Name: Crispy Fried Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 0.6667 cup all-purpose flour; 0.3333 cup cornstarch; 1.5 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs; 0.5 teaspoon garlic salt; 2 large eggs, beaten; 0.25 cup water; 1 (16 ounce) package mozzarella cheese sticks; 2 cups oil for frying, or as needed

If you’re after a snack that delivers ooey-gooey cheese encased in a delightfully crunchy shell, you’re in the right place. This Crispy Fried Mozzarella Sticks Recipe is everything you crave for an appetizer or party treat—and I can’t wait to share how to make them perfectly every time!

A dark plate holds a neat pile of nine golden brown, crispy sticks that have a rough, crunchy texture. Behind the sticks, on the left side of the plate, there is a small white ramekin filled with bright red sauce that looks slightly chunky. Next to the ramekin, fresh green leafy herbs add a pop of color. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and the background shows warm wooden tones with a slightly blurred red container, creating a cozy setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Fried Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Fried Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely think these fried mozzarella sticks are magic. The golden double breading crisps up so nicely, locking in all that melty cheese—making snack time a serious comfort food win.

Perfectly Crispy Exterior: The double breading method creates a crunchy crust that stays crispy even after frying.
Melted, Gooey Center: The 45-minute freeze step ensures the cheese stays inside, giving you that luscious melty bite.
Simple Ingredients: Easily found pantry staples come together for a gourmet-feeling snack.
Quick to Make: Prep time is just 5 minutes, and cooking takes 10—ideal for when you want something fast yet impressive.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive into the frying frenzy, let’s chat about the ingredients that make these mozzarella sticks so irresistible. When shopping, look for fresh mozzarella sticks and Italian seasoned breadcrumbs—the flavor they bring really makes a difference.

Flat lay of two large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of water, a small white bowl filled with Italian seasoned golden bread crumbs, a small white bowl containing bright white all-purpose flour, a small white bowl with fine white cornstarch, a simple white plate displaying several fresh mozzarella cheese sticks, and a small white bowl of clear golden frying oil, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: Provides a dry base to help the wet ingredients stick and contributes to the crunch.
Cornstarch: Adds extra crispiness and a light texture to the breading mix.
Italian seasoned bread crumbs: Packed with herbs and flavor, they create that classic Italian-American taste.
Garlic salt: Brings subtle savory notes that elevate the overall flavor.
Eggs: Act as the glue that holds the breading onto the cheese sticks during frying.
Water: Lightens the egg wash so the coating isn’t too thick or heavy.
Mozzarella cheese sticks: The star of the show—choose good quality for that perfect melt.
Oil for frying: Necessary for deep frying; a neutral oil with a high smoke point works best.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Fried Mozzarella Sticks Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste and dietary needs. Whether you want to switch up the coating or add some extra flavor, there’s room to play and make these sticks truly your own!

Variation: Double Crunch Delight – For an extra crispy texture, I sometimes swap out the Italian seasoned bread crumbs with panko mixed with a pinch of Italian seasoning and garlic salt. The panko adds a lighter, airier crunch that pairs beautifully with the gooey mozzarella inside.
Variation: Spicy Kick – Add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the bread crumb mixture to give your mozzarella sticks a subtle, smoky heat that’s a fantastic twist on the classic.
Variation: Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free bread crumbs to keep the crispy coating intact without gluten. Just make sure to double-check your cornstarch is gluten-free as well.
Variation: Herb-Infused Breading – Freshly chopped basil, oregano, or parsley mixed into the bread crumbs brings a fresh, aromatic punch that complements the Italian-American vibe perfectly.
Serving Suggestion: Whatever variation you choose, marinara sauce is a classic dipping partner. For a creamier option, try ranch or a spicy aioli for dipping—these add another dimension of flavor and richness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

The image shows a food preparation setup on a white marbled surface featuring four clear glass bowls and one white plate arranged in a loose rectangular shape. The white plate on the left holds several white, stick-shaped pieces of food. The bottom left glass bowl is filled with white flour and contains similar sticks partially covered in flour. The top middle glass bowl holds a yellow, smooth liquid with some sticks partially dipped inside. On the right, another glass bowl contains a mixture of light brown, coarse crumbs with some sticks resting on top, coated in this crumbly texture. The scene is lit brightly, highlighting the textures and subtle color differences. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Breading Stations

I like to set up everything before I start dipping. In one bowl, I mix the all-purpose flour with the cornstarch—that’s the dry base to help the coating stick. In a second bowl, I whisk together the two large eggs and a quarter cup of water until smooth and combined—that’s our “wet” layer. For the third bowl, I combine Italian seasoned bread crumbs with half a teaspoon of garlic salt to amp up the flavor. Having these three stations ready makes the breading process smooth and speedy.

Step 2: Coat Your Mozzarella Sticks—Twice!

Grab a mozzarella stick and dredge it in the flour-cornstarch mix, shaking off any excess—that dry layer helps the egg stick later. Then dip it into your egg mixture, letting extra drip off so it’s not too wet. Next, press the stick firmly into the bread crumb mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Now, here’s the secret to that amazing crunch: dip the stick back into the egg and then coat it again with bread crumbs, creating a double layer of breading. Lay the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet—it keeps them from sticking and makes cleanup easier!

Step 3: Freeze to Firm Up

This step is crucial! Pop your breaded mozzarella sticks into the freezer for 45 minutes. Freezing allows the double breading to firm up so it won’t fall apart, and it helps keep that molten cheese from oozing out during frying. Patience here pays off with perfectly crispy sticks!

Step 4: Heat Your Oil to 365°F (185°C)

While the sticks are freezing, heat about 2 cups of oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed saucepan to exactly 365 degrees Fahrenheit (185 degrees Celsius). This temperature is perfect for getting a quick golden crust without melting the cheese too quickly. Use a thermometer to keep the temperature steady—this makes all the difference!

Step 5: Fry in Batches for Even Cooking

Carefully lower 3 to 4 frozen mozzarella sticks into the hot oil using tongs or a spider spoon—you don’t want to overcrowd the pan because that drops the oil temperature and makes the sticks greasy instead of crispy. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally so all sides get a beautiful golden brown color. You’ll know they’re ready when the outside is crispy and golden, but be quick so the cheese inside stays gooey and doesn't run everywhere!

Step 6: Drain and Serve While Hot

Remove the fried mozzarella sticks with your tongs and drain them on paper towels. This extra step soaks up any excess oil and keeps your sticks crisp. Serve them immediately while they’re hot and melty inside for maximum enjoyment. Pair with your favorite marinara or dipping sauce and watch them disappear fast!

Top Tip

Getting perfectly crispy fried mozzarella sticks can be a little tricky, but these tips will make your cooking process smoother and your results tastier.

Freeze Before Frying: Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks for about 45 minutes is a game-changer. It firms up the coating and stops the cheese from melting out too quickly during frying.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking just 3 to 4 sticks at a time keeps your oil temperature steady, which means an even golden crust without sogginess.
Double Coating is Key: Dipping twice in egg and breadcrumbs creates that amazing crunchy exterior while locking in the gooey cheese inside.
Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: This helps maintain a consistent 365°F (185°C) oil temperature, which is essential for crispy fried cheddar perfection without grease overload.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

The image shows a pile of deep golden brown fried cheese sticks arranged on a long white oval dish. Some cheese sticks are whole with a crumbly, crispy coating, while a few have broken, showing melted pale yellow cheese oozing out from the inside. Next to the dish, partially visible at the bottom right corner, is a round white bowl filled with chunky bright red marinara sauce. The background is a white marbled surface with subtle light veins. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten up your plate with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the richness of the cheese sticks perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside classic marinara sauce for dipping to add a zesty tomato kick. For a fuller snack spread, pair these crispy fried mozzarella sticks with garlic bread, a light Caesar salad, or even some spicy buffalo wings for an irresistible appetizer lineup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure they have cooled completely before storing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks before frying—just place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 45 minutes, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month, making an easy-to-fry snack anytime cravings hit.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the mozzarella sticks in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes or until crisp and warm. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the coating soggy and the cheese rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of sticks?

While shredded mozzarella won’t hold its shape as well, you could try shaping it with a firm coating, but the classic mozzarella stick shape is best for frying and maintaining gooey cheese inside.

Why is the cheese oozing out during frying?

This usually happens if the coating isn’t thick or firm enough. Freezing the breaded sticks for about 45 minutes before frying helps seal the cheese inside and prevents leakage.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them, but the texture will be a bit different. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy, but frying gives the crispiest exterior and quickest cooking time.

What dipping sauces work well?

Classic marinara sauce is always a hit, but try ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for different flavor twists!

Final Thoughts

Making your own crispy fried mozzarella sticks at home is such a rewarding treat. With that golden crunchy crust and melted cheesy center, these sticks never fail to bring smiles to the table. Whether you're serving them as a festive appetizer or a cozy snack, keep these tips handy and enjoy every delicious bite!