Mozzarella Cheese Sticks -

Mozzarella cheese sticks are a classic appetizer that has been enjoyed for decades. The combination of crispy, seasoned breading and molten, gooey cheese is simply irresistible. While you can easily find them at restaurants and in the frozen food aisle, making them at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating perfect mozzarella cheese sticks every time, ensuring a delightful experience for both the cook and the consumer. From selecting the right mozzarella to achieving the ideal frying temperature, each step is designed to maximize flavor and texture, making this recipe a must-try for any cheese lover.

Ingredients:

16 oz block of whole milk mozzarella cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
Salt and pepper, to taste
Your favorite dipping sauce (marinara, ranch, etc.)

Preparation:

Step 1: Cut the Cheese

Begin by preparing the mozzarella cheese. Remove the mozzarella block from its packaging and place it on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the cheese into sticks. Aim for each stick to be approximately 3 inches long, ½ inch thick, and ½ inch wide. Uniformity in size is key to ensuring that the cheese sticks cook evenly, preventing some from melting too quickly while others remain cold in the center. Consistent dimensions also make for a more appealing presentation when serving. As you cut, try to maintain straight lines for a professional look. Once all the sticks are cut, set them aside momentarily while you prepare the dredging stations.

Step 2: Prepare Your Dredging Stations

The dredging process is crucial for achieving the perfect crispy coating. Set up three shallow bowls in a row to create an efficient workstation.

Bowl 1: Flour: In the first bowl, place 1 cup of all-purpose flour. This initial layer of flour acts as a base, helping the egg mixture adhere better to the cheese sticks. Season the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper for added flavor.
Bowl 2: Egg Wash: In the second bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs with 2 tablespoons of milk. The egg wash serves as the “glue” that binds the breadcrumbs to the flour-coated cheese sticks. The addition of milk lightens the egg wash, creating a smoother and more even coating. Whisk the eggs and milk thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy.
Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs: In the third bowl, combine 2 cups of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. The Italian seasoned breadcrumbs provide a base of flavor, while the garlic powder and oregano enhance the savory profile of the cheese sticks. Mix the breadcrumbs and seasonings together well to ensure they are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Coat the Cheese

The coating process is where the magic happens, transforming plain cheese sticks into crispy, golden-brown delights. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Flour Coating: Take one cheese stick at a time and gently coat it in the flour in the first bowl. Ensure that the cheese stick is completely covered with flour, pressing lightly to help the flour adhere. Once coated, gently shake off any excess flour. This step is essential as it creates a dry surface that the egg wash can grip onto effectively.
Egg Wash: Next, dip the flour-coated cheese stick into the egg wash in the second bowl. Make sure the entire cheese stick is submerged in the egg wash, allowing it to be fully coated. Use your fingers or a fork to turn the cheese stick over, ensuring all sides are covered. Lift the cheese stick out of the egg wash and let any excess drip off. The egg wash acts as the binding agent between the flour and the breadcrumbs, creating a cohesive coating.
Breadcrumb Coating: Finally, roll the egg-washed cheese stick in the breadcrumb mixture in the third bowl. Press the cheese stick gently into the breadcrumbs, ensuring that it is completely covered on all sides. The breadcrumbs should adhere firmly to the cheese stick, creating a thick and even layer. For an extra crispy crust, consider repeating the egg and breadcrumb coating process a second time. This double coating adds an extra layer of protection against cheese leakage and results in a supremely crunchy exterior.

Step 4: Freeze the Cheese Sticks

Once all the cheese sticks are coated, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange the cheese sticks in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other.

Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze the cheese sticks for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer. This step is crucial for preventing the cheese from oozing out too quickly when frying. Freezing solidifies the cheese, allowing the breadcrumb coating to crisp up before the cheese melts completely. This ensures that you get a gooey center without a messy, oily explosion.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

In a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot or skillet, pour in approximately 3-4 inches of vegetable oil or canola oil. The depth of the oil is important to ensure that the cheese sticks are fully submerged during frying, allowing them to cook evenly and develop a uniformly golden-brown crust.

Place the deep fryer or pot/skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil. The ideal frying temperature for mozzarella cheese sticks is 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the correct temperature is essential for achieving the perfect balance between crispiness and melted cheese. If the oil is too hot, the breadcrumbs will burn before the cheese melts. If the oil is not hot enough, the cheese sticks will absorb too much oil and become soggy.

Step 6: Fry the Cheese Sticks

Carefully remove the frozen cheese sticks from the freezer. Working in batches, gently lower the cheese sticks into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the fryer or pot, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking. Fry the cheese sticks for approximately 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to turn the cheese sticks over during frying, ensuring they cook evenly on all sides.

Once the cheese sticks are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer. Place the fried cheese sticks on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.

Season the hot cheese sticks with a pinch of salt, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli.

COOKING Rating:

Easy

Serving Suggestions:

Serve as an appetizer with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli.
Include them as part of a game-day spread alongside wings, nachos, and sliders.
Pair them with a fresh salad for a light and satisfying meal.
Offer them as a snack for kids and adults alike.

Tips:

For extra crispy cheese sticks, double coat them in egg and breadcrumbs.
Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature to prevent burning or soggy cheese sticks.
Don’t overcrowd the fryer; cook in batches to maintain oil temperature.
Freeze the cheese sticks for at least an hour before frying to prevent cheese leakage.
Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

5 minutes

Total Time:

25 minutes (plus 1 hour freezing time)

Nutritional Information:

Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Calories:

Approximately 250 per serving (3 cheese sticks)

Protein:

Approximately 12g per serving

Sodium:

Approximately 400mg per serving

Conclusion

These homemade mozzarella cheese sticks are a guaranteed hit. The combination of the crispy exterior and the gooey, melted cheese inside is a classic for a reason. By following this detailed recipe, you can easily create restaurant-quality cheese sticks in your own kitchen. Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a larger meal, and don’t forget your favorite dipping sauce!

Questions and Answers:

Q1: Can I use low-fat mozzarella cheese?

A: While you can use low-fat mozzarella, the results won’t be quite as gooey and satisfying. Whole milk mozzarella melts better and provides a richer flavor and texture. If you’re concerned about fat content, consider using part-skim mozzarella, but be aware that it may not melt as smoothly.

Q2: What if I don’t have Italian seasoned breadcrumbs?

A: If you don’t have Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, you can easily make your own. Simply mix plain breadcrumbs with dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, parsley, and a pinch of garlic powder. Adjust the amounts to your liking.

Q3: Can I bake these instead of frying them?

A: Yes, you can bake these cheese sticks, but the texture will be slightly different. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. Baking will result in a less greasy but slightly less crispy texture compared to frying.

Q4: How can I prevent the cheese from leaking out while frying?

A: The most important step to prevent cheese leakage is to freeze the cheese sticks for at least an hour before frying. This solidifies the cheese, allowing the breadcrumb coating to crisp up before the cheese melts completely. Additionally, make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F or 175°C) and avoid overcrowding the fryer, as this can lower the oil temperature and cause the cheese to melt too quickly. Double coating the cheese sticks in egg and breadcrumbs can also help.

Q5: What are some other dipping sauce options besides marinara and ranch?

A: There are many delicious dipping sauce options to try with mozzarella cheese sticks. Some popular choices include:

Spicy aioli: A creamy garlic mayonnaise with a kick of chili.
Honey mustard: A sweet and tangy combination of honey and mustard.
Blue cheese dressing: A rich and creamy dressing with a sharp blue cheese flavor.
Pesto: A vibrant green sauce made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
Spicy sriracha mayo: A simple mix of mayonnaise and sriracha sauce for a spicy kick. “””Ingredients Explained

Mozzarella Cheese

Use a block of good-quality whole milk mozzarella. Avoid pre-shredded cheese because it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting and texture. Cutting your own sticks ensures even melting and the ideal gooey pull.

Flour

All-purpose flour is used to create a dry coating layer that helps the egg mixture stick better.

Eggs and Milk

The egg wash acts as the glue for the breadcrumb coating. Mixing in milk lightens the wash for a smoother, even coating.

Breadcrumbs and Seasonings

Italian seasoned breadcrumbs provide flavor and crispiness. You can make your own by blending dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley with plain breadcrumbs.

Oil for Frying

Vegetable oil or canola oil are great options due to their high smoke point. Olive oil is not recommended for deep frying due to its lower smoke point.

Equipment Needed