📝 About This Recipe
A quintessential staple of American-Italian pub fare, these mozzarella sticks feature a golden, shatteringly crisp exterior and a molten, cheese-pull-perfect center. The secret lies in a double-breading technique and a crucial freezing step that prevents the cheese from leaking during frying. Served alongside a bright, herb-infused marinara, these are the gold standard of comfort food starters.
🥗 Ingredients
The Cheese
- 12 pieces Low-moisture string cheese (cold, cut in half crosswise)
The Breading Station
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (adds extra crunch)
- 3 Large eggs (beaten well)
- 2 tablespoons Whole milk
- 1.5 cups Italian style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (for superior texture)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly ground)
For Frying and Garnish
- 1 quart Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
Zesty Marinara Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup Marinara sauce (high quality store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 3-4 leaves Fresh basil (chiffonade)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Prepare your cheese sticks by cutting 12 pieces of string cheese in half to create 24 shorter sticks. This makes them easier to handle and fry evenly.
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2
Set up a three-bowl breading station. In the first bowl, whisk together the flour and cornstarch. This provides the dry base that helps the egg stick.
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3
In the second bowl, whisk the three eggs with the milk until fully combined and slightly frothy.
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4
In the third bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, Panko, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasoning is distributed.
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5
Dredge a cheese stick in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it is completely submerged.
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6
Roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. For the 'Double Bread' secret, dip the breaded stick back into the egg wash and then back into the breadcrumbs a second time. This creates a thick, leak-proof shell.
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7
Repeat the process for all 24 sticks. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
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8
Crucial Step: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 2 hours. This ensures the cheese doesn't melt and burst through the crust before the outside is golden.
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9
When ready to fry, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
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10
Fry the frozen cheese sticks in batches of 4-6. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will drop the oil temperature and lead to greasiness.
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11
Fry for 1-2 minutes, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon, until they are deep golden brown. If you see cheese starting to peek out, remove them immediately.
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12
Drain the sticks on a wire rack set over a paper towel-lined tray. This keeps them crispier than draining directly on paper towels.
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13
While the sticks are cooling for a minute, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan with the red pepper flakes and fresh basil.
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14
Transfer the hot mozzarella sticks to a serving platter. Sprinkle immediately with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for a professional finish.
💡 Chef's Tips
Never skip the freezing step; it is the difference between a perfect stick and a puddle of melted cheese in your oil. Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 350°F; if it's too cool, the sticks get oily; if it's too hot, the outside burns before the cheese melts. Low-moisture mozzarella is essential; fresh mozzarella has too much water and will cause the breading to steam and fall off. For a spicy twist, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. If you have leftovers, reheat them in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore the crunch.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of warm Zesty Marinara or a creamy Garlic Aioli for dipping. Pair with a crisp, cold Pilsner or a light-bodied Lager to cut through the richness of the cheese. Serve alongside Buffalo Wings and Celery for the ultimate game-day appetizer platter. For a kid-friendly meal, serve with a side of ranch dressing and carrot sticks. A chilled glass of Sparkling Cider or Ginger Ale provides a refreshing non-alcoholic pairing.