Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

I like to make these cheese sticks ahead of time to put in my freezer so I have them when family come to visit. It’s always nice to have a yummy appetizer to serve with a meal, and our daughters and grandkids love them. Who doesn’t love cheese sticks?!!

When shopping for cheese sticks, I recommend purchasing good quality cheese. I like Sargento brand or even a specialty cheese such as a smoked variety. However, do not buy reduced fat for this recipe, as it will not melt well.

When I make this recipe, I like to have someone help me, if possible, whether a daughter, husband, or grandchild. Having the extra hand to work through the breading steps is incredibly helpful! So, I encourage you to have a friend or family member help you, too. It makes the process go more quickly, and is less messy. Cooking is always more fun when you have a helper by your side, don’t you think?

Sometimes, having a helper isn’t always possible. If that’s the case, try to have your coating area well planned out, and use spoons whenever possible, rather than getting your fingers so messy. The job will still be messy, but maybe not quite as much. 

Ingredients for Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

(As a Walmart Affiliate, I earn from qualified purchases from the links below. See the full recipe at the bottom of this post.)

Gather the ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table. Having a well laid out working space is key for this recipe.

Prepare the Breading Stations

In a medium bowl, combine large eggs and water, whisking until frothy.

On a large plate or bowl, pour out the Italian-style bread crumbs. On a second plate, mix together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic salt, and seasoned salt.

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.

Steps for Breading the Cheese Sticks

1 – Coat cheese sticks in flour mixture.

2 – Dip cheese sticks in egg mixture to cover.

3 – Coat cheese sticks a second time in flour mixture, making sure cheese is covered completely.

4 – Dip once more in egg mixture.

5 – Coat in bread crumbs, covering completely, and pressing in with fingers. (At this time, your fingers may get really messy. That’s okay. Just rinse them off and continue on.)

6 – Set breaded cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all cheese sticks.

Once you have all the cheese sticks coated, place the baking sheet with cheese sticks in freezer for about 20 minutes. I have found that the cheese sticks fry a bit better when the coating is solid.

After twenty minutes, you may opt to place the cheese sticks in a freezer bag for using later. The cheese sticks will keep in your freezer for 2-3 months.

Working through these steps is where my granddaughter was a big help. She was in charge of coating the cheese sticks in the bread crumbs. So, I did steps 1-4, using one hand for the flour, and one for the egg wash.

Then I’d place the gooey cheese sticks on the plate of bread crumbs for her to cover. She used a spoon and managed to get through the process with very little mess.

Fry the Cheese Sticks

When you’re ready to cook the cheese sticks, heat a Dutch oven with enough peanut oil to fill 5-6 inches deep. Deep fry cheese sticks 3-4 at a time, cooking for 30-40 seconds until deep golden brown at 350-365°F. (Remove if cheese starts to splatter in oil.) Be sure to bring oil back to desired temperature between batches.

You may keep the cheese sticks warm at a low temperature in your oven until ready to serve. Serve warm with your favorite Mariana Sauce. This recipe makes 12 sticks.

Wine Recommendation: Kendall-Jackson Vitner’s Reserve Chardonnay 2018

Browse Similar Categories