If you’re craving a cheesy snack that’s quick and satisfying, these homemade mozzarella sticks are a must-try. With a crispy golden crust and a gooey center, they make the perfect appetizer or game-day treat. You won’t believe how easy they are to make, and they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Get ready to enjoy every bite!
Steps
- Crush panko crumbs using a rolling pin or mallet and transfer them to a shallow dish. Mix in Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, pepper, and salt until well combined.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until fully scrambled. In a separate bowl, place the all-purpose flour.
- If using a mozzarella block, cut it into 15 sticks. Dip each stick into the flour, shake off excess, then dip in the beaten egg allowing excess to drip off before coating completely with the panko mixture.
- Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Freeze the sticks for at least one hour.
- To fry, heat vegetable oil in a saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry two sticks at a time until golden brown, about one minute, making sure the oil returns to the correct temperature before starting a new batch.
- For baking, preheat the oven to 415°F (210°C), line a baking sheet with foil, and spray with cooking spray. Bake the sticks for 10-15 minutes until they begin to turn golden.
- To air fry, heat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray. Cook the sticks for 6-8 minutes, tossing halfway, until they are golden and crispy.
- Serve the mozzarella sticks warm with your choice of dipping sauce, such as marinara.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (106 g) plain Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (63 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 lb whole milk mozzarella block or 15 whole milk string cheese sticks
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2070kcal | Carbohydrates: 120g | Protein: 135g | Fat: 120g | Saturated Fat: 60g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g | Monounsaturated Fat: 30g | Trans Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 690mg | Sodium: 4215mg | Potassium: 750mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 3570IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 2535mg | Iron: 15mg
FAQ
- Can I cook mozzarella sticks using an air fryer?
- Yes, air frying is a great alternative for making mozzarella sticks. The recipe notes provide detailed instructions for air frying.
- Why did my mozzarella sticks turn out empty?
- This can happen if they are cooked for too long or at too high a temperature. Inadequate chilling or incomplete coating may also cause the cheese to escape.
- Is it possible to use string cheese for homemade mozzarella sticks?
- Yes, string cheese is an option, but block mozzarella tends to offer better flavor and texture. Plus, you’ll typically get more sticks from a block.
- What is the key to achieving a crispy coating on mozzarella sticks?
- Using panko breadcrumbs is essential for a crunchy exterior. Crushing the panko slightly before adding seasonings ensures even coating.
- How can I prevent cheese from leaking out during frying?
- Ensure the cheese sticks are well-coated, with no gaps in the breading, to prevent cheese from oozing out while frying.
Tips
- Ensure Thorough Coating: Make sure to cover your mozzarella sticks completely with the panko mixture. Any uncovered areas may allow cheese to leak out during cooking.
- Freeze Before Cooking: Freeze the breaded sticks for at least an hour before frying, baking, or air frying. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and escaping the coating.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep your oil at a steady 350°F (175°C) when frying. This helps achieve the perfect golden brown exterior without making the sticks greasy.
- Try Different Cooking Methods: Experiment with frying, baking, or using an air fryer to find the method that best suits your taste and texture preferences. Each method will yield slightly different results in terms of crispiness and color.
Equipment
- Rolling Pin or Mallet – Used to crush panko crumbs.
- Wire Cooking Rack – To place breaded mozzarella sticks before freezing and after frying.
- Thermometer – To monitor the oil temperature during frying.
- Medium-Sized Saucepan – For frying the mozzarella sticks.
- Air Fryer – If you choose to use the air fryer method.
