Mozzarella Sticks

Name: Mozzarella Sticks
Prep time: 15 min
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1/2 c. all-purpose flour; 3 large eggs; 3 tbsp. milk; 2 c. panko breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp. dried parsley; 16 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half crosswise; Canola or vegetable oil, for frying; 1 c. marinara sauce, warmed

Make a double batch—these will disappear quickly!

By Ree DrummondPublished: Sep 14, 2025

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Stacy K. Allen

Yields:

8 serving(s)

Prep Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

1 day 1 hr 45 mins

When it comes to game day food, there are a few things that are always winners in my book—and fried cheese is at the very top of that list. These homemade mozzarella sticks are crispy and golden on the outside, and gloriously melty on the inside. They’re the kind of snack that disappears from the plate faster than you can fry them up!

The best part? They’re simple to make at home. A quick flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating (twice for extra crunch!) and a short time in the freezer is all it takes to get them ready for the skillet. Just a few seconds in hot oil, and you’ve got golden, gooey perfection.

This mozzarella stick recipe is perfect for a big tailgate spread (I like to serve them alongside queso totchos, BBQ chicken wings, and chili cheese dip) or an afternoon watching football on the couch. There’s something about dunking a hot, crunchy stick of cheese into warm marinara sauce that makes everyone instantly happy. Keep these in your back pocket for parties, holidays, or any night you’re craving something indulgent but easy. Because really—warm fried cheese? You just can’t go wrong.

How do you reheat leftover mozzarella sticks?
If you’ve got leftover mozzarella sticks (lucky you!), the best way to reheat them is in the oven or air fryer. Just pop them on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for about 5 to 8 minutes, or use the air fryer for a few minutes until they’re hot and crispy again. Skip the microwave—it makes them soggy.

Can mozzarella sticks be made ahead of time for parties?
Absolutely! Mozzarella sticks are perfect for making ahead when you’re planning a party. Just bread them, fry them, lay them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and keep them on hand until the big day. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer at 375°F—no need to thaw.

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Ingredients

Directions

1. Step 1Place the flour in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and parsley.
2. Step 2Dredge the mozzarella sticks in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip each stick in the egg mixture, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more for a second coating. Place the coated sticks on a tray or baking sheet.
3. Step 3Place the tray in the freezer and chill until firm, 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Step 4Heat 1 ½ inches oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F on a deep-fry thermometer. When hot, add 8 mozzarella sticks. Watch closely and turn over to evenly brown, cooking for less than 1 minute. Do not allow the cheese to bubble and leak. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the mozzarella sticks to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with the remaining mozzarella sticks, working in batches of 8 sticks at a time.
5. Step 5Serve the mozzarella sticks with the warm marinara sauce.