some fresh veggies or a simple salad on the side for a more balanced snack.
How to Store Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
If you have leftovers (which can be hard to do!), let the mozzarella sticks cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you want to enjoy them again, reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soggy.
Tips to Make Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella will give you the best flavor and texture. It melts beautifully and pulls apart well when bitten into.
Double Dipping: For an extra crispy crust, consider double dredging the cheese sticks. After the initial coating of breadcrumbs, repeat the process of dipping in eggs and then breadcrumbs again.
Chill Before Frying: After breading the sticks, place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes before frying. This helps prevent the cheese from oozing out and makes for a more favorable fry.
Use the Right Oil: Choose an oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. This will help achieve the right texture without burning.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in batches ensures even cooking and prevents the temperature of the oil from dropping too much, which can lead to soggy sticks.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your breadcrumb mixture for a kick.
- Cheese Blends: Try adding different types of cheese to the mozzarella, like cheddar or pepper jack, for a varied flavor profile.
- Herb Flavored: Mix in dried herbs like thyme or oregano into the breadcrumb mixture for a more aromatic taste.
FAQs
1. Can I bake mozzarella sticks instead of frying them?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray them with cooking oil and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Can I freeze the mozzarella sticks before frying?
Absolutely! After breading, place the sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can fry them straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. What dipping sauces go well with mozzarella sticks?
Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but you can also serve them with ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or even some spicy sriracha sauce for a unique twist.
These Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are sure to be a hit at any gathering or simple snack time. Enjoy making and sharing them, and savor the deliciousness!
Print
Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful crispy mozzarella sticks with a gooey cheese center, perfect for parties or movie nights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese: Cut the mozzarella cheese into sticks about 1/2 inch thick.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: Place flour in one bowl, beat the eggs in a second bowl, and mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
- Dredge the Cheese Sticks: Coat each cheese stick in flour, dip into beaten eggs, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a deep frying pan or pot, heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Cheese Sticks: Fry them for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Drain and Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
For extra crispiness, consider double dredging the cheese sticks and chilling them before frying.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg