Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Perfect Pairing Ideas For You

Mozzarella cheese sticks are a delicious snack, but what goes well with them? The most popular dipping sauce to pair with these crispy, golden treats is marinara sauce, but there are several other options to explore. Some fun alternatives include Sriracha Aioli, Southwest Dipping Sauce, BBQ Sauce, and Garlic Aioli. For a unique twist, you can even dip them in ranch dressing or salsa! If you're making these at home, it's recommended to freeze the cheese sticks before frying to ensure the cheese doesn't leak out.

How to make mozzarella sticks from scratch

Ingredients

• Mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, whole milk)
• Flour (all-purpose)
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned, plain, or panko)
• Frying oil (vegetable, canola, peanut, avocado, grapeseed, or another neutral oil)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Dried parsley
• Grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
• Marinara sauce (optional)

Utensils

• Three shallow bowls or dishes
• Baking sheet or tray
• Freezer
• Deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Paper towels

Method

• Cut the mozzarella cheese into sticks or slices. The size of the sticks will depend on your preference, but they should be a few inches long and about 1/2" thick.
• Set up a breading station with your three shallow bowls or dishes. In the first bowl, place the flour. You can also add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the flour and mix. In the second bowl, beat the eggs with a small amount of water to make an egg wash. In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs and season with salt, pepper, grated Romano or Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley.
• Take each mozzarella stick and coat it first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, roll it in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the coating to the cheese stick. Repeat this process to create a double breading, or even a triple breading, for a thicker and crispier shell.
• Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet or tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. This step is crucial, as it helps the breading adhere and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
• Heat your frying oil in a deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175-180°C). You want the oil to be a few inches deep to fully coat the mozzarella sticks.
• Carefully lower the breaded mozzarella sticks into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
• Serve the hot mozzarella sticks immediately, garnished with parsley and grated cheese. Enjoy them on their own or with a side of warm marinara sauce or another dipping sauce of your choice.

Tips:

• It is important to monitor the oil temperature while frying. If the oil temperature drops, stop adding mozzarella sticks and allow the oil to heat back up before continuing.
• For an extra crispy exterior, use panko breadcrumbs instead of plain breadcrumbs.
• If you prefer a more stretchy" texture, use block mozzarella cheese instead of string cheese.
• For a healthier option, consider using tallow as your frying fat, as it has a higher smoke point and is more stable at high temperatures than industrial oils.
• You can also bake or air fry the mozzarella sticks instead of deep-frying them, but the texture will be different.

How to freeze mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a great snack to have on hand, and freezing them is a perfect way to ensure you always have some ready to go! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to freeze mozzarella sticks:

Step 1: Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks

Start by preparing your mozzarella sticks as you normally would. Cut the mozzarella into sticks, and set up your breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. You can season the flour and breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or other herbs and spices of your choice. Dip the cheese sticks into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat them with the seasoned breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Freeze the Breaded Sticks

Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet or tray in a single layer. It is important that they are not overcrowded to prevent sticking. Put the tray of mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least one hour, or until they are completely frozen. This step is crucial, as it ensures the breading adheres to the cheese and helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.

Step 3: Transfer to an Airtight Container

Once the mozzarella sticks are frozen solid, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a zip-top bag. If you are using a container, you can layer the sticks with wax paper in between to prevent sticking. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag before sealing.

Step 4: Store in the Freezer

Label the container or bag with the date, and store the mozzarella sticks in the freezer. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months, or even up to 3 months if frozen properly.

Step 5: Reheat and Serve

When you are ready to enjoy your frozen mozzarella sticks, simply remove them from the freezer and reheat in the oven. Preheat your oven to between 350°F and 450°F, depending on whether they are frozen or refrigerated. Place the sticks on a baking sheet, and bake for about 5-15 minutes, or until heated through. Serve hot and crispy, with your favourite dipping sauce!

Freezing mozzarella sticks is a great way to meal-prep and always have a tasty snack on hand. Enjoy your crispy, golden, and gooey mozzarella sticks!

How to reheat mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a delicious snack, but what happens when you have some leftover? Can you reheat them and still get that same gooey cheese and crispy coating? The good news is that you absolutely can! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat mozzarella sticks and enjoy them all over again.

Oven

The oven is the best way to reheat your mozzarella sticks and get them crispy again. Preheat your oven to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a layer of tomato sauce or marinara sauce in a baking dish, then arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks on top. You can also add another layer of sauce on top, along with some grated Parmesan cheese, for extra flavour. Bake for 5-15 minutes if refrigerated, and 10-15 minutes if frozen, or until heated through. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from delicious to overcooked very quickly!

Air Fryer

If you want to use less oil, an air fryer is a great option for reheating mozzarella sticks. Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then place the mozzarella sticks inside in a single layer. Lightly spray the sticks with cooking spray and cook for 6-8 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Frying Pan

You can also reheat your mozzarella sticks in a frying pan. Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the mozzarella sticks in the hot oil and fry for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Don't overcrowd the pan, as you want each stick to have enough space to cook evenly. Place the cooked sticks on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.

Tips for the Best Results:

• For all methods, make sure your mozzarella sticks are fully thawed before reheating.
• Don't reheat your mozzarella sticks for too long, or the cheese will leak out.
• If you're using the oven or frying pan method, you can freeze your leftover mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the freezer.
• You can also experiment with different sauces for dipping, such as ranch dressing, Buffalo sauce, or honey mustard sauce.

What to serve with mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a delicious snack, side dish, or appetizer. They are easy to make and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve with mozzarella sticks to make them even more enjoyable:

Dipping Sauces

The most popular dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks is marinara sauce. This classic combination is a favourite for a reason! The tangy, savoury marinara sauce pairs perfectly with the creamy, melted mozzarella. You can either make your own marinara sauce or buy a jarred sauce from the store.

However, if you want to switch things up, there are plenty of other dipping sauces that go well with mozzarella sticks. Here are some ideas:

• Sriracha Aioli
• Southwest Dipping Sauce
• BBQ Sauce
• Comeback Sauce
• Garlic Aioli
• Ranch dressing
• Pizza sauce
• Alfredo sauce
• Salsa

As an Appetizer or Snack

Mozzarella sticks make a great appetizer or snack on their own. Their crispy exterior and gooey interior make them a satisfying and indulgent treat. You can serve them as a starter for a meal or enjoy them as a snack anytime.

As a Side Dish

Sometimes, all you need is just one or two fried mozzarella sticks to satisfy your craving. They can be a perfect side dish to accompany your meal. Try serving them alongside a sandwich, burger, or salad for an extra indulgent touch.

In a Sandwich

For an extra special treat, add a fried mozzarella stick to your sandwich. It will add a delicious, gooey layer of flavour that will take your sandwich to the next level.

As Part of a Meal

Mozzarella sticks can also be served as part of a larger meal. Try pairing them with other fried foods like French fries, onion rings, or chicken tenders. They can also be a fun addition to a board of appetizers, including items like bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, spinach artichoke dip, or sweet and spicy meatballs.

Tips for Making Mozzarella Sticks

When making mozzarella sticks at home, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Freeze the mozzarella sticks before frying to prevent the cheese from leaking out and to ensure even cooking.
• Use a neutral frying oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or vegetable oil.
• Double or triple coat the mozzarella sticks in breading to prevent cheese leakage and ensure a crispy exterior.
• Cut the mozzarella block into smaller sticks than you think, as they will expand during the breading and cooking process.
• Use one hand for the egg wash and the other hand for the breadcrumb mixture to minimise clumping.

What to dip mozzarella sticks in

Mozzarella sticks are a delicious snack, but what should you dip them in? Here are some ideas for sauces and condiments to elevate your mozzarella stick-eating experience.

Marinara Sauce

The most popular choice for dipping mozzarella sticks is marinara sauce. This classic combination is a favourite for a reason – the tangy, savoury sauce perfectly complements the creamy, melted cheese. Whether you make your own or buy a jar, having a bowl of marinara sauce on the side is a must-have for your mozzarella sticks.

Pizza Sauce

If you're looking for a similar option to marinara sauce, pizza sauce can also be a great choice for dipping your mozzarella sticks. It has a similar flavour profile but can be a bit thicker and sweeter, adding a different dimension to your snack.

Ranch Dressing

For something a little different, try ranch dressing. Cool and creamy, it offers a nice contrast to the warm, crispy cheese sticks. It's an unexpected pairing that just works.

Spicy Sauces

If you like a little kick, there are several spicy sauce options that can complement the mildness of mozzarella sticks. Try Sriracha Aioli, Southwest Dipping Sauce, BBQ Sauce, or Garlic Aioli. These sauces will add a nice punch of flavour and keep things interesting.

Other Ideas

Feel free to get creative with your dips! Some other options include Alfredo Sauce, Nacho Cheese Sauce, Aioli, or even salsa for a unique twist. You could also try a cross between tomato sauce and alfredo sauce, called rosa alfredo, for a truly indulgent experience.

Frequently asked questions