Mozza Sticks Recipe

Freeze mozzarella

Place the 12 mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Put them in the freezer for at least 1 hour (ideally 90 minutes). Freezing prevents excessive cheese leakage during frying.

Prepare flour and egg wash

Put 1 cup all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together 3 eggs and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth.

Make breadcrumb mixture

In a third shallow bowl combine 2 cups plain dry breadcrumbs, 1 cup panko (if using), 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 3 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly so seasonings are evenly distributed.

First dredge

Working with one frozen mozzarella stick at a time, roll it in the flour to coat completely, tapping off excess. Return the floured stick to a clean plate or tray.

Egg wash

Dip the floured mozzarella stick into the egg wash, coating all sides. Allow excess to drip off for a second.

Breadcrumb coat

Roll the egg-coated stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well. Place on a baking sheet. For a stronger seal and crunch, repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb step once more to create a double coat. After breading, return the coated sticks to the freezer for at least 30 minutes (preferably 60 minutes). This step is crucial to keep cheese from oozing out when fried.

Heat oil

Pour about 1 to 2 cups vegetable or canola oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan to reach a 1-inch depth. Heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) on a thermometer. If you don't have a thermometer, test with a single breadcrumb — it should sizzle and brown within about 30–40 seconds.

Fry mozzarella sticks

Working in small batches (3–4 sticks at a time depending on pan size), carefully add frozen, breaded mozzarella sticks to the hot oil. Fry for about 1 to 1½ minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and crisp. Do not overcook; total fry time should be about 2–3 minutes per batch so the cheese melts inside but does not burst out.

Drain

Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer fried sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. If desired, sprinkle with a little extra grated Parmesan or chopped parsley while hot.

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet; spray the tops lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 8–10 minutes, turn once, and bake another 4–6 minutes until golden and cheese is melted. Watch closely to avoid bursting. For extra crispness, finish under broiler for 30–60 seconds, watching constantly.

Let sticks rest 1–2 minutes to cool slightly, then serve warm with 1 cup marinara sauce for dipping and optional chopped parsley. Enjoy immediately.