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Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

4.9 from 14 reviews

Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these homemade Mozzarella Sticks are a deliciously addictive snack or appetizer. Coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and double-dipped in a light flour batter, then deep-fried to golden perfection, they’re perfect served hot alongside your favorite marinara or tomato dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Mozzarella Sticks

  • 200g low moisture mozzarella

Batter

  • 90g plain flour (all purpose flour)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 150ml cold water

Seasoned Breadcrumb Coating

  • 100g panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Frying

  • Neutral oil for deep frying (e.g. vegetable or canola oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks: Cut the block of low moisture mozzarella cheese into sticks about 1cm thick. The size can be adjusted based on preference, but this thickness provides a good balance between bite and melt.
  2. Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, a pinch of salt, and cold water until you have a smooth, pourable batter with no lumps. This will be used to coat the mozzarella sticks before the breadcrumb mixture.
  3. Prepare the Seasoned Breadcrumbs: In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with dried oregano, dried basil, chilli flakes (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
  4. Set Up the Dredging Station: Arrange the mozzarella sticks, bowl of batter, bowl of seasoned breadcrumbs, and a wire rack in a convenient sequence for coating. This will streamline the breading process.
  5. First Coating: Dip each mozzarella stick into the batter, turning gently to coat fully. Lift with a fork allowing excess batter to drip off. Then transfer the stick into the panko breadcrumb mixture, rolling and tossing with your hands to ensure even coverage. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs and place the coated stick on the wire rack.
  6. Let Coating Set: After coating all sticks once, allow them to rest on the wire rack for 10 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better in the next step.
  7. Second Coating: Repeat the dipping and breadcrumb coating process for a second layer. This double coating helps prevent cheese from oozing out during frying and creates an extra crispy crust. Return the double coated sticks to the wire rack and let them sit for another 10 minutes.
  8. Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks: Arrange the coated sticks spaced apart on a lined baking tray, then freeze for a minimum of 2 hours. After freezing, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.
  9. Heat the Oil: When ready to cook, heat neutral oil in a saucepan or deep fryer to 190°C (375°F). Prepare a tray lined with paper towels and a wire rack next to the frying station for draining excess oil.
  10. Deep Fry: Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches of about 3 to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding. Fry until golden and crispy, which should take only a few minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon or strainer and place on the wire rack to drain.
  11. Serve Immediately: Serve the hot mozzarella sticks right away with your favorite tomato sauce or marinara sauce for dipping to enjoy the best melty, crispy experience.

Notes

  • Using low moisture mozzarella sticks is key to prevent excessive cheese leakage during frying.
  • Double coating ensures a stronger, crispier crust and reduces the chance of cheese bursting through.
  • Freezing before frying is essential for maintaining the shape and preventing the cheese from melting too quickly.
  • The optional chilli flakes add a subtle heat, but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
  • Make sure the oil temperature stays steady at 190°C (375°F) for best frying results.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, fried cheese sticks, appetizer, snack, panko breadcrumb, deep fried mozzarella, easy snack recipe