Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Introduction

These crispy mozzarella sticks are a delicious and easy snack, perfect for any gathering or craving. Coated in flavorful gluten-free breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection, they offer a gooey, cheesy center that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups plain gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs or plain gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon table salt
• ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese (for dairy-free, use Follow Your Heart dairy-free grated Parmesan cheese)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup all-purpose gluten-free flour
• ¼ cup corn starch
• 6 mozzarella string cheese sticks
• Vegetable oil for frying (peanut, canola, or corn oil works well)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the gluten-free breadcrumbs in a plastic storage bag and crush them with a rolling pin until fine.
2. Step 2: Transfer the crushed breadcrumbs to a shallow dish and mix in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Step 3: Whisk the eggs in a shallow dish.
4. Step 4: Combine the gluten-free flour and corn starch in another shallow bowl and stir well.
5. Step 5: Cut mozzarella sticks in half.
6. Step 6: Dip each mozzarella piece first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
7. Step 7: Dip into the whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
8. Step 8: Coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
9. Step 9: Repeat the coating steps (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) for a second layer of breading.
10. Step 10: Place coated mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least one hour.
11. Step 11: About 5 minutes before frying, heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan to 350°F (177°C).
12. Step 12: Fry the mozzarella sticks two at a time until golden brown, about 1 minute.
13. Step 13: Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Freeze the sticks thoroughly before frying to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free mozzarella sticks if available.
• Serve with marinara sauce or a spicy ranch dip for extra flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until crispy and warmed through to avoid sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the mozzarella sticks instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the frozen mozzarella sticks on a lined baking sheet for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through until golden and crispy.

What if I don’t have gluten-free breadcrumbs?

You can make your own by toasting gluten-free bread until dry and then crushing it finely using a food processor or rolling pin.

Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 102 reviews

Crispy and delicious gluten-free mozzarella sticks made with a double coating of seasoned gluten-free breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, perfectly fried to golden brown. These mozzarella sticks are a tasty appetizer or snack that’s easy to prepare, with a crunchy exterior and gooey melted cheese inside.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks (6 cheese sticks cut in half) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Coating Mixture

• 1 ½ cups plain gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs or plain gluten-free breadcrumbs (4C gluten-free Panko recommended)
• 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon table salt
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (use Follow Your Heart dairy-free grated Parmesan for dairy-free option)

Breading Components

• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup all-purpose gluten-free flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch

Main Ingredient

• 6 mozzarella string cheese sticks

Frying Oil

• Vegetable oil for frying (peanut oil preferred; canola or corn oil also suitable)

Instructions

1. Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: Place gluten-free crumbs in a plastic storage bag and crush them with a rolling pin until fine. Transfer to a shallow dish and mix in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Prepare Dipping Stations: Whisk the eggs in a shallow dish. In another shallow bowl, combine gluten-free flour and cornstarch.
3. Cut Cheese Sticks: Cut the mozzarella string cheese sticks in half to create smaller portions.
4. First Coat: Dip each cheese stick first in the gluten-free flour mixture, shaking off excess.
5. Second Coat: Dip the floured cheese sticks in the whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
6. Third Coat: Roll the egg-coated cheese sticks in the seasoned gluten-free breadcrumb mixture, ensuring full coverage.
7. Repeat Coating: Repeat the dipping in gluten-free flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture for a double coating to ensure extra crispiness.
8. Freeze: Place the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least one hour to firm up before frying.
9. Preheat Oil: About 5 minutes before frying, fill a medium saucepan with about 3 inches of vegetable oil. Heat over medium heat until the temperature reaches 350°F (177°C).
10. Fry Mozzarella Sticks: Fry the sticks two at a time until golden brown, about 1 minute per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
11. Serve and Store: Serve immediately for best taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate.

Notes

• Freezing the breaded sticks before frying helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out.
• Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for better frying results.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute Parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative like Follow Your Heart dairy-free grated Parmesan cheese.
• Peanut oil is preferred for frying due to its high smoke point and flavor, but canola or corn oil are suitable alternatives.
• Do not overcrowd the frying pan to maintain oil temperature and crispy coating.

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, gluten free, appetizer, fried cheese sticks, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, crispy snack