Name: Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 1 h 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups (106 g) plain Panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon table salt; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup (63 g) all-purpose flour; 1 lb whole milk mozzarella block (or 15 string cheese sticks); Vegetable oil, for frying; Marinara sauce, for dipping

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

These Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are crispy, golden on the outside and wonderfully gooey on the inside. I love how they’re perfect for parties, game days, or whenever I crave something cheesy and comforting. With a make-ahead freezer option and multiple cooking methods, they’re incredibly versatile and crowd-pleasing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy these are to prep and how impressive they are when served hot and melty. Whether I fry, bake, or air fry them, they always turn out crispy and satisfying. They’re way better than store-bought, and I can customize the seasoning to my taste.

Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients

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

1 1/2 cups (106 g) plain Panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon table salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup (63 g) all-purpose flour
1 lb whole milk mozzarella block (or 15 string cheese sticks)
Vegetable oil, for frying
Marinara sauce, for dipping

Directions

I place the Panko breadcrumbs in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until fine. I transfer them to a shallow dish and mix in the Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
In a second shallow dish, I whisk the eggs until smooth. I place the flour in a third shallow dish.
If I’m using a mozzarella block, I slice it into 15 even sticks.
I coat each mozzarella stick in flour, then dip it in the egg, and roll it in the seasoned Panko mixture until fully coated. I place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
I freeze the coated sticks for at least 1 hour. For longer storage, I transfer them to an airtight container after the first hour and keep them frozen until ready to cook.

To Fry: I heat oil in a saucepan to 350°F (175°C). I fry 2 sticks at a time for about 1 minute until golden brown and drain them on paper towels.

To Bake: I preheat the oven to 415°F (210°C), place the sticks on a greased, foil-lined baking sheet, and bake for 10–15 minutes until lightly golden.

To Air Fry: I preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C), spray the basket with cooking spray, add the sticks, spray them lightly, and cook for 6–8 minutes, tossing halfway through.

I serve the mozzarella sticks warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Servings: 15 mozzarella sticks
Calories: 138 kcal per stick

Variations

I use different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for a twist.
I add cayenne or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix for heat.
I mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
I dip them in ranch or garlic butter instead of marinara.
I use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make them gluten-free.

Storage/reheating

I keep uncooked, breaded mozzarella sticks frozen until I’m ready to cook. Cooked leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer or oven until crisp and warm. I avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating.

FAQs

Can I use string cheese instead of a block?

Yes, I often use string cheese for convenience. It’s already the perfect shape and size.

Why do my mozzarella sticks leak when frying?

They may not be frozen long enough, or the coating might be too thin. I make sure they’re well coated and fully frozen before cooking.

Can I double coat the sticks?

Absolutely. I dip them again in egg and breadcrumbs after the first coating for a thicker crust.

Do I have to crush the Panko?

Crushing helps the coating stick better and gives a more uniform crust. I recommend it for best results.

What’s the best way to serve these?

I love them hot with a side of marinara sauce, but they’re also great with ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy ketchup.

Conclusion

Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are one of my favorite indulgent snacks. They’re crunchy, cheesy, and endlessly adaptable. Whether I’m entertaining or just treating myself, they always disappear fast!