8 Pc Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Make 8 Pc Mozzarella Sticks Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Breading station & assembly
Method
Breading station & assembly
- 1
Prepare cheese
Unwrap 8 mozzarella sticks. Pat each stick dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture. If sticks are long, cut each in half to make 16 shorter sticks (optional) — recipe assumes 8 full sticks served as is.
- 2
Set up breading stations
Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper and set a wire rack on top if available. Place three shallow bowls in a row: Bowl 1 — all-purpose flour mixed with 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1/8 tsp onion powder. Bowl 2 — whisk together 2 large eggs and 2 tablespoons milk until uniform. Bowl 3 — combine 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, remaining 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1/8 tsp onion powder.
- 3
First dredge
Working with one stick at a time, roll a mozzarella stick in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess so the coating is thin and even.
- 4
- 5
Breadcrumb coating
Roll the egg-wet stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so crumbs adhere. Place coated stick on the prepared rack or baking sheet. For extra crunchy double-coat: refrigerate coated sticks 10 minutes, then repeat egg and breadcrumb steps once more.
- 6
Chill before frying
After breading all 8 sticks, cover the tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or freeze for 10–15 minutes) to firm up the coating and reduce cheese leakage during frying.
Frying & serving
- 7
Heat oil
Pour about 2 cups of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or a deep-sided pot to a depth of about 1 to 1 1/2 inches. Heat over medium-high until the oil registers 350°F (175°C) on a thermometer. If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping one breadcrumb into the oil — it should sizzle and brown gently within 30–60 seconds.
- 8
Fry in batches
Working carefully, add 2–3 breaded mozzarella sticks to the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry 60–90 seconds, turning once, until golden brown and crisp. Do not overcook — extended frying will cause more cheese to leak. Remove with a slotted spoon or spider and transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain. Repeat with remaining sticks.
- 9
Optional oven finish (if concerned about cheese leakage)
After frying briefly to set the coating (about 45–60 seconds), place sticks on a baking sheet and finish in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 4–6 minutes until golden and fully crisp. This reduces oil absorption and helps ensure cheese is melted but contained.
- 10
Serve
Let the mozzarella sticks rest 1–2 minutes so they are not piping hot inside. Serve 8 pieces on a plate with 1 cup warm marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.