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Close-up of golden brown Mozzarella Cheese Sticks showing thick crunchy breading and herb specks.

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: The Ultimate Crispy, Stretchy Appetizer

The ultimate Mozzarella Cheese Sticks featuring a thick, herb-seasoned crunchy breading and a perfect stretchy cheese pull. These golden-brown appetizers are double-breaded and fried to perfection, served with zesty marinara sauce.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Recipe Ingredients
  • 12 sticks Mozzarella string cheese Low-moisture
  • 1/2 cup (64g) All-purpose flour
  • 2 large Eggs Beaten
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) Water For egg wash
  • 1.5 cups (180g) Italian breadcrumbs Herb-seasoned
  • 1/2 cup (30g) Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano Plus more for garnish
  • 1 cup (240ml) Marinara sauce Thick red sauce

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy-bottomed skillet or Deep Fryer Used for frying
  • 1 Wire Cooling Rack Prevents sogginess

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Set up a breading station with three bowls: flour in the first; eggs and water whisked in the second; and breadcrumbs mixed with oregano/spices in the third.
  2. Dredge cheese in flour, dip in egg, then breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb dip a second time to create a thick crunchy coating.
  3. Freeze the breaded sticks for at least 2 hours. This is essential to prevent the cheese from leaking during frying.
Frying
  1. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Drain on a wire rack. Serve on a white plate with marinara sauce topped with dried oregano flakes.

Notes

Double breading is the secret to preventing leaks.
Always freeze for at least 2 hours before frying.