Description
Take your appetizers to a professional level with these double-coated fried mozzarella sticks. Featuring a thick, herb-crusted shell and a molten center, this recipe uses a specialized breading method and a mandatory freeze to prevent blowouts and ensure a perfect crunch.
Ingredients
The Breading Station
- 1 (16 oz) package mozzarella cheese sticks
- Bowl 1: 2/3 cup all-purpose flour + 1/3 cup cornstarch
- Bowl 2: 2 large eggs + 1/4 cup water
- Bowl 3: 2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs + 1/2 tsp garlic salt
For Frying
- 2 cups high-smoke-point oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut)
Instructions
Setup: Arrange flour/cornstarch, egg wash, and bread crumbs in three bowls.
Double-Dredge: Coat cheese stick in flour, dip in egg wash, then press into bread crumbs. Repeat the egg wash and bread crumb steps for a second layer.
Freeze: Freeze breaded sticks on parchment for 45 minutes (non-negotiable).
Fry: Heat oil to 365°F (185°C). Fry in batches of 3–4 for 1–2 minutes until deep golden brown.
Drain: Remove with a spider spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.
Notes
The Cornstarch Secret: Adding cornstarch creates a drier surface that helps the egg wash ‘grip’ the smooth cheese.
Freezing: Gives the crust a head start to crisp up before the cheese inside liquefies and bursts through.
Temperature: Ensure oil returns to 365°F between batches to prevent the breading from absorbing oil and becoming greasy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American-Italian Pub Style
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Sticks
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: homemade mozzarella sticks, fried cheese recipe, double breaded mozzarella, crispy cheese sticks, game day appetizers, string cheese recipes, restaurant style mozzarella sticks