I recreated these mozzarella sticks at home and nailed that satisfying crunch with melty cheese inside—perfect for game nights, snack attacks, or when I’m craving that fast-food comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it delivers a golden, crispy exterior and gooey mozzarella core just like the real thing. The seasoning blend gives it that distinctive flavor without being overpowering. It’s simple enough for weeknight whipping, yet impressive enough for parties.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 16 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cornflour
- 1/2 tsp garlic seasoning
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan
directions
- Prep: Cut mozzarella into uniform sticks and freeze on a tray for at least 30 minutes.
- Flour mix: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornflour, garlic seasoning, oregano, parsley, paprika, pepper, and salt.
- Egg wash: Whisk eggs, water, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Breadcrumb station: Place breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
- Coat cheese: Dredge each frozen stick in flour mix, tap off excess, dip in egg wash, then coat in breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, double-dip: back through egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Freeze again: Lay coated sticks on a tray and freeze for another 15 minutes—this helps them hold shape during frying.
- Fry: Heat oil to ~350 °F (175 °C). Fry sticks in batches, 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain & serve: Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with marinara sauce.
Servings and timing
- Yield: About 8 servings (2–3 sticks per person)
- Prep time: 15 minutes initial, 15 minutes freeze, 5 minutes coating & 15 minutes second freeze = ~50 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour
Variations
- Gluten‑free: Use a mix of gluten‑free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Herb‑cheese crust: Mix in 2 tbsp grated Parmesan and 1 tsp Italian seasoning into breadcrumbs.
- Spicy kick: Add ¼–½ tsp cayenne powder to the flour mixture.
- Air‑fried version: Cook at 400 °F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
storage/reheating
- Store: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, flash‐freeze coated sticks on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag—lasts up to 1 month.
- Reheat:
- From fresh: Bake at 375 °F for 8–10 minutes until warmed and crisp.
- From frozen: No thawing—bake at 400 °F for 12–14 minutes.
FAQs
Can I freeze these after frying?
I don’t recommend freezing after frying—mozzarella tends to leak and the crust softens. It’s best to freeze before cooking.
Why do I need to freeze the sticks twice?
Freezing twice ensures the cheese stays firm during frying and the coating adheres better and stays crispy.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes! Bake at 400 °F on a greased rack for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll be less oily but still delicious.
My coating falls off during frying—what did I do wrong?
That usually happens if you skip the second freeze or don’t press the breadcrumbs firmly before freezing. Make sure sticks are cold, the coating is tight, and oil is hot.
Can I use string cheese instead of block mozzarella?
Yes, but block mozzarella cuts more evenly and freezes better. If using string cheese, double-freeze is a must.
Conclusion
I love how this recipe of mozzarella sticks—crispy outside, gooey inside, and full of flavor. Freezing between coatings is my secret to success. Whether I’m frying or air-frying, these sticks always hit the spot. Give them a try!
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Arby’s Mozzarella Sticks Copycat Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (includes freezing time)
- Yield: 24 sticks
Description
Crispy, golden mozzarella sticks with a melty center, perfectly mimicking the fast-food favorite from Arby’s — but made fresh at home!
Ingredients
12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil, for frying
Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
Unwrap the string cheese sticks and cut each in half to make 24 pieces. Place them in the freezer for 1 hour until firm.
Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with milk, and one with breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
Dredge each frozen cheese stick in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step once more.
Return the coated sticks to the freezer for another 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during frying.
Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
