If you are looking to learn how to make homemade mozzarella sticks, you've come to the right place. Although traditional mozzarella cheese can be used, it is easiest to make with perfectly portioned sticks of string cheese and is ready to be enjoyed in 10 minutes.
You know what I absolutely crave when it is hot and muggy outside, and my house feels like a sauna? Deep fried food! Well, not typically, but Tuesday I was absolutely ravenous for some good ol' deep fried Wisconsin cheese! Cheese is to Wisconsin what corruption is to Illinois... we couldn't function without it. It's practically our state vitamin.
Heck, Wisconsin's deep fried cheese curds look like over-sized vitamins, and they sure make me feel a lot better! If you like making your own homemade mozzarella sticks, you HAVE to check out my Beer Battered Deep Fried Cheese Curds recipe too!
What Are Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a popular deep fried appetizer consisting of long slices of mozzarella cheese which are coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown and melted inside. Mozzarella sticks are most commonly served with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Can I make Mozzarella Sticks with String Cheese?
Yes, making homemade mozzarella sticks with string cheese is not a difficult proposition, particularly if you take advantage of the fact that string cheese is already in perfectly portioned sticks ready to fry! All you need to do is coat them in a breadcrumb mixture and dunk them in oil! You can even make Doritos Mozzarella Sticks if you are feeling crazy!
I use Italian breadcrumbs to make this an easy recipe, since they already contain seasoning. However, you can substitute regular bread crumbs if needed, and just add Italian seasoning to taste. You could even add black pepper and garlic powder to the bread crumb mixture.
Can I bake mozzarella sticks?
Yes, you can make homemade mozzarella sticks without frying, by baking them in the oven. However, I find baked mozzarella sticks have a higher risk of error since you can't monitor their cooking as closely. You are more likely to end up with melted white blobs than stretchy homemade cheese sticks!
Not to mention, baked mozzarella sticks aren't all that healthy either. You are still chowing down on big sticks of breaded cheese. Might as well fry them in oil, get better flavor, and have a better chance of them cooking to perfection.
If you still wish to attempt baked mozzarella sticks I recommend freezing the cheese prior to breading and baking them in a 450-degree oven until golden brown and the cheese threatens to ooze out. Freezing the cheese buys you a little more time before you have a melted disaster. Just make sure you use a rimmed baking sheet so the melting string cheese sticks don't drip to the bottom of the oven.
How to Make Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
If you don't have a deep fryer, and I don't, I recommend using a cast iron fryer. It has deep walls which is perfect for containing and oil threatening to splatter over, and the heavy nature of cast iron is perfect for maintaining a steady temperature. All of my deep frying is done exclusively in this.
Use your digital thermometer to monitor the frying oil temperature. The oil temperature will drop after adding the initial batch of breaded mozzarella sticks, so I typically increase the heat of my burner after I start frying, or raise my initial frying temperature a little over 365 to compensate for the impending drop.
For best results, it is a good idea to do a test batch with a single stick to get an idea of how quickly your mozzarella sticks will cook. If you see the gooey cheese oozing out, they are overcooking and should be removed immediately with a slotted spoon.
Once your delicious fried cheese sticks are done bathing in hot oil, place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to soak up the grease. Then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
More classic bar appetizers
- Chicken wings - can be baked in the oven!
- Homemade French fries - as good as your favorite restaurant!
- Fried green tomatoes - A southern classic!
- Burger Sliders - Perfect for a crowd!
Homemade Mozzarella Sticks with String Cheese
Equipment
- 1 Tall sided skillet
Ingredients
- 16 ounces string cheese
- 1 ½ cups Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Oil for frying
- Marinara for dipping
Instructions
- Fill a tall-sided heavy skillet with a couple of inches of oil and heat to 365 degrees.
- Whisk together milk and egg in a bowl.
- Add breadcrumbs to a separate bowl.
- Dip mozzarella string cheese in the beaten eggs, then breadcrumbs, then add a second coating by dipping the cheese sticks in the egg mixture again and breadcrumbs again.
- Deep fry the coated mozzarella sticks in batches until the crust is golden brown, about 1 minute.
- Remove from fryer and let drain on paper towels, then serve with marinara sauce.
Notes
Nutritional Information
If you enjoyed reading my homemade mozzarella sticks recipe then you should probably like me on Facebook and follow me on Pinterest too. That’s what I would do at least, because if you don’t get to know me but you still use my recipe it is kind of like taking candy from a stranger, and your mom taught you not to do that. Don’t disobey your mom, subscribe to Fox Valley Foodie today.
This recipe was originally published on FoxValleyFoodie.com July 15, 2015.
Samantha Parrott
My names is Samantha,I just wanted to right to your company and make a suggestion. I was wondering what u would think about doing a deep fried pepperjack cheese stick. I was at home making homemade onion rings, and then I had some pepperjack cheese in my fridge so I grabbed it out of fridge and thought I wonder what this would taste like if I do poured in batter and deep fried it. I did it and it was so good, had that kick to it. So if I were u I'd give it a try.
Fox Valley Foodie
Thanks Samantha, I love pepperjack cheese, I have no doubt that would be fantastic!
Willow
My daughter Jaycie and I made this. It was terrible. IDK what happend. THIS WAS GROSS! Do you know why? Plz answer. Thx.
Fox Valley Foodie
You'll have to give us more information before we can tell you what you did wrong. Can you please clarify exactly what issues you experienced?
Willow
There was cheese all over the place after frying!
Fox Valley Foodie
Ok that is an easy one. It just needed to be cooked less. If the oil temperature is too high, or it is left in the oil too long, it will become too melty and fall apart. Basically, like the recipe notes explained, if you over fry it the cheese will be too melted and unruly.
Mary
The Illinois joke is in bad taste, just like this recipe. Shame on you.
Fox Valley Foodie
I bet you're a hoot at parties.
Jeff
Lady, you are crazy. The joke is hilarious and the recipe is spot on!
Deborah Case
I agree!!
Natlaie
Does it only severe 4 mozzarella sticks or does it severe more?
Fox Valley Foodie
It depends on how much string cheese is in your 16 oz package. If your package has 12 sticks of cheese, it will make 12 mozzarella sticks.
Arianne
I dipped my cheese sticks in egg and then bread crumbs 2x and the crust came out perfect. Love how easy this is! Once you freeze them, are you supposed to fry them again to reheat or bake them?
BarcaBakes
Love Mozzarella sticks, but any other cheese you'd recommend. I love the texture of Mozzarella, but I find the flavor a little boring. Like something strong and punchy!
Fox Valley Foodie
Any of your favorite cheeses will work just fine. Provolone or brick cheese would be two mild alternatives that have a bit more flavor. They also melt nicely.
Matt Hut
Great Recipe! I used the link in my most recent blog post. Hope you don't mind!
http://cateringforacrowd.com/food-ideas-for-a-graduation-party/
Nate
Made this but instead of breadcrumbs I use Doritos crushed up, 900% better
Fox Valley Foodie
You sir are a genious.
Strawberry-wine-
Fantastic idea thank you ever so much for sharing.
kate b
I used buttermilk instead of regular milk. And I added a little extra seasoning to the breadcrumbs. I think cheese is messy no matter how you fry it. Just keep your eye on it. Mine took less than a minute in the fryer. They tasted great
Juan cena
A delectable sensation for my tastebuds!
Jessica @ Citrus Blossom Bliss
I was looking for a fun and homemade appetizer for NYE and I think I've found just the thing! 🙂
Megan
I made these the exact way it says and it's **** terrible. The bread crumbs won't even stick to the cheese stick even if we manage by some miracle to get it to stay it cooks the crumbs off! And we end up with a melted cheese blob!
Fox Valley Foodie
I'm sorry it didn't turn out for you. Breading and deep frying can certainly be a challenge for many people. Dipping deep fried food in an egg wash then breadcrumbs is a tried and true practice that has been around forever. I recommend giving it a little practice and you'll get it. It sounds like your breadcrumbs may have gotten soggy, I've found they don't coat as well if they aren't dry. Also be sure you are letting the egg wash drip off so globs of it don't come off in the breadcrumbs.
Tabitha L Cook
Thanks for the tips! I suck at this frying thing
Melody
Yum these look simply delicious!! Thank you for this! ?
diane gardiner
can you freeze for later and how long will they freeze, the cheese sticks
Fox Valley Foodie
Yes, you can freeze them. I suspect they would last quite a while in the freezer if stored properly.
Danielle
Can you premake these and freeze them for later?
Fox Valley Foodie
Yes, that would work well. Freezing would also help prevent the cheese from overcooking too quickly.
Nancy
Made these tonight as an appetizer to an Italian dinner. Wow, they're amazing. I cut the string cheese sticks in half before breading them. Didn't change the recipe at all, but it made it easier to dip without double dipping in some marinara sauce. My family loved this recipe! Will make again for sure!
Fox Valley Foodie
Fantastic! I am glad it worked out for you! Cutting the sticks in half was a great idea too 🙂
April
Can you just dip the cheese in the egg and bread crumb once?
Fox Valley Foodie
Probably, but the coating will be thinner and may not stay on as well.
Ashleigh
These turned out perfect!simple and delicious!
Fox Valley Foodie
Fantastic! Thanks for the feedback!
Pepper Dasnee
Looks perfect!!! I want to make this 🙂
Kylie C
This sounds perfect,.. But I wonder if I could bake them to make it a little healthier?
Fox Valley Foodie
Yes, there are recipes for baked mozzarella sticks. Bake at 350 degrees for 5-6 minutes. Though, if I am eating a big stick of cheese I figure in for a penny, in for a pound! 🙂
dad
why would you bake them. it kills the flavor!
theartinpartyplanning
What a great appetizer idea! I feel like I've been in an appetizer rut this summer! This will help change it up! Thanks!
Fox Valley Foodie
Fantastic! I hope you enjoy it!
Kevin Furlong
"Not to mention, baked mozzarella sticks aren’t all that healthy either. You are still chowing down on big sticks of breaded cheese. Might as well fry them in oil, get better flavor, and have a better chance of them cooking to perfection."
Amen. I'm gonna be deep frying this recipe later on. Thanks for the recipe and tips!