Fried Mozzarella Sticks (8) Recipe

Freeze cheese

Place the 8 mozzarella sticks on a tray in a single layer and freeze for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours). Freezing helps the cheese hold shape during frying.

Set up breading station

Place the flour in a shallow bowl. In a second bowl, whisk the 2 eggs with 2 tablespoons water until combined. In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; mix well.

Prepare cornstarch slurry (optional)

If using for extra adhesion, whisk 1/4 cup cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to a smooth paste and place it in a small shallow dish. This will be used between egg and breadcrumbs for a firmer coating.

First dredge

Working with one mozzarella stick at a time, lightly dredge each frozen stick in flour, shaking off excess. The flour helps the egg adhere.

Egg wash

Dip the floured stick into the egg mixture, coating evenly. Let excess egg drip back into the bowl.

Optional cornstarch layer

If using the cornstarch slurry, roll the egg-coated stick in the slurry to form a thin layer, then proceed to breadcrumbs. This step improves adhesion and reduces leaking.

Breadcrumb coating

Press the stick firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to fully coat. For extra-crisp, repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb step once more to double-coat each stick. Place coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze 15–30 minutes before frying (this further reduces cheese leakage).

Heat oil

Pour about 2–3 inches of neutral oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer (approximately 3 cups) and heat to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, heat until a small breadcrumb sizzles and browns in about 30 seconds.

Fry in batches

Working in small batches (2–3 sticks at a time depending on pot size), carefully lower frozen, breaded mozzarella sticks into the hot oil. Fry for 1.5–2 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crisp. Do not overcrowd the pot; oil temperature will drop and coating may absorb oil.

Drain

Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove sticks and transfer to a wire rack set over a sheet pan or paper towels to drain. Sprinkle immediately with a pinch of salt if desired.

Warm marinara

While frying the last batch, warm 1 cup marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts until hot. Stir occasionally.

Plate and garnish

Arrange 8 fried mozzarella sticks on a serving plate, spoon marinara into a small ramekin or drizzle alongside. Sprinkle chopped parsley and optional extra Parmesan over the sticks. Serve immediately while hot and the cheese is melty.