Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

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Created On: April 28, 2020&nbsp|Updated: December 22, 2023| 40 Comments

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9.19

1.15

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The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.

These homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are easy to make and feed a hungry crowd. This recipe serves 6-8 and costs approximately $9.19 to make. That’s just about $1.15 per serving.

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - Easy Budget Recipes (1)

I don’t know about you but I find that my kids are constantly wanting snacks. Like ALL.THE.TIME! Sometimes I ask my kids if they have a hole in their stomach because I am constantly amazed at how much food they are consuming. Does anyone else have this problem?

At the rate we are going they are going to eat me out of house and home! It’s not in the budget to keep my freezer stocked with store-bought snacks! Please tell me I am not alone in this problem?

Jill and Beth have the same issue so we brainstormed and came up with the idea to make Homemade Mozzarella Sticks. It’s so much more cost-effective to make your own instead of buying them. Plus this recipe makes a ton, 36 thick sticks to be exact!

These Mozzarella Sticks are way better than the store-bought ones. Mainly this is due to the fact that in ours there’s more cheese per stick!

This is a great recipe to have on hand for those times when your kids are home more often, like during the summer. With our Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, Mom is happy with the price and the kids are happy with the taste.

Our recipe below includes two different ways to make the mozzarella cheese sticks. We have directions for making them fried and baked. Happy snacking!

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - Easy Budget Recipes (2)

What are mozzarella sticks made of?

Mozzarella sticks are literally just that! A piece of mozzarella cheese that is breaded and either fried or baked. Typically you dip mozzarella sticks into marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even BBQ sauce.

Is String Cheese the same thing as mozzarella cheese?

String Cheese and mozzarella cheese are similar but they are not the same. String cheese is made of mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella cheese is kept in water or brine while string cheese, made with milk, is dried out.

How to get the kids involved with this recipe:

Ages 2-3: Let them help you with the cheese dipping process.
Ages 4-5:Let them help measure and pulse the panko mixture in the food processor. Also, have them help you pour the marinara sauce into a saucepan.
Ages 6-8: Let them crack and beat the eggs. Have them transfer the baking sheet to the freezer so the cheese sticks can freeze.
Ages 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe. Please make sure you teach them to use caution when frying food.
Ages 12+:Let them prepare the entire recipe, unsupervised, while you do the happy dance in the corner!

Discover why we love getting the kids involved in the kitchen and more tips in our How to Get Kids Involved In Cooking article.

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - Easy Budget Recipes (3)

The flavor and Recipe Variations:

Instead of using mozzarella string cheese, you can use cheddar or Colby cheese sticks.
You can dip the cheese sticks in marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
If you’re looking to spice things up a little, add 1 Tablespoon of Frank’s Red Hot sauce to the egg coating.

More $10 recipes:

20-Minute Thai Peanut Noodles
BBQ Chicken Braid
Easy Chana Masala
Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes
Homemade Sloppy Joes
Inside Out Chicken Pot Pie
Italian Zucchini Boats
Jenna’s Chicken Pillows
Large Batch Freezer Meatballs

How long are these Mozzarella Cheese Sticks good for:

Serve: As with most recipes with dairy products in them, you shouldn’t leave these cheese sticks out for longer than 2 hours.
Store: Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: It’s best to freeze the cheese sticks before frying or baking them. After they get their initial freeze, transfer the cheese sticks to a freezer-safe zipper bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - Easy Budget Recipes (4)

How much will these Mozzarella Cheese Sticks cost:

RECIPE COST: $9.19

PRICE PER SERVING: $1.15

16 String cheese sticks –$4.98
1/2 cup all-purpose flour –$0.10
2 large eggs –$0.20
2 cups panko bread crumbs –$1.77
1/2 teaspoon salt –$0.01
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper –$0.03
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder –$0.01
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano –$0.01
2 1/2 cups vegetable oil –$1.20
1 cup marinara sauce –$0.88

To find out more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained.

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - Easy Budget Recipes (5)

Cook’s Tools:

baking sheet
parchment paper
3 pie dishesor 3 shallow bowls
food processor
measuring cups
measuring spoons
wire rack
large pot
tongs
instant-read thermometer

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - Easy Budget Recipes (6)

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How do you make mozzarella sticks from scratch:

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Recipe Cost 9.19

Serving Cost 1.15

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

These homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are easy to make and feed a hungry crowd. This recipe serves 6-8 and costs $9.19 to make. That’s just $1.15 per serving.

Servings: 6 people

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 24 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 44 minutes mins

Equipment

baking sheet
parchment paper
3 pie dishes OR 3 shallow bowls
food processor
measuring cups
Measuring spoons
wire rack
large pot
tongs
instant-read thermometer

Ingredients

CHEESE:

16 string cheese sticks

COATING 1:

½ cup all-purpose flour

COATING 2:

2 large eggs

COATING 3:

2 cups panko bread crumbs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon garlic powder

OIL FOR FRYING:

2 ½ cups peanut or vegetable oil

FOR SERVING:

1 cup marinara sauce warmed
1 Tablespoon minced parsley for garnishing optional

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

PREP THE CHEESE:

Slice each string cheese stick in half crosswise so you have 32 pieces of cheese total.

PREP COATING 1:

Pour flour into a pie dish or shallow bowl.

PREP COATING 2:

Add eggs to a second pie dish or shallow bowl and beat with a fork.

PREP COATING 3:

Add bread crumbs, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder to a food processor and pulse mixture until finely ground.
Pour the bread crumbs mixture into a third pie dish or shallow bowl.

COAT THE CHEESE:

Add a piece of cheese to the flour and turn to coat. Then, add the cheese to the egg and turn to coat.
Next, add the cheese to the breadcrumbs and turn to coat. Finally, place the coated cheese stick to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining cheese sticks.

FREEZE CHEESE STICKS:

Pop the cheese sticks into the freezer and freeze for 2 hours or overnight.

FRYING INSTRUCTIONS:

Line a baking sheet with 3 layers of paper towels and set aside.
Add oil to a large pot and heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 400 degrees F.
Add a few cheese sticks to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
Move the cheese sticks to the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain.
Repeat the frying with the remaining mozzarella cheese sticks. Garnish mozzarella sticks with minced parsley, optional. Serve with warmed marinara sauce.

BAKING INSTRUCTIONS:

Move the oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack right in the pan right on top of the foil. Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
Place the mozzarella cheese sticks right on top of the wire rack set inside a baking sheet. Spray the tops of the cheese sticks with nonstick cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the cheese sticks are golden brown. Cool for 3 minutes and then garnish with minced parsley, optional. Serve with warmed marinara sauce.

Video

Notes

This recipe makes 32 mozzarella cheese sticks with is enough to serve 6-8 people.

Do not skip freezing the cheese sticks before frying or baking. This step ensures that the cheese sticks will not burst open when frying or baking.

Nutrition

Comments

Ashley says
April 28, 2020 at 5:58 pm

We loved these cheese sticks so much and will definitely make them again!
Reply
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- Jess Jankowski says
  April 28, 2020 at 10:25 pm
  
  So happy you love them as much as we do!
Jessica says
April 28, 2020 at 6:46 pm

I used mozzarella/cheddar cheese sticks and they were AWESOME! This is going on the regular rotation. Perfect for lunch, snacks and the kids dinner.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  April 28, 2020 at 10:25 pm
  
  Yes! They are perfect for all of those things!
Kelly Anthony says
April 29, 2020 at 7:43 am

Oh my word — my kids are constantly on the snack train too, and nothing satisfies a snack attack like these! WE LOVE CHEESESTICKS around these parts! So crispy and perfect. Thank you!
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  April 29, 2020 at 10:31 pm
  
  Oh I am so happy to know I am not alone battling that snack train! Love it that these Cheesesticks can help you one snack attack at a time!
Sue says
May 4, 2020 at 3:37 pm

I think these aren’t just for kids! There’s a grown up in my house who devours them!!
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  May 4, 2020 at 9:33 pm
  
  Agreed 100%! I’m pretty sure my husband sneaks more of them when no one is looking!
Emily Flint says
May 4, 2020 at 4:54 pm

As a mom with a toddler who asks for cheese daily, this is just the recipe I need. And I would eat them too!!
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  May 4, 2020 at 9:34 pm
  
  Perfect for all ages!
Amy says
May 4, 2020 at 5:25 pm

My family would go crazy over these!! So trying it for a snack today.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  May 4, 2020 at 9:34 pm
  
  Love it when you find a recipe everyone will love!
Chef Dennis says
May 5, 2020 at 1:50 am

These Mozzarella Cheese Sticks looks really mouthwatering! Cheese is life! I must have this.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  May 5, 2020 at 7:21 am
  
  Totally agree that cheese is life!
Andréa Janssen says
May 5, 2020 at 4:11 am

I love cheese sticks and these Mozzarella sticks look truly delicious. I think I’m going to make this on a regular base.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  May 5, 2020 at 7:22 am
  
  You will not regret it!!
Michele Peterson says
May 5, 2020 at 7:24 am

My grandkids loved these mozzarella cheese sticks. A delicious snack for our hungry crowd.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  May 6, 2020 at 7:48 am
  
  Michele that’s great! Glad everyone loved them!
Ron Weinberg says
May 20, 2020 at 9:58 am

I LOVE MOZZARELLA.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  May 20, 2020 at 5:57 pm
  
  Then this is the recipe for you!
Kakhaber Khmelidze says
May 20, 2020 at 12:03 pm

Ohh I just love it! Thanks.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  May 20, 2020 at 5:55 pm
  
  Thanks so much!
Lisalia says
August 13, 2020 at 10:39 am

This is my favorite restaurant appetizer. Just as yummy made at home. Thanks for the recipe!
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  August 14, 2020 at 10:37 am
  
  Now you can satisfy those restaurant cravings easily! Thank you for your review!
Sydnie says
August 13, 2020 at 11:45 am

These look so delicious! I am so excited to try these!
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  August 14, 2020 at 10:39 am
  
  Enjoy Sydnie!
Katie says
September 28, 2020 at 1:37 pm

Looks so good! My family would love this.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  September 29, 2020 at 2:38 pm
  
  Yes they will Katie!
Noelle says
September 28, 2020 at 2:01 pm

Yum! I never thought out making my own, great idea! They were delicious
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  September 29, 2020 at 2:38 pm
  
  So happy you enjoyed them! Thanks for letting us know.
Tara says
September 28, 2020 at 2:03 pm

Yum! I love that beautiful crust and how easily they come together! I bet these mozzarella sticks would be a huge hit with my whole family.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  September 29, 2020 at 2:37 pm
  
  Our kids have a great time helping us make them. Enjoy!
Deanne says
September 28, 2020 at 3:16 pm

These are my favorite appetizer/snack. So good!
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  September 29, 2020 at 2:37 pm
  
  Our kids always scarf them down!
Michelle says
September 28, 2020 at 4:30 pm

I cant believe how easy these are! And so much better than store bought. My mouth is watering just thinking about them.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  September 29, 2020 at 2:37 pm
  
  We agree! Enjoy!
Gayle says
September 9, 2021 at 7:30 am

I need to try these. Can these be made with a whole piece of cheese instead of cutting in half? My instinct says yes, but thought I would ask.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  September 9, 2021 at 12:11 pm
  
  Hi Gayle, we have not tested this recipe with a whole piece of cheese but we think it will work. Let us know how it goes!
Cynthia D says
March 20, 2022 at 10:13 am

I think the price per serving is way off (a 16 pack of cheese sticks are almost $8 by me – and that’s the cheapest store brand!! And an egg is definitely not 10¢) but I’m looking forward to trying them anyway. They look really yummy!
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  March 22, 2022 at 12:29 pm
  
  Hi Cynthia, the recipes are priced using Walmart.com but will vary by area. Not sure where you are located but here, Kraft Cheese sticks are $4.53, and yes the price of eggs has gone up recently to about $0.17 per egg. Either way, these Mozzarella Cheese sticks are delicious and we think you will love them!

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - Easy Budget Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Should I freeze my cheese before making mozzarella sticks? ›

Yes, freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying them is essential. If they aren't completely frozen, the cheese will ooze out of the flour and panko coating before it's gotten the chance to crisp up.

Get More Info ›

What is the best oil for mozzarella sticks? ›

As with most fried foods, you'll want to use a neutral-flavored, high heat oil like peanut or corn oil for your frying. If you don't have a deep fryer, add two inches of oil to a heavy pot. You need to make sure that there is enough room in the pot so that the oil doesn't boil over when you add the breaded cheese.

Discover More ›

What's the best way to make frozen mozzarella sticks? ›

Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange product in a single layer on baking sheet and place on middle rack of oven. Bake for 7-8 minutes (half box) or 8-9 minutes (full box).

Read The Full Story ›

Can you fry mozzarella without breading? ›

While a lot of people have tried to fry mozzarella without breading it, this cheese is known for being ooey-gooey good. That is, it melts quickly. If you're looking for a no-fuss recipe that guarantees you get a delicious fried mozzarella cheese round at the end of cooking, then you'll want to include the breading.

View Details ›

What happens if you don t freeze mozzarella sticks before frying? ›

Because if you were to drop a mozzarella stick right into the boiling oil, the coating would come off and the mozzarella stick would basically completely disintegrate before your eyes. It'd be a gooey, stringy mess.

Read The Full Story ›

Why can't you freeze mozzarella cheese? ›

It is generally not recommended that you freeze mozzarella if it's fresh. The delicate texture and high moisture content of these fresh cheeses can be adversely affected by freezing and thawing.

Learn More ›

How to tell when mozzarella sticks are done? ›

Heat the oil to 365 degrees F in a heavy saucepan. One at a time, coat each mozzarella stick in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, then in the garlic-spiked bread crumbs. Drop the sticks into the hot oil and fry for about 30 seconds, or until golden-brown. Drain the fried mozzarella sticks on paper towels.

See Details ›

How do you keep mozzarella sticks from bursting? ›

To keep mozzarella sticks from exploding in the air fryer, you MUST freeze them first. Freezing cheese sticks for 1 hour both before and after breading them ensures that the cheese doesn't explode before the filling has a chance to turn golden and crisp.

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How to add flavor to mozzarella sticks? ›

Use a moist bread crumb rather than a dry one and season it well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian spices, some Lawry's seasoning salt and parmesan cheese. Double bread the cheese as well to ensure even coating. That's flour, egg mix, flour, egg mix, bread crumbs.

How do you keep frozen mozzarella sticks from exploding in the oven? ›

One way to prevent your mozzarella sticks from splitting open and oozing gooey cheese during the cooking process is to cook them at a lower temperature, such as 360 degrees F.

Know More ›

Why is my homemade mozzarella not melting? ›

Mozzarella Will Not Melt

Try keeping more moisture in the cheese by kneading and stretching less. You can also lower the temperature 2-3 degrees before adding rennet and when you reheat the curds after cutting.

Find Out More ›

How to make mozzarella sticks at home without flour? ›

Simple, delicious, no nonsense – The only ingredients here are mozzarella cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, and egg. Fry it in tallow, or your favorite frying fat, and they are ready to go. I love serving the fried mozzarella sticks with warm marinara sauce for dunking.

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What is the difference between breaded and battered mozzarella sticks? ›

The batter can provide a crisper and crunchier exterior, but the texture may also be irregular, offering different sensations with each bite. Breaded mozzarella sticks have a smoother and more consistent texture due to the even layer of breadcrumbs.

Keep Reading ›

Is it better to freeze cheese before shredding? ›

You don't need to freeze cheese for long before shredding it—in fact, doing so could compromise the flavor and texture. According to our Editorial Director of Food Sarah Carey, 30 minutes is enough time to slightly harden the cheese. Once it's firm, use a box grater and shred the cheese like you normally would.

Read On ›

Why freeze cheese before frying? ›

Making fried cheese requires an additional step of freezing the cheese for thirty minutes before frying, so the outer shell gets perfectly browned and crispy without overcooking the cheese. Once the cheese is extra cold, heat oil to temperature, and fry cheese in batches. Cook until golden brown, about three minutes.

Tell Me More ›

Does freezing mozzarella change texture? ›

Freezing mozzarella can impact the texture slightly. Any moisture in the cheese or trapped on the surface of it (such as condensation) could expand and contract as it's frozen and thawed, giving you a more crumbly type of texture.

Tell Me More ›

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - Easy Budget Recipes (2024)