Crispy Mozzarella Sticks Recipe with Herbed Breadcrumbs
Golden, crispy mozzarella sticks coated with herbed breadcrumbs, perfect for a quick and easy homemade snack that melts in your mouth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese), full-fat recommended
- 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups (200 grams) Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2–3 cups vegetable oil or canola oil for frying
Instructions
- Unwrap each string cheese stick and cut them in half for bite-sized pieces (about 24 pieces total). Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze for at least 1 hour.
- Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one with 1 cup flour, one with 2 beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of 2 cups breadcrumbs, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir breadcrumb mixture well.
- Remove cheese pieces from freezer. Coat each piece first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten egg, and roll in herbed breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat egg and breadcrumb step once more for double coating. Place breaded sticks on baking sheet and freeze for another 30 minutes.
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Test with a small breadcrumb to ensure oil is ready.
- Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. Remove with tongs or slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or wire rack.
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce or ranch dip.
Notes
Freeze cheese sticks before breading and again after breading to prevent cheese leakage during frying. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for best results. Double breading adds extra crispiness and helps hold cheese inside. Drain on wire rack to keep crust crispy. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. For baking alternative, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 mozzarella s
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 18
Keywords: mozzarella sticks, crispy mozzarella sticks, herbed breadcrumbs, fried cheese sticks, easy snack, homemade mozzarella sticks