Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Prepare Dipping Stations: Whisk the eggs in a shallow dish. In another shallow bowl, combine gluten-free flour and cornstarch.
- Cut Cheese Sticks: Cut the mozzarella string cheese sticks in half to create smaller portions.
- First Coat: Dip each cheese stick first in the gluten-free flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Second Coat: Dip the floured cheese sticks in the whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
- Third Coat: Roll the egg-coated cheese sticks in the seasoned gluten-free breadcrumb mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Repeat Coating: Repeat the dipping in gluten-free flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture for a double coating to ensure extra crispiness.
- Freeze: Place the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least one hour to firm up before frying.
- 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).
- Fry Mozzarella Sticks: Fry the sticks two at a time until golden brown, about 1 minute per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- 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
Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/gluten-free-mozzarella-sticks-recipe/
