Turn String Cheese into Mozzarella Sticks

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: string cheese

Part-skim mozzarella has fewer calories, while string cheese is often more affordable.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: whole wheat bread crumbs

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Whole wheat bread crumbs are more nutritious, while crushed crackers can be a budget-friendly option.

Prepare the breading by crushing 1 and 1/2 cups of panko crumbs using a rolling pin until they are finer but not pulverized.

Pour the crushed panko into a mixing bowl and add 1/4 teaspoon of table salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir to combine.

Break 2 large eggs into a shallow dish and whisk them together until well combined.

Measure out 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and set it aside.

Unwrap a block of whole milk mozzarella cheese and cut it into 15 pieces. Alternatively, use string cheese, but note that you'll get fewer sticks.

Set up a breading station with the flour, egg mixture, and seasoned panko.

Dip each mozzarella stick in the flour, shaking off excess, then dredge in the egg, and finally coat with the panko mixture. Place each coated stick on a cooling rack.

Freeze the coated mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour to prevent the coating from disintegrating during frying.

Prepare a medium-sized saucepan by filling it with 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil and heat it to 360 degrees Fahrenheit using a candy thermometer.

Once the oil is heated and the mozzarella sticks have been frozen, carefully lower 2 sticks at a time into the oil using a spider or tongs.

Fry the mozzarella sticks for about 1 minute until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens