Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Cut and freeze

Cut the 1 lb block of low-moisture mozzarella into 12 equal sticks (about 3 inches long × 3/4 inch thick). Arrange the sticks in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and place them in the freezer for at least 1 hour. Freezing prevents cheese from melting too quickly while frying.

Set up three shallow bowls: Bowl 1 — combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper and stir. Bowl 2 — whisk together 2 large eggs and 2 tablespoons milk until homogenous. Bowl 3 — mix 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.

Remove mozzarella sticks from the freezer just before breading so they are firm but cold. Work quickly to keep them chilled.

One at a time: roll a frozen mozzarella stick in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. For an extra-secure crust, return the breadcrumb-coated stick to the egg wash and breadcrumb mixture for a second coating.

Place breaded sticks on a parchment-lined tray and return to the freezer for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 hour) to set the coating. This chilling step helps the breading adhere and reduces cheese leakage during frying.

Pour about 3–4 cups neutral oil into a heavy, deep skillet or Dutch oven so it reaches ~1 1/2 inches deep. Heat oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, heat until a 1-inch cube of bread sizzles and browns in about 45 seconds.

Fry the frozen breaded mozzarella sticks in batches of 4–6, depending on pan size, without overcrowding. Fry for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon or spider to turn sticks gently and remove when evenly golden.

Transfer fried sticks to a wire rack set over a baking sheet or paper towels to drain excess oil. Keep them warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish remaining batches, but avoid long holding times to maintain crispness.

Serve the mozzarella sticks hot with 1 cup warmed marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish the sauce with a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes: If baking instead of frying, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), place breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake 8–10 minutes, flip, then bake another 4–6 minutes until golden. Baking will take longer and may yield a less uniformly crisp crust.