How to Make Mozzarella Sticks With Shredded Cheese? Step by Step Guide

Mozzarella sticks are a timeless appetizer that never fails to satisfy our craving for gooey, cheesy goodness.

While the traditional method involves using mozzarella string cheese, there’s an alternative approach that allows for a more customized and flavorful experience – making mozzarella sticks with shredded cheese. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to create these golden, crispy delights in the comfort of your own kitchen.

How To Choose The Right Cheese

When it comes to making delicious and crispy mozzarella sticks at home, choosing the right cheese is crucial.

While mozzarella cheese is the traditional choice, there are other cheese options you can consider as well.

Using shredded cheese, whether it’s mozzarella or any other type, comes with several benefits that can enhance your mozzarella stick experience.

Shredded cheese melts evenly and quickly, making it perfect for achieving that gooey and delicious filling inside the crispy coating.

Additionally, using shredded cheese eliminates the need for slicing or grating, saving you time and effort in the preparation process.

How To Prepare The Breading Station

To prepare the breading station for making Mozzarella Sticks with shredded cheese, start by setting up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs.

Dredge the cheese sticks in the flour, dip them in the egg, and then coat them in breadcrumbs before frying until golden and crispy.

the shredded mozzarella cheese sticks directly to make mozzarella sticks?

How To Coat The Cheese Sticks

Coating the cheese sticks is a crucial step in making delicious mozzarella sticks with shredded cheese.

By carefully dipping the sticks in batter and breading, you can achieve a crispy and flavorful coating that perfectly complements the melted cheese inside.

Cutting Cheese Into Sticks

Before you can start coating the cheese sticks, you need to cut the mozzarella into the right shape and size.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Start by unwrapping the block of mozzarella cheese.
2. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the cheese into long, rectangular sticks. Aim for sticks that are about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Ensure that each cheese stick is approximately the same size so that they cook evenly.

Dredging In Flour

After cutting the cheese into sticks, the next step is to coat them in flour. This will help the egg mixture adhere to the cheese and create a crispy outer layer.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Take a shallow bowl or plate and pour flour into it.
2. Take a cheese stick and roll it in the flour, making sure to coat all sides.
3. Shake off any excess flour and set the coated cheese stick aside.
4. Repeat this process with the remaining cheese sticks until they are all coated in flour.

Dipping In Egg Mixture

Once the cheese sticks are coated in flour, it’s time to dip them in an egg mixture. This will act as a binder and help the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. In a separate bowl, crack open a few eggs and whisk them together until well beaten.
2. Take a flour-coated cheese stick and dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it is evenly coated.
3. Allow any excess egg mixture to drip off the cheese stick before moving on to the next step.
4. Repeat this process with the remaining cheese sticks until they are all coated in the egg mixture.

Coating With Breadcrumbs

With the cheese sticks now dipped in the egg mixture, it’s time to coat them with breadcrumbs. This will give the mozzarella sticks a deliciously crunchy texture.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Take a shallow bowl or plate and pour breadcrumbs into it. You can use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, or add your own desired seasonings to plain breadcrumbs.
2. Take an egg-dipped cheese stick and roll it in the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat all sides.
3. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the cheese stick to ensure they adhere well.
4. Set the coated cheese stick aside and repeat this process with the remaining cheese sticks.

How To Freeze The Cheese Sticks

Make delicious mozzarella sticks with shredded cheese by freezing them before baking. This simple technique ensures that the cheese sticks hold their shape and don’t melt too quickly, resulting in crisp and gooey snacks.

Importance Of Freezing

Freezing the cheese sticks is a crucial step in the process of making mozzarella sticks with shredded cheese.

It helps solidify the cheese and ensures that it holds its shape during the frying process.

Freezing the cheese sticks also allows the breading to adhere better and prevents the cheese from oozing out while cooking.

This step is essential for achieving that perfect, gooey, and melty cheese center that everyone loves when biting into a mozzarella stick.

Freezing Preparation

To freeze the cheese sticks properly, follow these steps:

1. Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Take the breaded cheese sticks and place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other.
3. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and let the cheese sticks freeze for at least 2 hours or until they are fully solidified.
4. Once the cheese sticks are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag for long-term storage.

Benefits Of Freezing

Freezing the cheese sticks offers several benefits:

• Convenience: By freezing the cheese sticks, you can make a larger batch ahead of time and have them ready to go whenever you want a quick and delicious snack or appetizer.
• Crispy Texture: Freezing the cheese sticks helps maintain their crispiness when cooked, giving you that satisfying crunch with each bite.
• Prevents Cheese Leakage: The freezing process ensures that the cheese sticks hold their shape during frying, reducing the chances of cheese oozing out and creating a mess.
• Time-Saving: By freezing the cheese sticks in advance, you can save time when you’re ready to fry them. Simply take them out of the freezer and proceed with the frying process.

Remember, proper freezing is essential for successful mozzarella sticks.

So, don’t skip this step if you want to enjoy perfectly crispy, gooey, and delicious mozzarella sticks every time.

How To Fry The Cheese Sticks

Crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, homemade mozzarella sticks are the ultimate comfort food.

Frying the cheese sticks properly is the key to achieving that perfect golden brown crust while ensuring the cheese remains melty and delicious.

In this section, we’ll cover everything you need to know about frying your mozzarella sticks to perfection.

Choosing The Right Oil

When it comes to frying mozzarella sticks, choosing the right oil is crucial. You want an oil with a high smoke point and a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the cheese.

Vegetable oils such as canola, sunflower, or peanut oil are excellent choices. They can withstand high temperatures without smoking, ensuring that your cheese sticks cook evenly and have a crisp exterior.

Avoid using oils with strong flavors like olive oil, as they may alter the taste of the cheese sticks.

Heating The Oil

Before you start frying, it’s important to heat the oil to the right temperature. A deep-fry thermometer is a handy tool to ensure accuracy.

Heat the oil to around 375°F (190°C) for the perfect frying temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it.

If it sizzles and turns golden brown within seconds, the oil is ready for frying.

Frying Process

Now that you have the right oil and it’s heated to the correct temperature, it’s time to start frying your mozzarella sticks.

Follow these steps for a successful frying process:

1. Remove the breaded mozzarella sticks from the freezer and carefully lower them into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Be cautious to avoid any splattering.
2. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot or deep fryer. Fry the sticks in small batches to maintain an even temperature and ensure they cook evenly.
3. Fry the sticks for about 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally for even browning. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking or burning.
4. Once the mozzarella sticks are golden brown and crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. This will help absorb any excess oil.
5. Allow the fried mozzarella sticks to cool for a minute or two before serving. Serve them while still warm and gooey for the ultimate cheesy experience.

Remember, frying mozzarella sticks is a quick process, so it’s important to have all your ingredients and equipment prepared beforehand.

With the right oil, proper heating, and a well-executed frying process, you’ll be enjoying homemade mozzarella sticks that rival any restaurant’s appetizer menu!

How To Bake The Cheese Sticks

Alternative To Frying

When it comes to making mozzarella sticks, frying is the traditional method of cooking.

However, if you are looking for a healthier alternative, you can bake the cheese sticks instead.

Baking allows you to achieve a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. Plus, it’s much easier and less messy than frying.

Preheating The Oven

To start the baking process, you’ll need to preheat your oven to the recommended temperature. Most recipes suggest preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C).

This ensures that the cheese sticks cook evenly and develop that irresistibly golden-brown crust.

Baking Process

Once your oven is preheated, place the prepared mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Arrange them in a single layer, making sure to leave some space between each stick for even air circulation.

This helps the sticks cook evenly and ensures they become crispy all around. Next, place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes.

Keep a close eye on them as they bake, as the cooking time may vary depending on your oven.

You want the cheese sticks to be crispy and golden on the outside, with the cheese inside gooey and melted.

Once the mozzarella sticks are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch dressing, and enjoy!

Serving And Enjoying

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the mozzarella sticks on a platter in an organized and visually appealing manner.

Consider using a bed of fresh lettuce or herbs as a base for the sticks, adding a pop of color and freshness to the presentation.

Garnish the platter with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for added visual appeal.

Serve the mozzarella sticks with toothpicks inserted in each stick for easy grabbing and dipping.

Dipping Sauce Options

Marinara Sauce: This classic Italian tomato-based sauce pairs perfectly with mozzarella sticks, providing a tangy and flavorful dipping option.

Ranch Dressing: The creamy and tangy flavors of ranch dressing complement the mild and gooey mozzarella cheese, making it a popular choice for dipping.

Sriracha Mayo: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, mixing sriracha sauce with mayonnaise creates a spicy and creamy dipping sauce that adds a kick to the mozzarella sticks.

Honey Mustard: If you prefer a sweet and tangy flavor combination, try dipping your mozzarella sticks in a homemade honey mustard sauce.

The sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the mustard create a delicious contrast with the cheesy sticks.

Remember to place small bowls or ramekins with each dipping sauce alongside the platter of mozzarella sticks to make it easy for guests to enjoy their preferred sauce.

Alternative Cooking Methods

While the traditional method of making mozzarella sticks involves deep frying, there are alternative cooking methods that can give you equally delicious results.

Whether you prefer a healthier option or want to experiment with different flavors, these alternative methods offer a fresh take on this classic appetizer.

Air Frying

Air frying is a popular option for those looking to enjoy the crispy texture of fried foods without the excess oil.

To make mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Dip the shredded mozzarella cheese sticks into beaten eggs, then coat them in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning.
3. Place the coated cheese sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the coating is golden brown.
5. Remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Air frying is a quick and convenient method that yields crispy and delicious mozzarella sticks with significantly less oil than deep frying.

It’s a great option for those who want a healthier twist on this classic appetizer.

Grilling

Grilling mozzarella sticks adds a unique smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese filling.

To grill mozzarella sticks, follow these easy steps:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Thread the shredded mozzarella sticks onto skewers, ensuring they are secure.
3. Place the skewered mozzarella sticks on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the cheese is melted and the exterior is crispy.
4. Remove the skewers from the grill and let the mozzarella sticks cool for a few minutes before serving.

Grilling mozzarella sticks adds a delicious charred flavor that elevates this classic appetizer. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy the smoky goodness.

Conclusion

Making mozzarella sticks with shredded cheese is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, allowing you to experiment with different cheese blends and flavor combinations.

With these simple steps, you can bring the joy of crispy, gooey mozzarella sticks into your own kitchen, impressing family and friends with your culinary prowess.

So, roll up your sleeves, get creative, and savor the satisfaction of crafting these irresistible treats from scratch.