These homemade Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect appetizer or snack—crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside. With a simple coating of panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, these mozzarella sticks are easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a satisfying treat that’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a fun side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These homemade mozzarella sticks are a total crowd-pleaser. The crispy, golden breadcrumb coating is full of flavor thanks to the Italian seasoning and garlic powder, while the fresh mozzarella inside stays wonderfully gooey as it melts. Plus, making your own mozzarella sticks means you can customize them to your liking and avoid the preservatives and excess oil in store-bought versions. Paired with marinara sauce for dipping, these mozzarella sticks are a classic comfort food.

Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients

16 ounces fresh mozzarella log
8 ounces plain panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 eggs, whisked
Non-stick cooking spray
Marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Mozzarella: Cut the fresh mozzarella log into 12-14 even pieces, depending on the size of the sticks you prefer.
Make the Breading Station: Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
- In the first bowl, place the whisked eggs.
- In the second bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- In the third bowl, place a small amount of flour (about 1/4 cup) to coat the mozzarella sticks lightly before dipping them in the eggs.
Coat the Mozzarella Sticks: Lightly coat each mozzarella stick in the flour, then dip it into the whisked eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Afterward, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process for each stick.
Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks: Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Freezing helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly while frying.
Preheat the Oven and Prepare to Cook: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the sticks from sticking.
Bake the Mozzarella Sticks: After the mozzarella sticks have been frozen, place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching. Lightly spray the tops of the mozzarella sticks with more cooking spray. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy on the outside, and the cheese inside is melty.
Serve: Serve the mozzarella sticks hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes of freezing time)
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Cheese Variations: You can use other cheeses, such as provolone or cheddar, for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Mozzarella Sticks: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
Herbed Mozzarella Sticks: Mix fresh chopped herbs like parsley or basil into the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover mozzarella sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing: You can freeze uncooked mozzarella sticks for up to 2 months. To cook from frozen, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.
Reheating: To reheat, place the mozzarella sticks in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I fry these instead of baking them?

Yes, you can fry them in hot oil at 375°F (190°C) for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Be sure to fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding.

2. Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of a mozzarella log?

Yes, you can use shredded mozzarella, but it won’t hold together as well as the solid mozzarella. You may want to freeze it for a bit longer to ensure it doesn’t melt too quickly.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bread the mozzarella sticks a day ahead. Store them in the refrigerator or freeze them until ready to bake or fry.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed gluten-free crackers or cornflakes. Make sure the mozzarella sticks are also gluten-free.

5. Can I use a different dipping sauce?

Absolutely! You can dip these mozzarella sticks in ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a spicy buffalo sauce for a different twist.

6. Can I bake them without oil or cooking spray?

While cooking spray helps make the sticks crispy, you can bake them without it. The breadcrumbs may not brown as much, but they will still be delicious.

7. How can I make the mozzarella sticks crunchier?

Double breading the mozzarella sticks (dipping them twice in eggs and breadcrumbs) will give them an extra-crunchy coating. Be sure to freeze them for at least 30 minutes before baking.

8. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while baking?

Freezing the mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes before baking helps solidify the cheese, so it doesn’t leak out as quickly during cooking.

9. How can I make these spicier?

Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a pinch of hot paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy twist.

10. How do I know when the mozzarella sticks are done?

They are done when the outside is golden and crispy, and the cheese inside has melted and is gooey when you cut into them. Keep an eye on them as they cook so they don’t burn.

Conclusion

These homemade Mozzarella Sticks are a crowd-pleasing snack that’s simple to make and full of cheesy goodness. With a crispy, seasoned breadcrumb coating and gooey mozzarella inside, they are perfect for any occasion, from movie nights to parties. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a delicious, comforting treat everyone will love!