Ingredients
- 10 mozzarella cheese sticks (200–250 g)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Unwrap the mozzarella cheese sticks and pat them dry if necessary.
- Prepare three bowls: place flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and mix breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in the third.
- Coat each mozzarella stick in flour until lightly covered.
- Dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs.
- Roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- For a thicker crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more.
- Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray.
- Freeze for 30–45 minutes to help the coating set and prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to about 175–180°C.
- Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey inside.
Notes
- Freezing the coated sticks before frying helps prevent cheese from leaking.
- Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter and crispier crust.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
- Serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic dipping sauce.
- You can air-fry or bake them for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
