Homemade Fried Mozzarella Sticks

Crispy on the outside, perfectly gooey on the inside, these homemade fried mozzarella sticks are a total crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to assemble and ideal for parties, game days, or anytime you want a nostalgic comfort-food snack. Freezing the coated sticks ensures that the cheese stays put while frying, giving you that classic stretch. Serve them hot with marinara sauce for the ultimate appetizer everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups Italian-style dried breadcrumbs
• 1 1/3 cups freshly grated Parmesan, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Two 16-ounce packages mozzarella cheese sticks
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

Directions

1. Combine breadcrumbs, 1 cup Parmesan, and salt in a medium bowl.
2. Cut each mozzarella stick in half.
3. Dip cheese sticks into beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.
4. Coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere completely.
5. Repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb coating for a second layer.
6. Arrange coated sticks on a baking sheet, cover, and freeze for 2 hours.
7. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
8. Fry sticks in batches for about 1 minute per side, until golden.
9. Transfer to a plate and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
10. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 150 minutes
Kcal: ~250 kcal per serving | Servings: 8

Tips

• For extra-crispy coating, use very finely grated Parmesan so it blends smoothly with the breadcrumbs.
• Freeze the coated sticks solid—this prevents the cheese from leaking during frying.

FAQ

Why do I have to freeze the mozzarella sticks?
Freezing keeps the cheese from melting too quickly and oozing out in the oil.

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes—bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, though they won’t be as crisp as fried.

Can I use string cheese?
Absolutely. Standard packaged mozzarella string cheese works perfectly.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep cooled sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

Can I make them ahead?
Yes—store the breaded, frozen sticks in a freezer bag for up to 1 month and fry straight from frozen.