Homemade Cheese Sticks

Homemade cheese sticks are delicious finger foods that are crispy with ooey gooey cheese all in the same bite!

They are everyone’s favorite appetizer and a super easy recipe to make at home. Perfect for GAME DAY!

What are Mozzarella Sticks?

Mozzarella sticks, also known as fried cheese sticks, are breaded pieces of cheese that are deep fried and served with a dipping sauce.

Usually they are make with mozzarella cheese because it melts so easily but can be other types as well. I mean, what is not to LOVE about FRIED CHEESE?!?

These are my favorite of all the cheesy appetizers out there, and I love them with a spicy tomato sauce to dip them in.

You can buy these at your favorite restaurant and even already cooked in the freezer section of your grocery store but making them at home is so much better!

The MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember is that you need string cheese sticks NOT regular cheese sticks. The pull apart string cheese sticks are made so they tear easily which means they melt easily too.

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Ingredients Needed

String Cheese – Be sure to use string cheese and not snack cheese sticks. They will not melt the same. I prefer to use mozzarella cheese sticks but you can also use Colby Jack.

Panko – These make the best crispy coating. You can use seasoned or regular bread crumbs if you prefer.

Seasonings – Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper.

Pantry Staples – Milk, eggs, all purpose flour.

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How to make Mozzarella Sticks

First: Unwrap the cheese. Prepare the 3 dredging stations in shallow bowls. Flour, Panko plus seasonings, and milk & eggs.

Second: Dip the piece of cheese in the flour mixture. Then into the milk & egg mixture. Roll the sticks that was dipped in egg into the Panko breadcrumb mixture to coat. Repeat this step for a double coating.

Third: Place them on a baking sheet and freeze the mozzarella sticks for 30 minutes to set. While these are setting, heat the oil for frying.

Fourth: Deep fry in hot oil for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Enjoy warm!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How do you keep Mozzarella Sticks from exploding?

The best way is to make sure that you completely coat the stick twice. Patting the Panko into the cheese can help it stick. Just make sure there aren’t any holes in the coating.

Freezing the cheese sticks helps them hold their shape while cooking and keep them from overheating which can cause leaking.

Deep frying the best and tastiest way to cook mozzarella sticks because you get that fried flavor, but also because it only takes a minute or two in the oil to cook.

You can bake them in the oven or you can use an air fryer! They take longer to cook but you won’t have as much as a mess.

How long do they last?

I like to enjoy mine while they are fresh or I freeze them for later. Separate them on a baking sheet on parchment paper. Freeze until solid.

Transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer until ready to fry, bake, or reheat.

Air Fryer Version

Prepare as before but instead of deep frying, air fry them! Place the breaded mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket, in a single layer. Spray with vegetable oil or nonstick spray.

Air fry for 5-8 minutes, turning once, until the outside is crispy and golden brown. Remove to a cooing rack and serve.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these with the traditional marinara sauce or go crazy with you dipping sauces.

Try Ranch Dressing, Buffalo Sauce, BBQ, or my favorite, Honey Mustard!

Tapas Tips & Tricks

• For best results, freeze them before adding to the deep fryer. They will hold their shape and not overcook.
• You can try this with thick slices from block cheese if you want to switch up the shape.
• Add Parmesan cheese to the panko mixture or use Italian bread crumbs for more flavor.
• Be sure to coat completely. Any holes can mean leaks.
• Panko is the bests coating but you can use cracker crumbs, croutons, chips, and even pretzels for coating.
• Keep the oil between 350-365F. Use a frying thermometer so they don’t burn.
• Switch the milk for buttermilk for a little bit of tang.
• Make a large batch and freeze for later!

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

These homemade cheese sticks are a fun and delicious appetizer the whole family will love. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce during the week or the next time you throw a get together!

{Originally Posts 6/15/2020 – Photos and notes updated 08/29/2022}

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