Golden on the outside, melty and gooey on the inside — these homemade mozzarella sticks are everything a snack should be. With a double-breaded crust and an ultra-cheesy center, they rival any restaurant appetizer.
📋 Recipe Card
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Freeze Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Dietary Tags: Vegetarian | Kid-Friendly | Party Food
🧾 Ingredients
1 block mozzarella cheese, whole milk preferred
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tbsp milk
1½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
🔧 Equipment Needed
Sharp knife
3 shallow bowls
Parchment-lined baking sheet
Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
Cooking thermometer
Slotted spoon or spider strainer
Paper towels
👨🍳 Instructions
Cut the Cheese
Slice mozzarella block into sticks about 3″ long by ½” wide and thick. Uniform size ensures even melting.
Set Up Dredging Stations
Bowl 1: All-purpose flour
Bowl 2: Eggs + milk, whisked
Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs, garlic powder & oregano mixed in
Coat the Cheese Sticks
Roll each stick in flour (shake off excess)
Dip into egg wash until fully coated
Press into seasoned breadcrumbs
Optional: Double dip in egg and breadcrumbs for extra crispiness
Freeze to Set
Lay coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 1 hour. This prevents leaking during frying.
Heat Oil
In a pot or fryer, heat 3–4 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
Fry in Batches
Drop a few frozen sticks in at a time. Fry for 1–2 minutes, until golden. Don’t overcrowd — it drops the oil temp.
Drain & Serve
Use a slotted spoon to remove. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with marinara sauce, ranch, or spicy dip.
🔥 Pro Tips
Freezing is essential — don’t skip it or the cheese will ooze out too fast.
Use whole milk mozzarella — better melt, better stretch!
Double bread for that signature restaurant-style crunch.
Don’t overcrowd the oil — it’ll turn soggy instead of crispy.
📸 Introduction
Whether you’re prepping for a game day spread, a party appetizer, or just a next-level snack attack, these mozzarella cheese sticks deliver. The extra crispy shell hugs a molten mozzarella core — and once you make them from scratch, you may never buy frozen again.
👣 Step-by-Step Visual Guide
🧊 1. Cut & Freeze
Cut the cheese into uniform sticks and coat them well — freezing ensures they stay solid in the fryer.
🥣 2. Triple Bowl Dredge
Dry–wet–dry coating creates the barrier that holds everything together when frying.
🍳 3. Fry Hot & Fast
Quick frying at the right temperature gives you golden, crunchy perfection with a gooey center.
🧂 Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
🧀 Cheese
Whole milk mozzarella melts best — skip pre-shredded.
Try string cheese sticks for convenience (just cut in half).
🍞 Breadcrumbs
Use panko for extra crunch.
No Italian breadcrumbs? Add dried basil, parsley, oregano to plain crumbs.
🌱 Dairy-Free Option
Use vegan mozzarella and plant-based milk and egg substitute. Test the freeze time for best results.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
🧄 Dips to Pair
Classic marinara
Ranch dressing
Garlic aioli or spicy Sriracha mayo
Buffalo sauce or pesto
🧀 Party Platter Additions
Mini meatballs
Loaded potato skins
Stuffed jalapeños
🧊 Storage & Reheating
🧺 Storage
Freeze extra uncooked sticks for up to 1 month
Store cooked leftovers in the fridge for 2–3 days
🔁 Reheating
Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes
Air Fryer: 350°F for 5–6 minutes
Avoid microwave — it ruins the crispy texture
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bake instead of fry?
A: Yes! Brush with oil and bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Not as crispy, but still delicious.
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Definitely. Bread and freeze them ahead of time. Fry just before serving.
Q: Why are my cheese sticks leaking?
A: They likely weren’t frozen long enough or your oil wasn’t hot enough. Always freeze at least 1 hour and use a thermometer.
🧡 Final Thoughts
Once you master these homemade mozzarella sticks, they’ll become a regular in your snack rotation. There’s nothing quite like the crispy crunch followed by that glorious cheese pull. Perfect for dipping, sharing, and impressing — or just treating yourself.