Pulling apart a crispy homemade mozzarella stick and seeing that melted cheese stretch? Always a win. This fun, feel-good snack is one I make when I’m craving something cheesy, warm, and way better than takeout. Golden on the outside, gooey inside, and perfectly seasoned, homemade really is best. Recipe includes a step-by-step video!

Recipe

What I love most is how simple the ingredients are. If you have a block of mozzarella, some flour, breadcrumbs, and basic spices, you’re already halfway there. Once I figured out how to double-coat them and freeze them before frying, they started coming out just right every time.

They’re great for snacking, sharing with friends, or even serving up as a quick appetizer when guests pop by. And they don’t take long at all, just a little prep and a quick fry!

I like to make a batch ahead of time and keep them in the freezer, ready to go whenever the craving hits. Just a few minutes in hot oil and you’ve got that perfect, cheesy homemade mozzarella sticks. Whether you dip them in marinara, ranch, or enjoy them plain, they’re always a hit.

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⭐Why You'll Love This Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
🧾Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Ingredients
👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Mozzarella Sticks
💭Tips for Recipe Success
🧀More Cheese Recipes to Try!
🍛More Appetizer Recipes!
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

⭐Why You'll Love This Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

Uses Simple Ingredients: Everything in this recipe is easy to find and already in most kitchens.
Super Crispy Outside, Melty Cheese Inside: The double coating gives that perfect golden crunch.
You Can Make Them Ahead: Just freeze and fry whenever you’re ready, no stress.
Tastes Better Than Store-Bought: You can really taste the freshness and flavor in every bite.
Great for Any Occasion: Serve them as a snack, a party starter, or even on movie nights.

🧾Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Ingredients

Here’s the breakdown of what’s in this Homemade Mozzarella Sticks recipe:

Mozzarella Cheese: I like starting with a block of mozzarella and slicing it myself. It melts so nicely and gives you that satisfying cheese pull, honestly, it's my favorite part.
Egg: Just one egg is all I need to help everything stick together. It makes the breadcrumbs grab on without falling off later.
Milk: I add a small splash of milk to the egg to make it a little smoother. It just helps the coating go on more evenly.
All-Purpose Flour: I always start with a light coating of flour. It gives the egg and breadcrumbs something to hold onto, and the crust ends up crispier.
Breadcrumbs: I use plain breadcrumbs and mix in some seasoning. They fry up super crispy and give that classic crunch I love in a mozzarella stick.
Garlic & Onion Powder: I always add a little of both. They give the coating that warm, savory kick that makes these really pop.
Salt & Pepper: Just a pinch of each brings all the flavors together. It’s simple, but it makes a difference.
Vegetable Oil: I use a neutral oil for frying so all you taste is the crispy outside and the cheesy center. It works every time.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Mozzarella Sticks

These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the mozzarella into sticks about ½" thick. Set up three bowls, one with flour, one with a beaten egg and milk mixture, and the last with breadcrumbs mixed with your chosen seasonings.

2. Coat the Mozzarella: Dredge each cheese stick in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, followed by the seasoned breadcrumbs. For a crispier finish, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating to double-coat them.

3. Freeze Before Frying: Arrange the coated sticks on a tray and freeze for at least 1 hour. This helps them hold their shape during frying and prevents the cheese from oozing out too quickly.

4. Fry and Serve: Heat oil in a pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry a few sticks at a time for 1–2 minutes, just until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve warm homemade mozzarella sticks with your favorite dipping sauce.

💭Tips for Recipe Success

Use cold cheese: I like to keep the mozzarella sticks in the fridge until the very last minute. Starting with cold cheese helps it hold its shape while frying.

Line your tray before freezing: I usually place the coated sticks on parchment paper or foil before freezing so they don’t stick to the tray, it makes cleanup easier too.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry a few sticks at a time. Too many at once can lower the oil temperature and make them less crispy.

Test one first: I always fry one mozzarella stick first to check if the coating holds well and the cheese stays inside, it’s a good way to make sure everything’s ready.

Let them rest for a minute before serving: Right after frying, the cheese is super hot. Giving them just a minute to cool down makes them easier (and safer!) to eat, and the cheese texture is perfect.