Deep-Frying Homemade Mozzarella Sticks: A Crispy, Cheesy Treat

Making mozzarella sticks at home is easier than you might think, and the results are delicious: crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside. The key to success is freezing the cheese sticks before frying, which prevents the cheese from leaking out. You'll need mozzarella, eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, and oil for frying. Seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parsley can also take your mozzarella sticks to the next level. Once you've cut your mozzarella into sticks, coat them in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, then freeze. When you're ready to eat, heat your oil to 350-375°F and fry the sticks for around 30 seconds to 2 minutes, until golden brown. Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Freezing the mozzarella sticks

To freeze the mozzarella sticks, first bread the cheese sticks as per your chosen recipe. Most recipes recommend double breading, and some even suggest a triple layer coating for an extra crispy shell. After breading, place the mozzarella sticks on a tray or baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for at least two hours, or until the cheese sticks are completely frozen. This step can be done up to two months in advance, allowing you to have mozzarella sticks ready to fry whenever a craving strikes.

Once the mozzarella sticks are frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for longer-term storage. When you're ready to fry, there's no need to thaw them. Simply add a minute or two to the frying time, or slightly longer if they are frozen solid.

Preparing the breading

Step 1: Gather your ingredients

You will need three shallow bowls or dishes for the breading process. In addition, you'll need flour, eggs, milk (optional), bread crumbs, and seasonings of your choice such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. For an extra crispy coating, you can also add cornstarch to the flour.

Step 2: Prepare the flour mixture

In the first bowl, combine the flour with any dry seasonings you want to include. You can season the flour with salt and pepper, or get creative with Italian seasoning, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the egg mixture

In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and a small amount of milk (optional). You can also add a little water to the egg mixture to thin it out slightly. Beat the mixture until it is uniform in colour and consistency.

Step 4: Prepare the bread crumb mixture

In the third bowl, combine the bread crumbs with your choice of seasonings. You can use Italian-style bread crumbs or plain bread crumbs. If using plain bread crumbs, add some garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or Parmesan cheese for extra flavour. Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined.

Step 5: Set up your breading station

Now that you have your three mixtures ready, it's time to set up your breading station. Line up the bowls in the following order: flour mixture, egg mixture, and bread crumb mixture. This is the order you will be dipping your cheese sticks in to create the breading.

Step 6: Bread the cheese sticks

Take each mozzarella stick and coat it first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, roll it in the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the cheese stick. Repeat this process for a double breading, which is essential to preventing cheese leakage during frying.

Step 7: Chill or freeze the breaded cheese sticks

Once all your cheese sticks are breaded, place them on a baking sheet or tray and chill in the refrigerator for about an hour, or freeze for at least 30 minutes to help the breading adhere better and prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.

Your breading is now ready for frying! Follow the rest of the recipe instructions for frying and serving your delicious homemade mozzarella sticks.

Coating the cheese

The coating is a crucial step in making mozzarella sticks as it ensures the cheese doesn't leak out during the frying process and gives the sticks their signature crispy texture. Here's a detailed guide on coating the cheese for homemade mozzarella sticks:

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

Set up three shallow bowls or dishes. In the first bowl, place the flour and season it with salt and pepper, if desired. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and a small amount of water. You can also add a pinch of salt to the egg mixture. The water helps to thin out the eggs and makes it easier to coat the cheese. In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs. For extra flavour, you can use Italian-style breadcrumbs or season plain breadcrumbs with garlic powder, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, or a combination of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme. You can also add grated Parmesan or Romano cheese to the breadcrumbs for an extra cheesy kick.

Step 2: Coat the Cheese Sticks

Take each mozzarella stick and coat it first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. This step helps the subsequent coatings adhere better. Then, dip the stick into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, roll it in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese. Repeat this process for a double breading, which is essential to prevent cheese leakage during frying and to create a robust crispy shell. You can also do a triple coating if you prefer an extra crunchy texture.

Step 3: Chill or Freeze the Coated Sticks

Once all the mozzarella sticks are coated, place them on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Chill the sticks in the refrigerator for about an hour, or freeze them for at least 30 minutes to several hours. This step is crucial as it allows the breading to set and helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out during frying.

Frying the sticks

Now that you've prepared your mozzarella sticks, it's time to fry them! Here's a detailed guide on how to fry your homemade mozzarella sticks:

• Set up your deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed saucepan. If using a saucepan, fill it with about 2 inches of your chosen frying oil, such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or tallow.
• Heat your oil to the ideal temperature of 350°F to 375°F. Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. This step is crucial, as it ensures your mozzarella sticks cook evenly.
• While the oil is heating, prepare a plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil after frying.
• Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, it's time to start frying! Carefully lower 3 to 4 or 6 mozzarella sticks into the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd the fryer or saucepan. Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking.
• Fry the mozzarella sticks for approximately 30 seconds to 2 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as you don't want them to overcook or burn.
• Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried mozzarella sticks from the oil and transfer them to the prepared plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels.
• Allow the mozzarella sticks to drain and cool briefly. This step helps remove excess oil, ensuring a crispier texture.
• Serve your homemade mozzarella sticks immediately while they're still hot and crispy. Enjoy them as an appetizer or snack, and don't forget to provide dipping sauces such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or any other sauce of your choice!

Some additional tips for frying the perfect mozzarella sticks:

• Freeze your breaded mozzarella sticks before frying. This step is optional but highly recommended, as it helps the breading adhere better and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out during frying. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or even overnight if you're preparing them ahead of time.
• When frying, maintain the oil temperature within the ideal range. If the temperature drops after adding mozzarella sticks, wait until it increases again before adding more. This ensures even cooking and prevents the cheese from melting too fast.
• Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches to avoid overcrowding, as it can cause the oil temperature to drop and affect cooking.
• Be careful when working with hot oil, and use long-handled tongs or utensils to safely lower and remove the mozzarella sticks from the fryer or saucepan.
• For best results, use a neutral frying oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or tallow. Avoid using olive oil for deep frying, as its smoke point is too low.
• If frying frozen mozzarella sticks, increase the frying time by a few minutes to ensure they are cooked through and golden brown.

Dipping sauces

Mozzarella sticks are a delightful snack, but they can be taken to the next level with the perfect dipping sauce. Here are some mouth-watering options to try with your homemade mozzarella sticks:

Marinara Sauce

The classic choice for a reason, marinara sauce is a timeless companion to mozzarella sticks. Its rich tomato base, enhanced with garlic, herbs, and a hint of sweetness, creates the perfect flavour profile to complement the cheesy goodness. This sauce is a must-have for your mozzarella stick dipping adventure.

Ranch Dressing

Tangy, cool, and creamy, ranch dressing is a versatile dip that pairs beautifully with the warm, crispy texture of mozzarella sticks. The blend of herbs and buttermilk adds a refreshing touch to the indulgent snack. It's a classic for a reason.

Buffalo Sauce

For those who enjoy a spicy kick, buffalo sauce is the answer. The spicy tang of hot sauce, melted butter, and a hint of vinegar pairs perfectly with the gooey cheese and crunchy exterior of the mozzarella stick. Prepare for a flavour explosion and a satisfying mouth heat.

BBQ Sauce

Add a smoky twist to your mozzarella sticks with BBQ sauce. The slightly sweet and savoury flavour of BBQ sauce complements the cheesy goodness, creating a delightful contrast. It's like having a miniature barbecue in every bite.

Honey Mustard

Sweet and tangy honey mustard is a popular choice that beautifully balances sweet and savoury notes. This flavour profile is the perfect complement to the savoury, cheesy sticks, and it's a healthier option compared to some of the other sauces.

Garlic Butter

For garlic lovers, garlic butter is a must-try. The rich, buttery flavour combined with the punch of garlic adds a delicious twist to your mozzarella stick experience. Just be sure to have some breath mints handy!

Alfredo Sauce

If you're feeling fancy, alfredo sauce is the way to go. Creamy, rich, and elegant, it takes your snack to the next level. However, be prepared for things to get a little messy with this indulgent dip.

Sweet Chilli Sauce

For those who enjoy a sweet and spicy combination, sweet chilli sauce is an excellent choice. It adds a unique twist to your mozzarella stick dipping experience, providing a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavours.

Diavolo Sauce

For a spicy kick, try Diavolo sauce. Meaning "devil" in Italian, this sauce is a spicy tomato-based concoction that will add some heat to your snack. The combination of crushed tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, and herbs creates a bold and intense flavour that pairs exceptionally well with the mild and creamy mozzarella.

Blue Cheese

The distinct flavour of blue cheese provides a unique and indulgent dipping experience. Its creamy texture and sharp taste create a delightful contrast to the stretchy mozzarella, leaving you craving more.

Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is an unexpected but surprisingly delicious pairing with mozzarella sticks. The tangy, pickle flavour of the sauce is an excellent complement to the cheesy goodness. Don't knock it until you try it!

Nacho Cheese Sauce

For an extra cheesy experience, try dipping your mozzarella sticks into some nacho cheese sauce. It's like a flavour explosion of cheesy goodness.

Aioli

Aioli is a versatile dip that can be customised with various flavours. Try a simple garlic aioli or spice things up with a sriracha aioli for an extra kick. It's the perfect way to add a creamy and garlicky punch to your snack.

So, there you have it! A variety of dipping sauces to elevate your homemade mozzarella sticks and impress your taste buds. Get creative, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy the cheesy delights!

Frequently asked questions