These crispy, cheesy bites are the perfect party pleaser or late-night munchies. Our Mozzarella Sticks are so delicious you’ll wonder why you settled for those pre-packaged ones. With a simple yet irresistible blend of melted mozzarella cheese and crispy breadcrumbs, this recipe will have you saying, “more, please!” So, what are you waiting for? Grab some cheese, fire up the stove, and let’s get cooking!

Mozzarella stick being pulled in half, showing the stringy cheese.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a small commission. Thank you!

Mozarella is so delicious and versatile; use it to top a veggie pizza, let it take center stage in a Caprese pasta dish, or use it to top veggie birria tacos.

But nothing quite beats it when it becomes the awesome cheese stick appetizer.

Why you’ll love these fried mozzarella sticks

They’re perfect for sharing, making them a great appetizer or snack.
Easy to transport: these cheese sticks can be easily transported to potlucks, picnics, and other gatherings.
Perfectly kid-friendly, kids love the cheesy goodness of fried mozzarella sticks.
The ingredients are relatively inexpensive, making it an affordable option.
All the ingredients are 100% vegetarian.

Ingredients you’ll need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

Ingredients needed, Panko breadcrumbs, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, Garlic powder, and eggs.

Our latest obsession is homemade mozzarella sticks, crispy, gooey, and melty. Be warned; you can’t eat just one.

How to make mozzarella sticks with step-by-step instructions

A complete printable recipe and the US customary and metric measurements are available in the recipe card below.

Cut the mozzarella cheese into approximately 20 x ½ inch thick sticks. In a small bowl, whisk your eggs.

Whisked egg and milk in a bowl, cheese sticks by the side. — Cut the mozzarella cheese into sticks in a small bowl, and whisk eggs and milk.

Someone placing Panko breadcrumbs in a bowl. — Combine Panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.

Add Panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to a Ziploc bag, seal the bag, and use a rolling pin to crush the crumbs into fine crumbs.

Once crushed, give the bag a shake to combine and then transfer it to a shallow bowl.

A mozzarella stick in the egg mixture. — Dip the cheese stick in the egg mixture.

Somone lifting the mozzarella stick out of the breadcrumb mixture. — Then roll it in the breadcrumb flour mixture, place each coated cheese stick on a baking sheet, and freeze for 90 minutes – 2 hours.

Now, take a stick of mozzarella and dip it into the egg mixture; let the excess egg drip off before placing it in the Panko mixture and turning it so the whole stick is evenly coated with crumbs.

Place the stick on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and repeat the process until all the sticks are covered. Place the prepared mozzarella sticks in your freezer for at least 90 minutes, preferably 2 hours.

Heat vegetable oil to 365°F/ 185°C (use a thermometer). The oil needs to be at least 3 – 4 inches deep.

Mozzarella cheese sticks being deep fried. — Deep fry until they are golden brown.

Fried cheese sticks on kitchen towel. — Place on kitchen paper to absorb excess oil.

Place a few mozzarella sticks in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd them, and fry until they are golden brown, approximately 2 minutes.

Once cooked, lay the deep-fried sticks on kitchen paper to drain excess oil for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a serving plate.

Repeat in batches until all the remaining cheese sticks have been cooked. Serve immediately with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!

Recipe notes and expert tips

Air Fry
You can make mozzarella sticks in the air fryer, cutting out the need for vast amounts of oil.
Storage
Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days and freeze for up to 2 months.

How to store leftover mozzarella sticks

You can store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Reheat your cheese sticks in the oven for 10 – 12 minutes at 350°F/175°C.

Can you freeze mozzarella sticks?

You can freeze them for up to 2 months in a freezer-proof bag or container.

Deep fry frozen mozzarella sticks by following the recipe below.

You can oven-cook them, but they taste way better using your deep fryer.

A plate with mozzarella stick, with a sweet chili dipping sauce.

Can you use string cheese?

Yes, you can use string cheese to make mozzarella cheese sticks.

In fact, string cheese is essentially just a type of mozzarella cheese that has been formed into individual strings or sticks.

Just cut the string cheese into lengths and follow the recipe.

Sauce to serve with cheese sticks

Homemade mozzarella cheese sticks cry out to be dipped in something delicious!

Try dipping them in marinara sauce, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, garlic aioli, blue cheese dressing, Chipotle mayo, Sriracha mayo, peri peri sauce, sweet chili sauce, pesto sauce, salsa, or your favorite dipping sauce.

A plate full of DIY mozzarella sticks with a sweet chili sauce to dip them in.

More easy recipes for you to try at home

If you love our mozzarella stick recipe, why not try these tasty snacks?

Delicious pizza bagel bites made in the air fryer.

Homemade Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe

Someone picking up a vegetarian potao skin to eat.

Vegetarian potato skins recipe

Homemade Pizza Rolls in the Air Fryer

A Caprese appetizer freshly made and ready to eat.

Caprese Appetizer Recipe

Cranberry brie bites on a serving tray with fresh rosemary.

Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Print Pin Recipe

5 from 45 votes

Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

If you're a fan of crispy, cheesy snacks, then you won't want to miss out on our homemade mozzarella sticks recipe. These little bites are the perfect combination of a crunchy coating and gooey melted cheese, making them a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer. Dip them in some warm marinara sauce, and you've got yourself a delicious and satisfying treat!

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time1 50

Servings Sticks

Calories115

Course: Appetizer, Dinner Party, snack

Cuisine: American

Author: Mandy Applegate | Splash of Taste

Ingredients

16 oz Whole milk mozzarella cheese block
3 large Eggs
3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp Garlic powder
1 pinch Salt
½ tsp Black pepper

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Cut the mozzarella cheese into approximately 20 x ½ inch thick sticks. In a small bowl, whisk your eggs.
16 oz Whole milk mozzarella cheese block, 3 large Eggs
Add your Panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to a Ziploc bag, seal the bag and use a rolling pin to crush the crumbs into fine crumbs. Once crushed give the bag a shake to combine and then transfer it to a mixing bowl.
3 cup Panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp Garlic powder, 1 pinch Salt, ½ tsp Black pepper
Now, take a stick of mozzarella and dip it into the whisked egg, let the excess egg drip off before placing it in the breadcrumb mixture and turning it, so the whole stick is evenly coated with crumbs. Place the stick on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and repeat the process until all the sticks are covered. Place the prepared mozzarella sticks in your freezer for at least 90 minutes but preferably 2 hours.
Heat the oil to 365°F/ 185°C. The oil needs to be at least 3 – 4 inches deep. Place a few mozzarella sticks in the oil, being careful not to overcrowd them, and fry until they are golden brown, approximately 2 minutes. Once cooked, lay the sticks on kitchen paper to drain excess oil for a couple of minutes before transferring to a serving plate. Repeat in batches until all the sticks have been cooked. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Notes

Air Fry
You can make mozzarella sticks in the air fryer, cutting out the need for vast amounts of oil.
Storage
Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days and freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

Did you make this recipe?

We love hearing how you went with ours recipes! Tag us on Instagram at @splash_of_taste_uk