Crispy Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Introduction
Mozzarella sticks are a deliciously crispy and cheesy appetizer that everyone loves. These golden fried treats are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz low moisture mozzarella, cut into sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil, for deep frying
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the mozzarella into evenly sized sticks, about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, and water to create a smooth batter for coating the cheese sticks.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with dried oregano, dried basil, chili flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Step 4: Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour paste, then coat it with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Repeat this step once more to ensure a thick crust.
- Step 5: Place the coated sticks on a baking tray and freeze for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Step 6: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 7: Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Freeze the mozzarella sticks thoroughly before frying to prevent cheese from oozing out during cooking.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Try baking instead of frying by placing the coated sticks on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway.
- Serve with marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli for delicious dipping options.
Storage
Store any leftover fried mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Unfried, coated sticks can be frozen for up to 1 month before frying.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of low moisture mozzarella?
Fresh mozzarella has more moisture and will melt faster, causing the coating to fall off. Low moisture mozzarella sticks hold their shape better when fried.
Why do I need to freeze the coated mozzarella sticks before frying?
Freezing helps the cheese stay firm, preventing it from melting too quickly and leaking out during the frying process.
PrintCrispy Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Crispy, golden mozzarella sticks coated in a seasoned panko breadcrumb crust, perfect as a savory appetizer or snack. These mozzarella sticks are double-coated for extra crunch, then deep-fried until the cheese inside melts to gooey perfection.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cheese
- 12 sticks of low moisture mozzarella cheese, about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick
Flour Paste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup water
Breadcrumb Coating
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Frying
- Vegetable oil or canola oil, enough for deep frying (about 4 cups)
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Sticks: Cut the low moisture mozzarella into sticks, roughly 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
- Make Flour Paste: In a bowl, combine flour, salt, and water to form a smooth, slightly thick batter. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese sticks.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs with dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes (if using), and black pepper until evenly combined.
- First Coating: Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour paste, ensuring full coverage, then roll it in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.
- Second Coating: For extra crunch, dip the coated sticks back into the flour paste and again roll them in the breadcrumb mixture, double coating each stick thoroughly.
- Freeze: Place the double-coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for at least 1 hour to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a deep heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C), ensuring enough oil to fully submerge the sticks.
- Deep Fry: Fry mozzarella sticks in small batches for about 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally. Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain & Serve: Remove fried mozzarella sticks with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce while hot and melty inside.
Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying is crucial to prevent the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
- Use low moisture mozzarella for best texture and less watery results.
- Adjust seasoning in breadcrumb mix to your taste; chili flakes add a bit of heat but can be omitted.
- Monitor oil temperature carefully; frying too hot or cold can affect crispiness and melting.
Keywords: mozzarella sticks, fried cheese sticks, appetizer, snack, crispy cheese
