Description
How to make crispy homemade mozzarella sticks with gooey melted cheese and a golden breading that are better than any restaurant’s.
Ingredients
- The Mozzarella & Breading Base:
- 16 ounces (1 pound) part-skim mozzarella cheese, cut into 32 sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 4 cups vegetable oil
- Flavor & Texture Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Essential Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Finishing Touches:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
Instructions
- Prep Stations: Slice mozzarella into sticks and set up three dishes: one with flour, one with whisked eggs and milk, and another with Panko, Parmesan, and all seasonings. This prepares your stations for truly crispy homemade mozzarella sticks.
- Dredge Sticks: Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, then dip into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Finally, coat generously in the seasoned Panko, pressing gently to adhere. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy crust.
- Double Coat & Freeze: For extra crispiness, repeat the egg wash and Panko coating once more for each stick. Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This prevents cheese from melting too fast.
- Fry Mozzarella: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the frozen sticks in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pot; this ensures even cooking and perfect crispy homemade mozzarella sticks.
- Drain & Season: Carefully remove the golden-brown mozzarella sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Sprinkle lightly with a pinch of salt immediately. This helps maintain their ultimate crispiness.
- Garnish & Serve: Arrange your delicious crispy homemade mozzarella sticks on a platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy this irresistible snack!
Notes
Don’t skip freezing coated mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes; this prevents cheese from exploding during frying.
Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
Always use Panko breadcrumbs for that ultimate restaurant-quality crunch; regular breadcrumbs won’t achieve the same crispiness.
Serve crispy mozzarella sticks immediately while hot and gooey, garnished with fresh parsley and warm marinara sauce.
Make ahead by freezing double-coated sticks for 2-3 weeks; fry directly from frozen for best results.
**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Eggs, Gluten