Mozzarella Sticks (Restaurant Copycat)

⏱️ 2 hours 30 minutes (including freezing)👥 4-6 servings (approximately 12-16 sticks) servings❤️ Taste: 10/10
Mozzarella Sticks (Restaurant Copycat)

Nutrition Facts

Calories
425
Protein
22g
Carbs
32g
Fiber
2g

Health Benefits

Gut Health4/10
Anti-Inflammatory5/10
Blood Sugar Control4/10

Ingredients

  • •- 1 lb mozzarella string cheese (or block mozzarella cut into 4-inch sticks)
  • •- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • •- 3 large eggs
  • •- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • •- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • •- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • •- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • •- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • •- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • •- ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • •- 2-3 cups vegetable oil for deep frying
  • •- 1 cup marinara sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. 1Cut block mozzarella into sticks about ½-inch thick and 4 inches long if not using string cheese. Pat completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. 2Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls. Add flour to the first bowl. Crack eggs into the second bowl and beat until smooth and well combined. Combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika in the third bowl, mixing thoroughly.
  3. 3Coat each mozzarella stick first in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip back into bowl. Press firmly into seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage on all sides.
  4. 4Repeat the breading process for extra crispiness: dip breaded sticks back into egg, then coat again with breadcrumb mixture. This double-breading creates that signature restaurant crunch.
  5. 5Arrange breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch. Freeze for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. This critical step prevents cheese from leaking during frying.
  6. 6Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to exactly 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy - temperature control is essential for perfect results.
  7. 7Working in small batches of 4-5 sticks, carefully lower frozen mozzarella sticks into hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes, turning once halfway through. Remove immediately when exterior reaches deep golden color.
  8. 8Transfer fried sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let rest for 1-2 minutes before serving - this allows the molten cheese center to set slightly while staying perfectly gooey.
  9. 9Serve immediately alongside warm marinara sauce for dipping. The contrast between hot, crispy coating and creamy melted cheese is best enjoyed right away.