Crispy Gooey Mozzarella Sticks (Printable version)

Golden and gooey mozzarella sticks with a crispy coating, ideal for pairing with tangy marinara sauce.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cheese

01 - 14 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½ x 3-inch sticks

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 2 tbsp milk
05 - 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
06 - ½ tsp garlic powder
07 - ½ tsp dried Italian herbs
08 - ½ tsp salt
09 - ¼ tsp black pepper

→ For Frying

10 - Vegetable oil for deep frying

→ To Serve

11 - Marinara sauce for dipping

# How-To Steps:

01 - Place flour in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, whisk eggs with milk. In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
02 - Dredge each stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps to double-coat.
03 - Arrange coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour until firm to prevent cheese leakage during frying.
04 - Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F.
05 - Fry sticks in batches for 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding.
06 - Remove sticks with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The double-breading trick creates a shatteringly crisp crust that stays crunchy even as the cheese melts inside.
  • Freezing beforehand means no more sad cheese explosions or empty shells—it actually works.
  • They're foolproof enough for a weeknight snack but impressive enough to serve at gatherings.
02 -
  • Skipping the freezing step is the biggest mistake—I learned this the expensive way by watching cheese erupt into the oil like a tiny volcano.
  • The double-breading makes all the difference between a thin, fragile crust and one that actually holds up to that molten cheese inside.
03 -
  • Low-moisture mozzarella is your friend here—it won't leak as readily as fresh mozzarella, so your sticks stay intact.
  • If you want a spicy version, add a pinch of chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture and watch your guests light up in surprise.
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