Name: Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks You’ll Crave Forever
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks (about 1/2-inch thick); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Vegetable oil for frying (heated to about 350°F)

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Dive into the world of crispy, gooey mozzarella sticks that are quick to make and wildly satisfying to eat. These homemade mozzarella sticks give me everything I love about comfort food: a golden, crunchy coating with warm, melty cheese that stretches with every bite. Whether it’s a cozy movie night, a game-day snack, or just a midweek indulgence, this recipe delivers that cheesy magic every single time.

Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks You’ll Crave Forever

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I keep coming back to this mozzarella sticks recipe because it’s a no-fail way to satisfy any craving for a cheesy, crispy snack. I love how the smooth mozzarella contrasts with the seasoned breadcrumb crunch. Not only do I save money by making them at home, but I also get to season and dip them just the way I like. It’s a snack that impresses guests, pleases picky eaters, and disappears fast. Plus, they freeze well, so I can always have some on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks (about 1/2-inch thick)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian style)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil for frying (heated to about 350°F)

Directions

I start by cutting the mozzarella into even sticks to make sure they all cook uniformly.
Then I set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
Each cheese stick gets coated in flour, dipped in egg, and rolled through the breadcrumb mixture for a crispy finish.
I place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze them for 15–20 minutes. This step helps the coating stay on and keeps the cheese from melting too fast.
While the sticks chill, I heat oil in a deep pan to about 350°F.
I fry a few at a time, turning them until they’re golden brown and crispy—usually around 2–3 minutes per side.
Once fried, I drain them on paper towels and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

When I want to mix things up, I swap Italian breadcrumbs for panko to get an extra crunch. For a spicy twist, I sometimes add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix. I’ve also tried stuffing small pieces of pepperoni or sun-dried tomatoes inside the mozzarella sticks before breading—game changer. Crushed chips or pretzels also make a fun breadcrumb alternative when I’m feeling adventurous.

Storage/Reheating

If I end up with leftovers (which is rare), I keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes until they’re hot and crispy again. When I want to prep in advance, I freeze the uncooked coated sticks on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They go straight from freezer to fryer whenever I need a snack—no thawing required.

FAQs

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out when frying?

I always make sure the mozzarella is well coated and chilled before frying. Freezing helps the coating set and prevents early melting.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, I’ve baked them at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes. They don’t get quite as crispy, but they’re still tasty and a bit lighter.

What sauces go best with mozzarella sticks?

I usually go with classic marinara, but ranch, spicy ketchup, or garlic aioli also hit the spot. Sometimes I even use a creamy sriracha mayo for a spicy kick.

Can I use string cheese instead of a block?

Absolutely. String cheese works great and saves time on cutting. I just make sure to coat and freeze them the same way.

How do I make them gluten-free?

I swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The texture and taste stay delicious.

Conclusion

These crispy homemade mozzarella sticks are one of my favorite go-to snacks because they’re easy, fun, and incredibly satisfying. I love that I can whip them up quickly, customize them however I want, and enjoy restaurant-quality flavor from my own kitchen. Whether it’s a casual snack or a party appetizer, they always deliver that perfect cheesy crunch. Give them a try—I bet they’ll become a favorite in your house too.