Panko-breaded mozzarella sticks are deep-fried, crispy pieces of mozzarella. They taste so much better than the frozen box kind, and they have no preservatives or artificial flavors.
Football, basketball, fall parties, and celebrations are right around the corner. I don’t know how time passes so fast, but the kids and I realized yesterday that more than one-third of the summer break had already passed. These Panko Breaded Mozzarella Sticks are perfect for either. There is just something heavenly about a crispy breaded piece of melted cheese! They are always a huge hit with friends and family. I love to serve them with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings and Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls.
Ingredient Notes with Substitutions
See the complete ingredients on the recipe card below.
- Mozzarella Sticks: Don’t buy the low-fat mozzarella sticks, as the cheese doesn’t melt as well.
- Milk: Use whole or 2%.
- Breadcrumbs: I find that these give the crispiest finish, but you can substitute regular breadcrumbs.
- Oil: Canola, corn, vegetable, or peanut oil will work.
How to Make Panko Breaded Mozzarella Sticks
This is a summary; for the full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.
- Unwrap the mozzarella cheese sticks.
- In the first bowl, mix the eggs with milk. In the second bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, parsley, oregano, basil, and garlic powder. In the third bowl, add the flour.
- Dredge the mozzarella sticks in flour, then in the eggs, and roll in the panko breadcrumbs.
- Place the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 20-30 minutes.
- Fry until crispy and golden brown.
Preparation Tips
- Roll all the mozzarella sticks in flour first and get that step out of the way.
- Avoid the dreaded breading fingers by using one hand to dunk in the the egg mixture and the other to dip into the breadcrumbs. Of course, that is easier said than done because we tend to use our dominant hand first.
- For added crispiness, dip back in the egg mixture, then back in the breadcrumbs.
- Use a deep fryer or a high-temperature thermometer to keep your oil as close to 375 degrees as you can.
- Fry just until brown. If you overcook it, the cheese will start to leak out.
More Appetizer Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Fried Zucchini
- Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
- Pulled Pork Nachos
- Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
- Fried Pickles
Panko Breaded Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
- 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Canola oil
Instructions
- Mix eggs with milk in a shallow bowl.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with basil, parsley, oregano, and garlic in a shallow bowl or plate.
- Place flour in a shallow bowl or plate.
- Dip each mozzarella stick in flour, then in the egg mixture, then in the panko breadcrumb mixture, and back into the egg and into the breadcrumbs one more time. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Place in the freezer uncovered for 20-30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 375 degrees.
- Cook the sticks a few at a time, just until golden brown. It only takes about 1 minute. Drain on paper towels. Serve with marinara or chipotle mayo.
Nutrition
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Jessica
Who knew making mozzarella sticks at home could be so darn easy? Loved them and will make again.
Thomas
Do I have to freeze the mozzarella sticks?
Beth Pierce
You can if you want. Some say that it helps the breading adhere. I have never found any difference.
Sandra
Such an amazing appetizer! It was totally irresistible!
Catalina
This mozzarella! My kid goes crazy over these sticks! We should make them at home.
jade manning
Blown my mind with this recipe!
Lora
Super recipe for game day or any fun weekend event! And so easy to make!
Demeter
The light crispy breading is so perfect! It’s hard to start dipping once you start.
Dorothy Reinhold
I am loving the idea of the added crunch from the panko! Great idea!
Linda
Is this a shallow fry or deep fry?
Beth Pierce
You could do either but on a shallow fry you would need about 1/2 -3/4 inch of oil and would need to roll them to make sure they get brown.
steve
what temperature and duration should i use if cooking in a deep fryer instead ?
bpierce
Cook at 365 degrees until lightly browned..30 seconds to one minute.
Julie Marshall
As soon as they start to float watch them really carefully….there’s about 3 seconds between done and leaking cheese all over the place. I made them today and they only took about 20 seconds.