Make Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks make ideal snacks for parties, everyday munchies and as treats for the kids. They can be super fatty when deep fried, or you can make the baked version for less fat overall.

Ingredients

Baked mozzarella sticks

  • 12 sticks mozzarella string cheese, cut in halves to make 24 pieces
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 5 tablespoons breadcrumbs seasoned with Italian herbs
  • 5 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, dried
  • Cooking spray

Deep fried mozzarella sticks

  • 1 lb/450g mozzarella cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 cup vegetable oil suitable for deep frying

Wonton wrapper mozzarella sticks variation

  • 12 pieces string cheese
  • 12 wonton/egg-roll wrappers
  • 1 cup vegetable oil suitable for deep frying

Steps

Baked mozzarella sticks

  1. Place the 24 mozzarella sticks in the freezer. Freeze until hard; this step is essential for keeping the cheese intact when baking.
  2. Prepare the coating. For each of these ingredients, use bowls with wide openings to make dipping easier.
    • Whisk the egg in a small bowl.
    • Mix the breadcrumbs, panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese and dried parsley together in another bowl.
    • Tip the flour into yet another bowl.
  3. Remove the mozzarella sticks from the freezer. In the following steps, you'll be dipping the sticks into each of the coatings. Before dipping, line a cookie or baking sheet with parchment paper for placing the sticks on.
  4. Dip the sticks into the flour first. Ensure that each stick is evenly coated in flour.
  5. Dip the floured mozzarella sticks into the whisked egg mixture.
  6. Finish by dipping the sticks into the breadcrumb mixture. Again, ensure each stick is well coated. Lay each stick on the cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Place the sheet of sticks into the freezer again. Leave until frozen solid. If you skip this step, the sticks will fall apart when baked.
  8. Preheat the oven to 400ºF or 200ºC.
  9. Spray the frozen sticks with oil. Check that the sticks aren't touching, then place into the oven to bake. Bake for 5 minutes, then check for crispness. Turn them over with a pair of tongs to crisp for another 4-5 minutes on the other side.
  10. Remove from the heat once crisp. Don't leave them unwatched or in the oven too long, as they'll melt into blobs. They're now ready to serve.
    • Serve with suitable dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce, pizza sauce or tomato ketchup.
    • For a party, arrange in a circle around a plate, placing the dip in the middle. Serve as soon as baked, for best taste.

Deep fried mozzarella sticks

  1. Create sticks from the mozzarella cheese. Cut into strips approximately 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch (2cm x 2cm).
  2. Make the coating batter. Crack the eggs into a bowl and add the milk. Whisk together.
  3. Pour the flour into a bowl. Pour the breadcrumbs into another bowl.
  4. Dip a cheese stick into the flour. Coat thoroughly.
  5. Dip the floured stick into the egg mixture. Coat thoroughly.
  6. Roll the egg covered stick in the breadcrumbs. At this stage, it may need another dip in the egg and more breadcrumbs added––judge this as you make it.
  7. Place the coated stick on wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Repeat for all of the sticks cut.
  8. Heat the oil in a deep sided skillet or pan. When the oil is hot, fry 2 to 3 sticks at a time. (Don't overcrowd it, to avoid over-frying). Fry until the sticks turn golden, about a minute each side.
  9. Remove from the oil using tongs. Place on kitchen paper towel to drain some of the grease off.
  10. Serve. Use a dipping sauce such as sweet chili, pizza or tomato-based sauces.

Wonton wrapper mozzarella sticks variation

This version isn't as authentic but then again, it's a lot less fiddly and is perfect to give to kids who eat messily!

  1. Place the string cheese sticks in the freezer. Allow to freeze hard.
  2. Remove from the freezer. Wrap in the wonton/egg-roll wrappers as follows:
    • Place the stick on the wonton wrapper.
    • Fold the bottom corner over the stick of cheese.
    • Roll the wrapper halfway up the stick.
    • Fold the sides into the middle, going over the cheese stick.
    • Dampen the last remaining corner with a drop of water, then roll up tightly to seal.
  3. Repeat for each mozzarella cheese stick. Arrange on a large plate in readiness for frying.
  4. Heat the oil in a heavy based skillet or pan until hot. Add enough oil to cover the sticks.
  5. Add 2-3 wrapped cheese sticks at a time and fry. About 30-60 seconds each side should be enough. Remove with tongs or a slotted spoon.
  6. Place on kitchen paper towel to drain off some of the grease.
  7. Serve warm. Add a dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce, tomato ketchup or pizza sauce.
  8. Finished.



Tips

  • Wonton/egg-roll wrappers can be kept moist by leaving wrapped in a damp tea towel or paper towel before use.
  • Fat-reduced mozzarella can be substituted for full-fat versions if preferred.
  • If you don't have any Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, add Italian herb mix to regular breadcrumbs and mix through thoroughly before using.

Things You'll Need

Baked method:

  • Mixing bowls
  • Egg whisk
  • Cookie or baking sheet

Frying method:

  • Knife and cutting board
  • Skillet or pan with deep sides
  • Parchment or wax paper
  • Tongs or slotted spoon
  • Kitchen paper towel

Wonton method:

  • Heavy based skillet or pan with deep sides
  • Tongs or slotted spoon
  • Large plate
  • Kitchen paper towel

Related Articles

  • Choose Mozzarella Cheese
  • Bake Deep Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
  • Make Mozzarella Cheese
  • Make Cheese Balls

Sources and Citations

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