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Home » Popular Posts » Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

May 22, 2012 by Tara Noland 73 Comments

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Is there anything better than hot, golden brown Mozzarella Cheese Sticks fresh out of the deep fryer? Yes! When they’re homemade mozzarella sticks and just as easy as frozen ones from the store but they come out of your kitchen.

Here is a recipe for Mozzarella Cheese Sticks from a fellow blogger’s site My Prairie Window and originally from Ree Drummond’s latest cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks.

Plateful of cheese sticks and marinara dipping sauce.

We have revamped this post for you with new pictures. If you are looking for the old pictures just scroll to the bottom.

Showing the melty inside of a cheese stick.

Helpful Items for This Recipe

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small portion from qualifying purchases at no extra charge for you.

Non-Stick Jumbo Wok 

Stainless Steel Deep Fryer

Panko Bread Crumbs

Platter of golden brown mozzarella cheese sticks.

Keira from My Prairie Window has been of great help and support along my journey into food blogging. We have started at the exact same time and have really tried to help each other out.

This recipe is a very easy, super tasty side dish, appetizer or snack. Who doesn’t love fried cheese, I mean come on this is good stuff!!

I did my own twist with a lovely tomato dipping sauce and gave it a little BAM with some Emeril’s seasoning in the flour. I know you will enjoy this one!!

Close up of mozzarella cheese sticks.

Crispy on the outside and ooey-gooey on the inside, that is perfection to me!! Cheese sticks of any kind are a huge draw to me but the ones that I find do the best are string cheese sticks for this recipe.

What to eat with mozzarella cheese? Well, mozzarella cheese sticks go great with a tomato dipping marinara sauce. 

Is String Cheese and Mozzarella The Same?

Healthy Organic String Cheese For a Snack

Mozzarella sticks are still 100% mozzarella cheese but unlike fresh mozzarella that is in a brine, mozzarella cheese sticks are dried out. They are also heated to 140F.

This heat makes the milk proteins move around and line up in a row. The cheese then becomes very stringy and stretchy and, of course, as you know, fun to play with.  

Cheese strings are perfect for this recipe as after they are fried they are still stringy and stretchy and ooey and gooey!!

OOEY GOOEY CHEESE!!

Horizontal picture of a platter of cheese sticks.

Everyone young and old will love these. Kids go crazy for cheese and for crispy goodness so you know these will be a winner! These would also be great on game day as you cheer your favorite team forward.

I love that they can be made up and stored in the freezer until they go for a pop in the deep fryer. That is a great way to have them on hand and not to stress about getting them ready before company arrives. They are ready and waiting for you!!

Pulling a fried cheese stick in half.

Hot out of the fryer (I would try them in an air fryer too) the cheese will melt while the outside is crispy from the panko crumbs. If you are not familiar with panko crumbs they are a Japanese-style breadcrumb traditionally used as a coating for deep-fried foods.

The biggest difference between panko crumbs and bread crumbs is that panko is made from bread with the crusts removed. 

How to Make Mozzarella Cheese Sticks with String Cheese?

Ingredients for mozzarella cheese sticks

Once you’ve made the spice blend, it’s actually really fast and easy to make the actual mozzarella cheese sticks. The secret ingredient is using string cheese sticks instead of spending a lot of time trying to shape the mozzarella into a stick.

Setting up an assembly line is the best way to get the mozzarella sticks coated in batter. Bowl one should have the flour and Emeril’s Essence mixture; bowl two will be the milk and egg mixture; and bowl three will be the outer crust – the panko crumb with parsley, salt, and pepper mixture.

Lay the baking sheet beside the third bowl so that you can place it on the baking sheet immediately after coating it. Chill in the freezer for half an hour.

Cheese sticks in a cast iron pan frying.

Then heat the oil in a deep fryer, frying pan or wok pan over medium-high heat and deep fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels before serving. 

I use canola oil as opposed to olive oil to give them a nice light taste. 

It’s really that easy. The hardest part is going to be convincing yourself that you shouldn’t make these every day.

Close up of a cheese stick being dipped in marinara sauce
Square photo of a platter of mozzarella cheese sticks.

Pin it HERE!!

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe

Continue to Content
Yield: 32

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Homemade Mozzarella Sticks are easy make-ahead appetizers that wait for you in the freezer until you want to heat up some oil and fry to a golden brown. They have a little extra kick in the spices and are an ooey-gooey favorite.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Additional Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 16 string cheese sticks
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp. Emeril's Essence
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 cups panko crumbs
  • 1 Tbsp. dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Canola oil for frying

Dipping sauce

  • 19 oz. can tomato sauce
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper or to taste
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste

Emeril's Essence

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme

Instructions

  • Mix all ingredients together for Emeril's spice. You will think of a million things to put it into.
  • Unwrap cheese sticks and cut them in half. Using three bowls for dipping, place the flour and Emeril's Essence in the first bowl. Beat the eggs with the milk in the second bowl and then in the third bowl add the panko crumbs, parsley and salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Now start to dip the cheese sticks. First in the flour, then egg and finally panko. Place them on a cookie sheet and freeze for 20-30 min.
  • Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a small saucepan and add the garlic and saute for 1 min. Add the tomato sauce, red pepper, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste. Simmer 15 min. Heat a few inches of the canola oil in a wok or large deep frying pan.
  • Place sticks in the oil and fry to a golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve with the tomato sauce immediately.
  • Recommended Products

    As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    • Kikkoman, Panko Bread Crumbs, 8oz Box (Pack of 3)
      Kikkoman, Panko Bread Crumbs, 8oz Box (Pack of 3)
    • Hamilton Beach Deep Fryer, 12 Cups / 3 Liters Oil Capacity, Frying Basket with Hooks, Lid with View Window, Stainless Steel, Professional Grade, Electric, 1500 Watts (35033)
      Hamilton Beach Deep Fryer, 12 Cups / 3 Liters Oil Capacity, Frying Basket with Hooks, Lid with View Window, Stainless Steel, Professional Grade, Electric, 1500 Watts (35033)
    • T-fal A80789 Specialty Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Oven Safe PFOA-Free Jumbo Wok Cookware, 14-Inch, Black
      T-fal A80789 Specialty Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Oven Safe PFOA-Free Jumbo Wok Cookware, 14-Inch, Black

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    32

    Serving Size:

    2

    Amount Per Serving:Calories: 94Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 634mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 5g

    Recipe calculation was provided by Nutritionix and is an estimation only. If you need nutritional calculations for medical reasons, please use a source that you trust.

    © Tara Noland
    Cuisine: American / Category: Appetizers
    Mozzarella Cheese Sticks showing their ooey gooey interior

    Adapted from The Pioneer Woman Cooks

    Emeril’s Essence by Emeril Lagasse

    Mozzarella Cheese Sticks with tomato dipping sauce
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    Filed Under: Appetizers, Popular Posts Tagged With: appetizers, Cheese, cheese sticks, freezer, mozzarella cheese sticks, tomato sauce

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    Comments

    1. Emily says

      May 22, 2012 at 2:58 pm

      My heavens, I want this! NOW!

      Reply
    2. Keira says

      May 22, 2012 at 2:58 pm

      They look amazing! Need to make them again, like today!!!

      Reply
    3. Jen @ Juanita's Cocina says

      May 22, 2012 at 4:33 pm

      Stringy cheeeeeeese! Yes pleeeeease!

      Reply
    4. Geraldine Saucier says

      May 22, 2012 at 5:05 pm

      I love these Mozzarella Cheese Sticks. They are a favorite of my kids. I can’t wait to make them. Thanks for a great post:)

      Reply
    5. Katie says

      May 22, 2012 at 7:03 pm

      I don’t think I could trust myself with an entire plate of these!

      Reply
    6. Rachel (teacher-chef) says

      May 22, 2012 at 8:26 pm

      WOW – I have made something like this before but never before have mine turned out this awesome looking. Thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply
    7. Jesica @ Pencil Kitchen says

      May 22, 2012 at 8:50 pm

      This is something i often eat as a kid. you got me reminiscing!

      Reply
    8. Sarah says

      May 23, 2012 at 6:59 am

      Congrats on making Tastespotting again!

      Reply
    9. beti says

      May 23, 2012 at 8:23 am

      That photo can be dangerous, melting cheese is one of the best things of life

      Reply
    10. Tes says

      May 23, 2012 at 8:47 am

      It’s a winner! Crispy on the outside and oozy from the inside… My family will be so exciting with this dish 🙂

      Reply
    11. The View From the Table says

      May 23, 2012 at 10:18 am

      Oh wow, these look divine! x

      Reply
    12. Nava Krishnan says

      May 24, 2012 at 6:23 am

      Made to perfection and the sticks looks so tempting, what more with the sauce. I can imagine the wonderful taste and more of these sticks for me as I don’t think one stick will be enough for me.

      Reply
    13. Griffin's Grub says

      May 24, 2012 at 9:31 am

      I would be so all over that right now. I’m starving and its too early for lunch but I want to eat that anyway.

      Reply
    14. Rachel Low says

      May 24, 2012 at 3:17 pm

      These look sooo good!!!!

      Reply
    15. Michelle says

      May 30, 2012 at 6:37 pm

      Tara,
      This looks super yummy. Thanks for sharing at Creative Thursday last week. I can’t wait to see what you link up this week. Have a great day 🙂
      Michelle

      Reply
    16. Noshing with the Nolands says

      June 22, 2012 at 11:02 am

      Thank you everyone, I have to make these again. Well I have but maybe again and again!!

      Reply
    17. Kim Bee says

      August 2, 2012 at 10:08 pm

      Oh my goodness, those are some insanely good moz sticks. Love!

      Reply
      • Noshing with the Nolands says

        August 13, 2012 at 4:38 pm

        Thank you, they are very good!!

        Reply
    18. Alayna says

      August 13, 2012 at 4:31 pm

      Do you fill the pan with enough to oil to completely coat the sticks, top and bottom? Or just enough to coat the bottom of the pan?

      Reply
      • Noshing with the Nolands says

        August 13, 2012 at 4:39 pm

        Yes, you need a few inches of oil so that they are deep fried.

        Reply
    19. Leo says

      August 29, 2012 at 6:41 am

      Oh my goodness… They are so delicious!!!

      Reply
      • Noshing with the Nolands says

        August 29, 2012 at 7:04 am

        I am so glad you liked them!!

        Reply
    20. Kei says

      October 31, 2012 at 10:38 am

      OMG I am so gonna make this for my party!!

      Reply
      • Noshing with the Nolands says

        October 31, 2012 at 10:56 am

        They are great for a party as you can make them ahead of time and have them ready in the freezer. Just a quick dunk in the hot oil and they are ready to go!!

        Reply
    21. Kate@Diethood says

      December 23, 2012 at 4:58 pm

      These mozza sticks look amazing!!

      Reply
      • Noshing with the Nolands says

        December 23, 2012 at 5:20 pm

        Thanks Kate, they are pretty yummy!

        Reply
    22. Jane Jones says

      December 23, 2012 at 8:48 pm

      I was wondering if you could bake these?

      Reply
      • Noshing with the Nolands says

        December 24, 2012 at 8:10 am

        Hmmmm, not sure. You could try a few and if it isn’t working go back to that nasty deep fry method.

        Reply
    23. Janice Jorgensen says

      February 10, 2013 at 2:17 pm

      Just made these mozzarella sticks for the twins birthday dinner tonight/pizza night. I had to use a extra egg to dip twice the panko didn’t stick with the first dunk…….they sucked up all the juice and I had to add more panko to finish it off. They look amazing the final test will be soon. Just wanted to say that I think the emeril spices added the right touch. Thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Noshing with the Nolands says

        February 10, 2013 at 2:30 pm

        Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. We have made these many times and they have always been a hit!!!

        Reply
    24. janice jorgensen says

      February 10, 2013 at 6:21 pm

      they were a big hit with everyone even my pickey husband…..will make them again and again

      Reply
      • Noshing with the Nolands says

        February 10, 2013 at 6:25 pm

        Now you are making me want them again. Mmmmm!! Thanks Janice!!

        Reply
    25. Maris says

      April 17, 2013 at 10:23 pm

      I have a major weakness for mozzarella sticks and these look fantastic!

      Reply
      • Noshing with the Nolands says

        April 18, 2013 at 7:20 am

        Thanks so much for coming over Maris!!

        Reply
    26. katie says

      May 13, 2013 at 12:33 pm

      these look so good. i love mozzarella sticks and must admit that i’ve never thought to make them at home by scratch! must make soon!

      Reply
      • Noshing with the Nolands says

        May 13, 2013 at 12:45 pm

        They could be made ahead of time too and just kept in the freezer. Ready when you are!!

        Reply
    27. Timmy cates says

      September 25, 2013 at 10:34 am

      Yummy

      Reply
    28. Cara says

      October 4, 2013 at 7:28 pm

      I made these tonight (eating as im typing) they taste great! I think the only thing I need to adjust is how high the heat is set for the oil. When I pulled mine out at the same golden color as yours the cheese was not melted. I had to leave them in longer which made them darker. Do you have to freeze them? Or can u put them in the oil directly after coating them?

      Reply
      • Noshing with the Nolands says

        October 4, 2013 at 8:30 pm

        I think your oil was too hot. Try it again but you could also try it unfrozen. ENJOY!!!

        Reply
    29. Betsy @ Desserts Required says

      October 9, 2013 at 5:37 pm

      Looks delicious! I love the BAM that you added to the sauce!

      Reply
    30. Betsy @ Desserts Required says

      October 9, 2013 at 5:37 pm

      Looks delicious! I love the BAM that you added to the sauce!

      Reply
    31. Surkhab says

      February 7, 2014 at 8:05 am

      looking delicious….i will try this soon…!!

      Reply
    32. Cathy says

      March 2, 2014 at 6:43 pm

      Thanks for sharing at the Happiness Is Homemade Link Party! Pinning to the party board and can’t wait to see what happiness posts you share next week! Have a terrific week!
      Cathy
      APeekIntoMyParadise.com

      Reply
    33. Linda @ForkandForage says

      July 14, 2014 at 9:14 am

      Oh Tara, the way you captured that cheese oozing is literally making my mouth water. These look absolutely amazing!!!!

      Reply
      • Noshing with the Nolands says

        July 14, 2014 at 10:35 am

        Thank you so much Linda!!

        Reply
    34. Nettie Moore says

      July 16, 2014 at 11:49 am

      Such OOEY GOOEY deliciousness Tara! Can I have a dozen now?? Nettie

      Reply
    35. Julie @White Lights on Wednesday says

      November 4, 2014 at 9:18 am

      Emeril’s Essence is one of my favorite seasonings. These Mozzarella Sticks look freaking amazing Tara. I can just taste them looking at this pic!

      Reply
      • Noshing with the Nolands says

        November 4, 2014 at 10:18 am

        Thanks so much Julie!! I really appreciate all you do!!

        Reply
    36. David says

      January 15, 2015 at 10:01 am

      Can these be baked?

      Reply
      • Noshing with the Nolands says

        January 15, 2015 at 10:47 am

        I have never tried them baked. You could give it a whirl. Spray them with cooking spray first.

        Reply
    37. Mary O'Malley says

      January 21, 2015 at 1:50 am

      Wow these look fantastic! I am definitely going to make these soon.

      Reply
      • Noshing with the Nolands says

        January 21, 2015 at 7:46 am

        Thanks so much Mary, enjoy!

        Reply
    38. Doris says

      April 24, 2015 at 6:19 pm

      How hot do you heat the oil in the deep fryer? I did this and I had a mozzarella glopping mess.

      Reply
      • Tara Noland says

        April 24, 2015 at 8:11 pm

        I don’t use our deep fryer that often but the rule of thumb is to 350F. I do a lot of frying in a wok or deep fry pan and heat until a small amount of bread dropped in sizzles on medium heat. Initially heating at medium high.

        Reply
    39. shohreh says

      July 6, 2015 at 5:17 pm

      Iloved cooking

      Reply
    40. Elizabeth says

      November 6, 2015 at 9:26 am

      This sounds absolutely amazing! I wish I had a plate of these in front of me right now!

      Reply
    41. LydiaF says

      November 6, 2015 at 11:16 am

      The breading looks really delicious! I’ll bet it’s nice to bite into 🙂

      Reply
    42. The Food Hunter says

      November 6, 2015 at 11:18 am

      I’m going to be thinking of these all day!

      Reply
    43. Joanne/WineLady Cooks says

      November 6, 2015 at 3:15 pm

      These are such a wonderful snack or side dish.

      Reply
    44. Janette@culinaryginger says

      November 6, 2015 at 5:22 pm

      Stringy and crispy, just how cheese sticks should be and I could probably eat way too many.

      Reply
    45. Diane says

      November 6, 2015 at 7:53 pm

      Hmm I just made a batch of tomato sauce that would go very well with these cheesy sticks of yumminess. Thanks for the great snack idea Tara!

      Reply
    46. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says

      November 7, 2015 at 3:26 am

      Can I say all I want to do is face-plant myself in these. yeap.

      Reply
    47. Manila Spoon says

      November 7, 2015 at 8:00 am

      The perfect crowd-pleaser! So cheesy-licious!

      Reply
    48. Kristen says

      November 7, 2015 at 7:56 pm

      I totally forgot about Emril’s essence! I love it! these look so good!!!!

      Reply
    49. Debi @ Life Currents says

      November 8, 2015 at 1:33 am

      I’ve seen these on Pinterest, and every time I want them more and more! Yum!

      Reply
    50. Del's cooking twist says

      November 8, 2015 at 12:50 pm

      Oh I love the idea! I never tried this before but it’s on my to do list now, looks delish!

      Reply
    51. justine @ Full Belly SIsters says

      November 8, 2015 at 2:05 pm

      these look heavenly!

      Reply
    52. Healing Tomato says

      November 8, 2015 at 6:47 pm

      This is my idea of comfort food. Looks super delicious.

      Reply
    53. Katerina says

      November 9, 2015 at 3:30 am

      I wish I could stretch my hand and grab couple of those beauties!

      Reply
    54. Lois Frank says

      May 15, 2017 at 9:33 am

      How do I just print off the recipe??????

      Reply
      • Tara Noland says

        May 15, 2017 at 11:17 am

        Hi Lois, sorry this is an old recipe when I didn’t use the print out portion but let me fix that for you. Otherwise you could copy and paste into a word document.

        Reply
    55. Ivory says

      February 9, 2018 at 1:41 pm

      We love these babies, and can not wait to make some. Thank you!

      Reply

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