I absolutely adore a good cheese snack, and I’m guessing you feel the same way! There’s something so comforting about warm, gooey mozzarella. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic recipes that bring that cheesy goodness right to your kitchen.
Whether you like the familiar crunch of a classic fried cheese stick or want to try something a little more special, I have you covered. Let’s make some delicious mozzarella sticks together!
Jump to Recipe:
Crispy Classic Mozzarella Sticks
These are the cheese sticks you know and love, perfect for dipping and sharing. You’ll get that satisfying crunch on the outside and warm, stretchy cheese inside every time.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Sticks
- Freezing is Key: Make sure to freeze your cheese sticks before breading and frying. This stops the cheese from melting too quickly.
- Double Breading: For the crispiest coating, I like to double bread my mozzarella sticks. It adds an extra layer of crunch.
What You Need for Mozzarella Sticks
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes (plus freezing)🍽️ Yields: 12 sticks
How to Make Classic Mozzarella Sticks
Step 1: Prep and Freeze Cheese
Take your mozzarella string cheese sticks and cut them in half if you want smaller pieces. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This step is super important for good results.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Stations
Prepare three shallow dishes. Put flour in the first dish. Beat the eggs in the second. In the third dish, mix your breadcrumbs with garlic powder and black pepper. This makes the breading process smooth.
Step 3: Bread the Sticks
Working with one frozen cheese stick at a time, first coat it in flour, shaking off any extra. Then dip it into the egg, letting extra drip off. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mix, pressing gently to make sure it’s fully covered. For a thicker coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps. Place breaded sticks back on the baking sheet and freeze for another 15 minutes.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few breaded mozzarella sticks into the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes, turning them once, until they are golden brown and crispy. Don’t crowd the pot.
Step 5: Serve Right Away
Remove the fried mozzarella sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up extra oil. Serve them immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. They are best eaten fresh.
📝 Final Note
These are best served hot and fresh. If you want to make a big batch, you can bake them instead of frying for a lighter option; bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden.
Flavorful Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
If you’re looking to elevate your cheese stick game, these are for you. Wrapping mozzarella in prosciutto adds a fantastic salty flavor and a beautiful texture that makes them truly special.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Prosciutto Mozzarella Sticks
- Thin Prosciutto: Use very thinly sliced prosciutto for the best wrapping and cooking. It gets nice and crispy.
- Secure the Wrap: Make sure to wrap the prosciutto tightly around the cheese to keep it from falling off during cooking.
What You Need for Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 12 slices thin prosciutto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Balsamic glaze, for serving (optional)
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 12 sticks
How to Make Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You want your oven hot and ready for baking these quickly.
Step 2: Wrap the Cheese
Take one slice of prosciutto and wrap it tightly around one mozzarella string cheese stick. Make sure the ends of the prosciutto overlap slightly to keep the cheese fully covered. Repeat with all the cheese sticks.
Step 3: Drizzle and Bake
Place the wrapped mozzarella sticks on your prepared baking sheet. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the prosciutto is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch them closely so they don’t get too dark.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Carefully remove the baked mozzarella sticks from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like. Serve them warm, perhaps with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy them quickly!
📝 Final Note
These are best when eaten right away while the prosciutto is crispy and the cheese is soft. You can also fry these for a minute or two per side in a pan with a little olive oil for quicker results.