Randy Chandler
Mozzarella cheese sticks are a popular snack, but will they melt? The answer is yes, but it depends on the cooking method. Deep-fried mozzarella cheese sticks will melt on the inside while remaining crispy on the outside. Baked cheese sticks may also melt, but there is a risk of the cheese leaking out. To melt mozzarella balls, a grill/broiler or toaster oven is recommended, as the heat comes from above. Lower-moisture mozzarella also melts better.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Melting | Mozzarella cheese sticks will melt |
| Texture | Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside |
| Cooking methods | Deep-fried, baked, air-fried |
| Dipping sauces | Marinara, Sriracha Aioli, BBQ Sauce, Comeback Sauce, Garlic Aioli, Ranch |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days |
| Cheese type | Cheese strings are recommended over regular mozzarella as they melt better and prevent leakage |
| Preparation | Freeze the cheese before cooking to prevent melting before the coating becomes crispy |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella sticks are best deep-fried
Mozzarella sticks are a beloved snack, perfect as an appetizer or a side dish. They are gooey, cheesy, and crispy all at once. While they can be baked in the oven or cooked in an air fryer, the best way to prepare them is by deep-frying.
Deep-frying mozzarella sticks gives them a golden, crispy exterior with melted, gooey cheese on the inside. The process is quick and easy, taking just a few minutes. The sticks are first coated in flour, then dipped in an egg mixture, and finally rolled in breadcrumbs before being carefully lowered into a pan of hot oil. They fry for about 30 seconds or until golden brown. This method ensures that the cheese melts without leaking out and creates a delicious contrast in textures.
Mozzarella cheese itself can be melted in various ways, including in the oven, on a grill or broiler, or in a pan. However, when it comes to mozzarella sticks, deep-frying is the preferred method for achieving the ideal combination of a crunchy coating and a melted cheese centre.
The key to successful mozzarella sticks is to use cheese strings instead of regular mozzarella, as they melt better and help prevent the cheese from leaking out. Additionally, freezing the cheese before breading and frying can also reduce the chances of cheese leakage.
Deep-fried mozzarella sticks are a classic comfort food and a crowd favourite. They are best served with a dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or bolognese, and can be enjoyed as a snack or alongside other "pub grub" foods like nachos, chicken wings, or potato skins.
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Oven-baked mozzarella sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a popular appetizer, often served with a marinara dipping sauce. While they are traditionally deep-fried, baking them in the oven is a healthier alternative that is just as delicious.
Ingredients
- Mozzarella cheese sticks
- Flour
- Eggs
- Water
- Breadcrumbs (seasoned with garlic salt, panko crumbs, melted butter, salt and pepper, or Italian seasoning and garlic powder)
- Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Dipping sauce of your choice (optional)
Method
- Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray.
- Halve each cheese stick lengthwise or crosswise.
- Prepare three separate bowls. In the first, place the flour. In the second, beat the eggs and water together. In the third, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Roll the cheese sticks in flour, then dip them into the egg mixture, and finally press them into the breadcrumbs to coat. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coatings for a double layer.
- Place the coated cheese sticks on the prepared pan, cover, and freeze for 30 minutes to 24 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 400-415°F, with an oven rack placed in the middle or lower third of the oven.
- Remove the cheese sticks from the freezer and arrange them on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each stick. Lightly coat the tops of the sticks with oil or cooking spray.
- Bake for 6 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is heated through and the crumbs are golden.
- Remove from the oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving warm with your chosen dipping sauce.
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Air-fried mozzarella sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a tasty snack that can be prepared in an air fryer. They are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. The key to getting that gooey texture is to ensure the cheese is completely coated in breadcrumbs and frozen before air-frying. This prevents the cheese from melting out and creates a mess in your air fryer.
Ingredients
- Mozzarella cheese sticks
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs
- Flour
- Oil
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Method
First, prepare three bowls. In the first bowl, beat the eggs with a fork or whisk. Add flour to the second bowl and set aside. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, oil, garlic powder, salt, and parmesan cheese (if using).
Next, dip each mozzarella stick into the egg mixture, followed by the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour, then dip the stick back into the egg mixture. Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with wax paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This step is crucial, as it prevents the cheese from melting out during air-frying.
Once the sticks are frozen, preheat your air fryer to 360-390°F. Spray the air fryer basket and the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray or oil. Place the sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not stacked.
Air fry the mozzarella sticks for 5-10 minutes, depending on your air fryer temperature. Keep an eye on them, as you want to remove them when the cheese starts to bubble out and they are golden brown.
Serve your air-fried mozzarella sticks with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch dressing. Enjoy!
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Using mozzarella balls vs. mozzarella sticks
Mozzarella cheese sticks are a beloved snack by many and for good reason. They are made by coating mozzarella sticks with a flour mixture, followed by an egg mixture, and finally, garlic-spiked bread crumbs. They are then deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, with melted gooey cheese on the inside.
Mozzarella balls, on the other hand, are typically sold in brine and are considered the 'real' mozzarella. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, both hot and cold. They can be shredded and melted on pizza, used as a salad topping, or added to a panini for a gooey touch.
When it comes to melting, mozzarella balls may require a little more attention. In an oven, they can be sliced and placed on bread, with the sandwiches positioned close to the upper heating element. In a pan, a similar effect can be achieved by melting the cheese with steam—griddling one side of the bread, flipping it, adding the cheese, and then covering the pan with a lid to trap the steam.
If you're looking to create a dish similar to mozzarella sticks using mozzarella balls, you can try breading and frying them. This can be done by coating the mozzarella balls in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before deep-frying them. This method works well with mozzarella balls, as they are already in a rounded shape, similar to the sticks.
Both mozzarella sticks and balls have their unique qualities and uses. Sticks are ideal for creating a crispy, golden exterior with a melted interior, perfect for appetizers or snacks. Mozzarella balls, on the other hand, offer versatility and can be used in a variety of dishes, requiring different melting techniques depending on the dish.
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Dipping sauces for mozzarella sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a delicious snack, and there are many dipping sauces to elevate their flavour. The most popular sauce to pair with mozzarella sticks is marinara, a tomato-based sauce with garlic, basil and oregano. However, if you're looking for something different, there are plenty of other options to try.
One interesting alternative is Melba sauce, a condiment made from puréed raspberries. This sweet and fruity sauce is said to bring out the flavours in mozzarella sticks perfectly, and it's a popular choice in New York's Capital Region.
For those who like a bit of spice, a garlic aioli can be a great option. You can make your own by mixing mayo, olive oil, lemon, an herb of your choice, and either roasted garlic or garlic powder. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even add some sriracha to the mix.
Other sauces that go well with mozzarella sticks include tangy BBQ sauce, honey mustard, and even cocktail sauce. If you're feeling extra creative, you could try making a raspberry or blackberry sauce, which offers a unique sweet and tangy flavour profile that complements the cheese.
Finally, for a Canadian twist, you could try Donair sauce, made from sweetened condensed milk, vinegar, and garlic powder. This sauce is a great option for those who enjoy a sweet and tangy combination with their cheesy snacks.
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Frequently asked questions
To make mozzarella cheese sticks melt, you can bake them in the oven, cook them in an air fryer, or deep-fry them. If you want to bake them in the oven, preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the cheese sticks for 9-11 minutes or until the crumbs are crisp and the cheese is melted. For an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F and cook the cheese sticks in small batches for 4-6 minutes. To deep-fry them, heat oil to 365°F in a heavy saucepan and fry the cheese sticks for about 30 seconds or until they are golden brown.
If your mozzarella cheese sticks are not melting, it could be because the cheese has too much moisture. Try using low-moisture mozzarella cheese or draining some of the water before using it. Another reason could be that you are not using the correct type of cheese. Make sure to use cheese strings instead of regular mozzarella as they melt better and help keep the cheese from leaking out.
Mozzarella cheese sticks are often served with a classic marinara sauce for dipping. You can also serve them with a bolognese sauce for a meatier option or homemade ranch. They can be a great appetizer or side dish and go well with other pub grub foods like loaded nachos, chicken wings, potato skins, or Ham and Cheese Sliders.
