These crispy and crunchy fried mozzarella sticks bite, will be one of your all-time favorite guilty pleasures.
Whenever mozzarella sticks are on the menu, it’s like they call my name — and I never, ever say no.
The First Bite That Changed Everything
I still remember the first time I had a real fried mozzarella stick. Not the microwaved kind or the half-cold ones from a sad party tray — I’m talking about a freshly fried, golden-brown stick, straight from the fryer.
It was at a gathering I attended ages ago. I didn’t even know I was hungry until I saw them on the menu.
One bite and… instant obsession. Thought it was from me being so hungry, but the crunch, the stretch, the warm, buttery flavor of the breading paired with that rich, tomato-y sauce was like finding out a secret I was never supposed to know.
Fried Mozzarella Stick Moments Are Special Moments
I’ve realized that fried mozzarella sticks have somehow become a marker of good times in my life. They show up at birthday parties, sometimes at fun nights out with friends, at lazy Sunday brunches where everyone just wants to eat like they’re 12 again.
It’s not just food — it’s a full-on event when someone orders fried mozzarella sticks. Eyes light up. Conversations get louder. Everyone wants to see who can get the longest cheese pull. It’s joy, dipped in marinara sauce.
The Ultimate Party Starter
You ever notice how mozzarella sticks disappear faster than anything else at a party? You put down a platter of wings, a big bowl of chips… they sit there. You put down a tray of deep-fried mozzarella sticks and these fried pickle spears? Gone in sixty seconds.
There’s something so inviting about them — crunchy, cheesy, and totally satisfying without being fussy. You don’t need forks, you don’t need fancy napkins. You just need good company and maybe a little extra marinara on the side.
My Cheese Pull Record (Yes, It’s a Thing)
Okay, confession time: I once got a cheese pull that was over 12 inches long. I know this because my friends actually measured it.
There’s something thrilling about seeing how far you can stretch that gooey mozzarella without it snapping. I don’t know why, but it never gets old. Every time I take a bite, I’m low-key hoping I break my own record.
Me & These Sticks – Instant Happiness
There are a lot of foods I love, but deep fried mozzarella sticks hold a very special place in my heart. They’re not fancy. They’re not complicated. They’re just pure, simple happiness wrapped up in a crunchy, golden shell.
Here’s How To Make Them
Our step-by-step frying method will help you make this recipe with ease. Tag us on Instagram or Facebook so I can see your beautiful dish.
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Here’s how you get that perfect golden crunch and melty, stretchy cheese inside:
Deep Fried Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 Oz. Mozzarella Sticks; Cut in half
- ½ Cup All-Purpose Flour
- ½ tsp. Kosher Salt; or to taste
- ¼ tsp. Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Egg
- 1 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs; more if needed
- 1 Tbsp Dried Oregano Flakes
- ¼ Cup Water
- 4 Cups Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare your mozzarella sticks: Cut the mozzarella sticks in half if they aren’t already. Place them back in the freezer to keep them nice and firm while you prep everything else.Set up your dredging station: In the first bowl, mix the flour, oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper.In the second bowl, whisk the egg with the water until smooth.In the third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs
- Coat the mozzarella sticks: Working with a few pieces at a time, first roll the frozen mozzarella sticks in the seasoned flour, coating all sides.Then dip them into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Then back into the flour mixture. Transfer them back to the egg was, and finally coat them thoroughly in the panko- breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs stick well.
- Chill before frying: Once coated, place the mozzarella sticks back into the freezer for about 15–20 minutes if you are in a rush, and 1 hour if time permits. This helps the breading set and keeps the cheese from leaking out when frying.Heat the oil: Pour the oil into a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot. Heat it to 350°F (175°C) but no more than 375°F. (Use a thermometer for accuracy if you can.)Fry the mozzarella sticks: Carefully add a few sticks at a time to the hot oil. Fry for about 1½ to 2 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and crispy.Drain and serve: Remove the sticks with a slotted spoon or spider strainer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any extra oil.Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce — marinara, ranch, or cheese sauce
Notes
How to Store Deep Fried Mozzarella Sticks
If you find yourself with leftover mozzarella sticks (rare, but it happens!), storing them properly is key to keeping them as crispy and cheesy as possible. Here’s how to do it:- Cool completely: Let the mozzarella sticks cool to room temperature first. If you store them while they’re still hot, they’ll steam and get soggy.
- Use an airtight container: Place the cooled sticks in a single layer inside an airtight container. If you need to stack them, separate the layers with a piece of parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
- Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Freeze for longer storage: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze mozzarella sticks! Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for about 1–2 months.