🧀 Crispy Fried Mozzarella Sticks
🛒 Ingredients (Makes 12–16 sticks)
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12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (cut in half if long)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs
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2 tbsp milk
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1½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For dipping:
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Marinara sauce, ranch, or spicy aioli
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Freeze the Cheese (Important!)
Place mozzarella sticks in freezer for at least 1 hour (2 hours is better).
This prevents cheese from leaking while frying.
2️⃣ Set Up Breading Station
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Bowl 1: Flour
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Bowl 2: Eggs + milk (whisked)
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Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs + panko + garlic powder + seasoning + salt + pepper
3️⃣ Bread the Sticks
Dip each stick:
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Flour
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Egg
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Breadcrumb mixture
Repeat egg + breadcrumbs for a double coat (highly recommended).
Place on tray and freeze again for 30 minutes.
4️⃣ Fry
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry 2–3 sticks at a time for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
Do not overcrowd.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
5️⃣ Serve Immediately
Serve hot with warm marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.
❓ Q & A
❓ Why do they burst open?
Usually:
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Not frozen long enough
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Oil not hot enough
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Skipped double coating
❓ Can I bake instead?
Yes:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
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Spray with cooking spray
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Bake 8–10 minutes (watch carefully)
They won’t be as crispy as fried.
❓ Can I air fry?
Yes:
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390°F for 6–8 minutes
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Lightly spray with oil first
❓ Can I make ahead?
Yes! Bread and freeze up to 2 months. Fry straight from frozen.
❓ Best cheese to use?
Low-moisture mozzarella works best. String cheese is easiest and consistent.
🔥 Flavor Variations
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Spicy: Add cayenne to breadcrumbs
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Parmesan Crust: Mix ¼ cup grated Parmesan into breadcrumbs
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Dorito Crust: Crush Doritos instead of breadcrumbs
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Garlic Butter Finish: Brush lightly with melted garlic butter after frying