The key to achieving that perfect crunchy exterior while keeping the inside gooey and melty lies in the double coating and freezing steps. By freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying and ensuring they have a double coating of breadcrumbs, you create a barrier that keeps the cheese from oozing out during frying. This method guarantees that each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a warm, stretchy cheese pull—a treat that makes homemade mozzarella sticks so irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese works well)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Marinara sauce (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Begin by unwrapping the mozzarella sticks and placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes. Freezing helps the cheese hold its shape during frying, preventing it from melting too quickly.
- Set Up the Breading Station:
- In one shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until fully combined. In a third shallow bowl, combine the Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Take a frozen mozzarella stick and roll it in the flour, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured stick into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off before rolling the stick in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the cheese to adhere. For an extra crispy crust, repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb coating process. Place the breaded mozzarella sticks back onto the baking sheet and freeze for another 30 minutes.
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
- In a deep frying pan or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You can use a deep-frying thermometer to check the temperature. Once the oil is hot, carefully add a few mozzarella sticks to the oil, frying them in batches. Fry the sticks for about 1-2 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Remove the fried mozzarella sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the fried mozzarella sticks immediately with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
