Easy Homemade Ooey Gooey Mozzarella Sticks Recipe for Foodies

Crispy mozzarella sticks bring pure comfort food magic right to your plate.

Cheese lovers will instantly fall in love with this golden-brown delicacy.

Melted centers wait inside a perfectly crunchy exterior that crackles with each bite.

Our carefully crafted recipe ensures maximum flavor and minimal kitchen stress.

Simple ingredients combine to create something spectacularly satisfying.

Panko breadcrumbs and a quick dip make these snacks irresistibly delectable.

Whip up this crowd-pleasing treat and watch everyone smile.

Ooey Gooey Mozzarella Sticks: Cheese Pull Dreams

• Freeze for Perfection: Chilling mozzarella sticks before frying ensures they stay intact and prevents messy cheese leaks during cooking.
• Customize with Ease: Simple seasoning mix lets you jazz up breadcrumbs with favorite herbs and spices, making the recipe totally adaptable to personal taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Snack: These crispy, cheesy bites work magic at parties, game nights, or as a delightful appetizer that everyone from kids to adults will devour.
• Quick Comfort Food: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip up these golden, gooey treats in just a few minutes, satisfying sudden snack cravings.

Mozzarella Stick Must-Haves

• Mozzarella Sticks: A classic cheese product that provides the creamy and stretchy center of this appetizer.
• Vegetable Oil: The key frying medium that helps create a crispy golden exterior for the cheese sticks.

• Flour, Eggs, Breadcrumbs: The essential coating components that create a crunchy and flavorful outer layer for the mozzarella.
• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt: Seasonings that add depth and enhance the overall taste of the breading.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic dipping sauce that complements the cheesy and crispy mozzarella sticks with its tangy tomato flavor.

How to Make Crispy Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Prepare Cheese for Freezing

Unwrap each mozzarella stick and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Pop the tray into the freezer for a solid 30-45 minutes.

This crucial chilling helps the cheese maintain its shape during the frying adventure.

Step 2: Create Breading Wonderland

• Flour (all-purpose works perfectly)
• Beaten eggs (whisked until smooth)
• Seasoned breadcrumbs with
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Dried parsley (optional bonus)

Step 3: Coat with Crunchy Armor

• First roll in flour (light and even)
• Dive into beaten eggs
• Generously coat with seasoned breadcrumbs

Pro tip: Do a double-dip in eggs and breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Step 4: Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan until it reaches 350°F.

Carefully lower the breaded cheese sticks into the hot oil.

Fry in small batches for 1-2 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure an even golden-brown exterior.

Step 5: Drain and Rest

Transfer the sizzling mozzarella sticks to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

Let excess oil drip away for maximum crispiness.

Step 6: Serve with Dipping Delight

Plate your crispy creations alongside a bowl of warm marinara sauce.

Enjoy immediately while the cheese is molten and the coating is crunchy.

Top Tips for Gooey Cheese Centers

• Chill mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes to create a protective barrier that prevents cheese from leaking during frying.
• Mix Italian herbs, garlic powder, and a pinch of parmesan into breadcrumbs for an extra flavor punch that elevates the classic mozzarella stick.
• Repeat the egg and breadcrumb dipping process to create an extra-crispy, golden-brown exterior that stays crunchy longer.
• Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure oil is around 350°F for perfect, even browning without burning the breading.
• Place leftover sticks in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispy texture without additional oil.

Mozzarella Stick Flavor Ideas

• Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Baked Healthier Option: Skip frying and bake mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until crispy and golden.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Sticks: Mix finely chopped jalapeños into breadcrumbs for a fiery kick and serve with spicy ranch dressing.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Use plant-based mozzarella sticks and dairy-free egg substitute with panko breadcrumbs for a completely vegan appetizer.

Serving Sticks Hot & Crispy

• Dip and Dive Party Platter: Create a fun appetizer spread with multiple dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, and spicy sriracha mayo for guests to explore different flavor combinations.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Arrange mozzarella sticks on a large wooden board with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go snacking during movie marathons or sports events.
• Quick Lunch Companion: Pair these crispy sticks with a light side salad or fresh tomato soup for a satisfying midday meal that feels like a treat.
• Kiddie Delight: Cut sticks into smaller bite-sized pieces for children's parties, making them easier to handle and more appealing to younger palates.

Storage Tips for Cheese Sticks

• Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual mozzarella sticks in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring they're completely sealed to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to restore crispiness.

FAQs

• Why do I need to freeze the mozzarella sticks before breading?

Freezing helps the cheese stay solid during frying, preventing it from melting too quickly and leaking out of the breading.

• Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Mozzarella works best because of its mild flavor and excellent melting properties, but you can experiment with other similar semi-soft cheeses like provolone.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

You can make your own by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, or simply use dried oregano as a substitute.

Ooey Gooey Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden Ooey Gooey Mozzarella Sticks deliver irresistible cheesy goodness straight from Italian kitchens. Cheese lovers will devour these perfectly breaded, melty delights that promise a crunchy exterior and molten center with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
• 2 eggs
• 1.5 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Cooking Essentials:

• Vegetable oil for frying
• Marinara sauce for dipping

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Instructions

1. Prepare the mozzarella by unwrapping and placing in the freezer for 30 minutes to maintain structural integrity during cooking process.
2. Create a three-stage coating system: first station with flour, second with whisked eggs, third with seasoned breadcrumbs incorporating garlic powder, Italian herbs, and salt.
3. Methodically coat each frozen cheese stick by first rolling in flour, ensuring complete coverage, then dredging through beaten eggs.
4. Transfer egg-coated stick to seasoned breadcrumb mixture, thoroughly rolling to create an even, crisp exterior. For enhanced crunchiness, repeat egg and breadcrumb layers.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 375°F, maintaining consistent medium-high temperature for optimal frying conditions.
6. Carefully lower breaded mozzarella sticks into hot oil, cooking in small batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even golden-brown coloration.
7. Fry each batch for approximately 1-2 minutes, rotating occasionally to achieve uniform crispness and prevent burning.
8. Remove sticks using slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on absorbent paper towels.
9. Plate immediately while hot, accompanied by warm marinara sauce for dipping and maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Freezing is crucial for maintaining the cheese’s structure and preventing rapid melting during frying, ensuring a crispy exterior and gooey interior.
• Create a robust breading station by mixing breadcrumbs with herbs and spices to elevate the flavor profile and add extra crunch.
• Double-coating the cheese sticks provides an ultra-crispy exterior that locks in the melted mozzarella, creating a perfect textural contrast.
• Maintain oil temperature around 350-375°F for optimal golden-brown results without burning the breading or causing cheese leakage.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg