Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station
- Set up three shallow bowls. Place the flour in the first bowl.
- In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water or milk until smooth.
- In the third bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs if using, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Step 2: Coat the Mozzarella
- Take one mozzarella stick and roll it lightly in the flour. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip the floured mozzarella stick into the egg mixture, making sure it is completely coated.
- Transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture and coat all sides evenly. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the mozzarella.
Step 3: Double Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
- Dip the breaded mozzarella stick back into the egg mixture.
- Return it to the breadcrumb mixture and coat it again. Make sure the entire mozzarella stick, including both ends, is completely covered.
- Repeat the process with all remaining mozzarella sticks.
Step 4: Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks
- Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Transfer the tray to the freezer and freeze until the mozzarella sticks are firm. This step is essential because it helps prevent the cheese from melting and leaking out during cooking.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
- Pour enough oil into a deep skillet, heavy-bottomed pot, or deep fryer for frying.
- Heat the oil to approximately 350°F (175°C). The oil should be hot enough to quickly crisp the coating without burning it.
Step 6: Fry Until Golden
- Carefully fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in small batches.
- Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes, or until the outside is golden brown and crispy.
- Do not overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy mozzarella sticks.
Step 7: Drain and Serve
- Remove the mozzarella sticks using a slotted spoon or spider strainer.
- Place them on paper towels or a wire rack to remove excess oil.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy with warm marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks thoroughly before cooking is one of the most important steps for preventing cheese leaks.
Double breading creates a thicker, crunchier coating and helps keep the melted cheese inside.
Make sure the ends of each mozzarella stick are completely coated with breadcrumbs.
Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches to maintain a consistent oil temperature.
For a lighter alternative, the mozzarella sticks can also be cooked in an air fryer or baked in the oven.
Serve immediately for the best combination of a crispy exterior and gooey melted cheese.
Uncooked breaded mozzarella sticks can be frozen for later and cooked directly from frozen.
Double breading creates a thicker, crunchier coating and helps keep the melted cheese inside.
Make sure the ends of each mozzarella stick are completely coated with breadcrumbs.
Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches to maintain a consistent oil temperature.
For a lighter alternative, the mozzarella sticks can also be cooked in an air fryer or baked in the oven.
Serve immediately for the best combination of a crispy exterior and gooey melted cheese.
Uncooked breaded mozzarella sticks can be frozen for later and cooked directly from frozen.