Food & Cooking Recipes Appetizers Mozzarella Sticks 4.7 (3) They're gooey, melty, crispy, and completely irresistible. Prep Time: 50 mins Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins Yield: 20 Jump to recipe Kids and adults alike will be delighted by this irresistible combination of gooey melted cheese and crisp, golden breading. Our mozzarella sticks recipe creates a snack much better than any option you’ll find in the freezer section at the supermarket. They have a crunchy-creamy texture and a cheesy, herby flavor that's complemented by a dunk in marinara sauce. It all starts with fresh mozzarella cheese. The cheese is cut into sticks and coated in flour, egg, and herb-seasoned breadcrumbs. Then, the sticks are frozen; this essential step can be for as little as an hour or as much as two months. The final step is deep-frying them to achieve that golden, crispy goodness. 26 Hot Appetizers to Make for Your Next Party Directions Credit: Bryan Gardner Cut mozzarella: Cut mozzarella lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick slices, then cut again into 4-by-1/2-inch sticks. Set out dishes with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs: Place flour in a shallow dish; season with salt and pepper. Whisk eggs with 1 tablespoon water in a separate dish; season with salt and pepper. Stir together breadcrumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and herbs in a third shallow dish; season with salt and pepper. Coat mozzarella sticks: Dredge mozzarella sticks in flour, tapping off excess. Dip in egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, and coat with breadcrumbs, patting to adhere. Freeze mozzarella sticks: Transfer mozzarella sticks to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until firm, at least 1 hour. (Mozzarella sticks can be covered and frozen at this point up to 2 months.) Heat oil and cook mozzarella sticks: Pour enough oil into a heavy pot (preferably cast iron) to come 2 inches up sides. Heat over medium-high until a deep-fry thermometer reads 350 degrees. Working in batches, add mozzarella sticks; cook, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes (adjust heat as necessary to maintain oil temperature.) Drain and serve: Transfer to a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to drain. Season with salt; serve immediately, with marinara sauce.