How to make mozzarella sticks (2023)

Learn how to make mozzarella sticks; Mozzarella cheese strips coated and fried to crispy, golden and gooey perfection. Served with a delicious homemade vodka sauce, this easy mozzarella sticks recipe is the perfect snack, side dish or appetizer!

If you want more recipes with cheese, try mine.Giant shells stuffed with cheesethis is itDetroit style pizzarevenue.

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Get ready for the ultimate cheese poke, because these are the best mozzarella sticks! This ultra-cheesy appetizer has the crunch you love and the melty goodness you need; the crunchy, creamy combination we all want in a delicious cheese stick.

Mozzarella sticks are made for dipping, so pair them with my flavorful vodka sauce for a truly delicious experience!

Why this recipe works

• Easy to do– Just assemble, freeze and chill. The hardest part is waiting for the cheese sticks to freeze before frying them.
• perfect preparation mouthpiece– Since they need time in the freezer, you can make a whole batch and store them in a Ziploc bag until it’s time to fry. It's so convenient!
• Better than store bought- Skip the freezer aisle at the grocery store because these fried mozzarella sticks are restaurant quality.

• kitchen thermometer
• Baking tray
• wire shelf
• 4 liter dutch oven

Ingredients needed for mozzarella sticks

• avocado oil-Fry.
• mozzarella cheese– Cut into 24 sticks (3 x ½ inch). Although I prefer block cheese, string cheese is also a convenient alternative as they are the perfect size, just cut them in half and you are ready to dredge.

egg mixture

• big eggs– Milkshake.

flour mix

• Flour
• Seasoning– I use salt and garlic powder to add some flavor to the mixture.

panko mix

Mozzarella sticks are easy to make. The key to an amazing tasting mozzarella stick is a tasty topping. This is mozzarella, after all, a soft cheese, so it's best to use a very flavorful topping mix to complement the cheese.

• panko- These large Japanese-style breadcrumbs create the ultimate crispy exterior, much better than traditional breadcrumbs.
• Seasoning–I use a blend of Italian spices, garlic powder, onion powder, andsal kosher.
• grated fresh parmesan- For a toasted crunch with cheese.

vodka sauce

Your mozzarella sticks are only as good as you are.

• Olive oil– Use a high quality one.
• salted butter– When combined with olive oil for sautéing, it increases the flavor and smoke point of the butter.
• chalote- Very finely chopped.
• this- Finely chopped.
• Tomates San Marzano–My favorite type of tomato whenever I make pasta or pizza sauce. Go to smashed.
• thick cream- Blend to a rich, creamy consistency.
• Vodka– There is no taste of alcohol; it just enhances the other flavors.
• Parmesan– Freshly grated, not pre-shredded.
• sal kosher– Add to taste.

How to make mozzarella sticks

The process of making homemade mozzarella sticks is very simple: dip each stick in flour, then in the eggs and then in the panko mixture. Repeat until all sticks are covered a second time. Then freeze them for at least two hours before frying. And while the mozzarella sticks are forming in the freezer, you can make a delicious tomato-based sauce to serve them.

Prepare

Prepare 3 separate bowls, one with the beaten eggs, one with the flour mixture and the last bowl with the flour mixture. Be sure to mix the panko and flour mixtures together so the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Use one hand specifically for dipping the cheese sticks in the dry mixes and the other hand for the (wet) egg sauce to avoid getting your hands too dirty. Take one mozzarella at a time and roll in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then panko mixture, and repeat a second time with each mixture. Transfer to a wire rack.

(Video) Mozzarella Sticks

Once all pieces are covered, place the rack in the freezer for 2 hours. While the mozzarella sticks are freezing, start making the vodka sauce.

fry the mozzarella sticks

Pour enough oil into a 4-quart Dutch oven so it is 1 ½ inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until the thermometer registers 350°F. Carefully cook the mozzarella sticks in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 1½-2 minutes until golden brown, turning occasionally.

Transfer to a wire rack and season with kosher salt. Repeat until finished. Serve with hot vodka sauce.

vodka sauce

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and cook until soft, 6 minutes. Be careful not to let the mixture brown.

Add butter and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 1 minute, then add a generous pinch of salt and stir. Pour in the vodka and cook until the liquid reduces, about 4 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.

Lower the heat and gradually add the cream. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy in texture. Add cheese until cheese is completely melted. Season to taste with more kosher salt.

tips and tricks

• Stay organized by assembling the mozzarella sticks one by one.If you try to cover them all at once, it will get pretty messy.
• Completely cover each bar.Handle them with care because gripping them too hard can remove the coating and they won't be as crispy.
• Remember to double coat!For the crunchiest crunch, you want at least two layers of that crispy panko layer. This also helps ensure that the cheese doesn't boil over during frying.
• Do not skip or shorten the freezing time.Patience is key with this mozzarella sticks recipe. If you try to fry them too soon, the breading will fall apart, leaving greasy chunks of cheese.

variations

Mozzarella sticks for airfryer.Prepare the mozzarella sticks and freeze them. Once frozen, cook them in the air fryer at 400°F for about 7 minutes.

Mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce.If you don't have the ingredients or want to save time, you can use a pre-made marinara sauce in place of the vodka sauce.

Cheese sticks.Mozzarella is the best choice because it melts so well, but you can try this recipe with a variety of cheeses, including pepper jack cheese and American cheese.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Mozzarella sticks are best served immediately, fresh out of the pan, so fry as many as you want to eat. (You can always store the raw mozzarella sticks in the freezer.)

But if left, store in an airtight pot in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to reheat them, place them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5 minutes.

Common questions

Do you have to freeze mozzarella sticks before frying?

Yes, freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying them is essential. If they are not fully frozen, the cheese will ooze from the flour and panko coating before becoming crispy.

At what temperature are mozzarella sticks fried?

For best results, frying oil should reach 350°F. Use a food thermometer to check.

How long do frozen mozzarella sticks last in the freezer?

Frozen mozzarella sticks can be stored for up to 3 months.

Looking for more appetizer recipes?

• Easy Rotel Sauce
• Gravlax Salmon recipe
• Feta Cheese Shake with Grilled Chives

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