Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

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Created On: April 28, 2020&nbsp|Updated: December 22, 2023| 40 Comments

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9.19

1.15

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The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.

These homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are easy to make and feed a hungry crowd. This recipe serves 6-8 and costs approximately $9.19 to make. That’s just about $1.15 per serving.

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - Easy Budget Recipes (1)

I don’t know about you but I find that my kids are constantly wanting snacks. Like ALL.THE.TIME! Sometimes I ask my kids if they have a hole in their stomach because I am constantly amazed at how much food they are consuming. Does anyone else have this problem?

At the rate we are going they are going to eat me out of house and home! It’s not in the budget to keep my freezer stocked with store-bought snacks! Please tell me I am not alone in this problem?

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Jill and Beth have the same issue so we brainstormed and came up with the idea to make Homemade Mozzarella Sticks. It’s so much more cost-effective to make your own instead of buying them. Plus this recipe makes a ton, 36 thick sticks to be exact!

These Mozzarella Sticks are way better than the store-bought ones. Mainly this is due to the fact that in ours there’s more cheese per stick!

This is a great recipe to have on hand for those times when your kids are home more often, like during the summer. With our Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, Mom is happy with the price and the kids are happy with the taste.

Our recipe below includes two different ways to make the mozzarella cheese sticks. We have directions for making them fried and baked. Happy snacking!

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - Easy Budget Recipes (2)

What are mozzarella sticks made of?

Mozzarella sticks are literally just that! A piece of mozzarella cheese that is breaded and either fried or baked. Typically you dip mozzarella sticks into marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even BBQ sauce.

Is String Cheese the same thing as mozzarella cheese?

String Cheese and mozzarella cheese are similar but they are not the same. String cheese is made of mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella cheese is kept in water or brine while string cheese, made with milk, is dried out.

How to get the kids involved with this recipe:

Ages 2-3: Let them help you with the cheese dipping process.
Ages 4-5:Let them help measure and pulse the panko mixture in the food processor. Also, have them help you pour the marinara sauce into a saucepan.
Ages 6-8: Let them crack and beat the eggs. Have them transfer the baking sheet to the freezer so the cheese sticks can freeze.
Ages 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe. Please make sure you teach them to use caution when frying food.
Ages 12+:Let them prepare the entire recipe, unsupervised, while you do the happy dance in the corner!

Discover why we love getting the kids involved in the kitchen and more tips in our How to Get Kids Involved In Cooking article.

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - Easy Budget Recipes (3)

The flavor and Recipe Variations:

Instead of using mozzarella string cheese, you can use cheddar or Colby cheese sticks.
You can dip the cheese sticks in marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
If you’re looking to spice things up a little, add 1 Tablespoon of Frank’s Red Hot sauce to the egg coating.

More $10 recipes:

20-Minute Thai Peanut Noodles
BBQ Chicken Braid
Easy Chana Masala
Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes
Homemade Sloppy Joes
Inside Out Chicken Pot Pie
Italian Zucchini Boats
Jenna’s Chicken Pillows
Large Batch Freezer Meatballs

How long are these Mozzarella Cheese Sticks good for:

Serve: As with most recipes with dairy products in them, you shouldn’t leave these cheese sticks out for longer than 2 hours.
Store: Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: It’s best to freeze the cheese sticks before frying or baking them. After they get their initial freeze, transfer the cheese sticks to a freezer-safe zipper bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - Easy Budget Recipes (4)

How much will these Mozzarella Cheese Sticks cost:

RECIPE COST: $9.19

PRICE PER SERVING: $1.15

16 String cheese sticks –$4.98
1/2 cup all-purpose flour –$0.10
2 large eggs –$0.20
2 cups panko bread crumbs –$1.77
1/2 teaspoon salt –$0.01
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper –$0.03
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder –$0.01
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano –$0.01
2 1/2 cups vegetable oil –$1.20
1 cup marinara sauce –$0.88

To find out more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained.

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - Easy Budget Recipes (5)

Cook’s Tools:

baking sheet
parchment paper
3 pie dishesor 3 shallow bowls
food processor
measuring cups
measuring spoons
wire rack
large pot
tongs
instant-read thermometer

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - Easy Budget Recipes (6)

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How do you make mozzarella sticks from scratch:

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Recipe Cost 9.19

Serving Cost 1.15

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

These homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are easy to make and feed a hungry crowd. This recipe serves 6-8 and costs $9.19 to make. That’s just $1.15 per serving.

Servings: 6 people

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 24 minutes mins

Equipment

baking sheet
parchment paper
3 pie dishes OR 3 shallow bowls
food processor
measuring cups
Measuring spoons
wire rack
large pot
tongs
instant-read thermometer

Ingredients

CHEESE:

16 string cheese sticks

COATING 1:

½ cup all-purpose flour

COATING 2:

2 large eggs

COATING 3:

2 cups panko bread crumbs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon garlic powder

OIL FOR FRYING:

2 ½ cups peanut or vegetable oil

FOR SERVING:

1 cup marinara sauce warmed
1 Tablespoon minced parsley for garnishing optional

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

PREP THE CHEESE:

Slice each string cheese stick in half crosswise so you have 32 pieces of cheese total.

PREP COATING 1:

Pour flour into a pie dish or shallow bowl.

PREP COATING 2:

Add eggs to a second pie dish or shallow bowl and beat with a fork.

PREP COATING 3:

Add bread crumbs, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder to a food processor and pulse mixture until finely ground.
Pour the bread crumbs mixture into a third pie dish or shallow bowl.

COAT THE CHEESE:

Add a piece of cheese to the flour and turn to coat. Then, add the cheese to the egg and turn to coat.
Next, add the cheese to the breadcrumbs and turn to coat. Finally, place the coated cheese stick to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining cheese sticks.

FREEZE CHEESE STICKS:

Pop the cheese sticks into the freezer and freeze for 2 hours or overnight.

FRYING INSTRUCTIONS:

Line a baking sheet with 3 layers of paper towels and set aside.
Add oil to a large pot and heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 400 degrees F.
Add a few cheese sticks to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
Move the cheese sticks to the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain.
Repeat the frying with the remaining mozzarella cheese sticks. Garnish mozzarella sticks with minced parsley, optional. Serve with warmed marinara sauce.

BAKING INSTRUCTIONS:

Move the oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack right in the pan right on top of the foil. Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
Place the mozzarella cheese sticks right on top of the wire rack set inside a baking sheet. Spray the tops of the cheese sticks with nonstick cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the cheese sticks are golden brown. Cool for 3 minutes and then garnish with minced parsley, optional. Serve with warmed marinara sauce.

Video

Notes

This recipe makes 32 mozzarella cheese sticks with is enough to serve 6-8 people.

Do not skip freezing the cheese sticks before frying or baking. This step ensures that the cheese sticks will not burst open when frying or baking.

Nutrition

Love this recipe?Follow @EasyBudgetRecipes or tag #EasyBudgetRecipes!

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - Easy Budget Recipes (15)

These homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are easy to make and feed a hungry crowd. This recipe serves 6-8 and costs $9.19 to make. That’s just $1.15 per serving.

Comments

Ashley says
April 28, 2020 at 5:58 pm

We loved these cheese sticks so much and will definitely make them again!
Reply
See Also
10+ BUDGET FRIENDLY CHILI DOG DINNER RECIPES
- Jess Jankowski says
  April 28, 2020 at 10:25 pm
  
  So happy you love them as much as we do!
Jessica says
April 28, 2020 at 6:46 pm

I used mozzarella/cheddar cheese sticks and they were AWESOME! This is going on the regular rotation. Perfect for lunch, snacks and the kids dinner.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  April 28, 2020 at 10:25 pm
  
  Yes! They are perfect for all of those things!
Kelly Anthony says
April 29, 2020 at 7:43 am

Oh my word — my kids are constantly on the snack train too, and nothing satisfies a snack attack like these! WE LOVE CHEESESTICKS around these parts! So crispy and perfect. Thank you!
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  April 29, 2020 at 10:31 pm
  
  Oh I am so happy to know I am not alone battling that snack train! Love it that these Cheesesticks can help you one snack attack at a time!
Sue says
May 4, 2020 at 3:37 pm

I think these aren’t just for kids! There’s a grown up in my house who devours them!!
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  May 4, 2020 at 9:33 pm
  
  Agreed 100%! I’m pretty sure my husband sneaks more of them when no one is looking!
Emily Flint says
May 4, 2020 at 4:54 pm

As a mom with a toddler who asks for cheese daily, this is just the recipe I need. And I would eat them too!!
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  May 4, 2020 at 9:34 pm
  
  Perfect for all ages!
Amy says
May 4, 2020 at 5:25 pm

My family would go crazy over these!! So trying it for a snack today.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  May 4, 2020 at 9:34 pm
  
  Love it when you find a recipe everyone will love!
Chef Dennis says
May 5, 2020 at 1:50 am

These Mozzarella Cheese Sticks looks really mouthwatering! Cheese is life! I must have this.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  May 5, 2020 at 7:21 am
  
  Totally agree that cheese is life!
Andréa Janssen says
May 5, 2020 at 4:11 am

I love cheese sticks and these Mozzarella sticks look truly delicious. I think I’m going to make this on a regular base.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  May 5, 2020 at 7:22 am
  
  You will not regret it!!
Michele Peterson says
May 5, 2020 at 7:24 am

My grandkids loved these mozzarella cheese sticks. A delicious snack for our hungry crowd.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  May 6, 2020 at 7:48 am
  
  Michele that’s great! Glad everyone loved them!
Ron Weinberg says
May 20, 2020 at 9:58 am

I LOVE MOZZARELLA.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  May 20, 2020 at 5:57 pm
  
  Then this is the recipe for you!
Kakhaber Khmelidze says
May 20, 2020 at 12:03 pm

Ohh I just love it! Thanks.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  May 20, 2020 at 5:55 pm
  
  Thanks so much!
Lisalia says
August 13, 2020 at 10:39 am

This is my favorite restaurant appetizer. Just as yummy made at home. Thanks for the recipe!
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  August 14, 2020 at 10:37 am
  
  Now you can satisfy those restaurant cravings easily! Thank you for your review!
Sydnie says
August 13, 2020 at 11:45 am

These look so delicious! I am so excited to try these!
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  August 14, 2020 at 10:39 am
  
  Enjoy Sydnie!
Katie says
September 28, 2020 at 1:37 pm

Looks so good! My family would love this.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  September 29, 2020 at 2:38 pm
  
  Yes they will Katie!
Noelle says
September 28, 2020 at 2:01 pm

Yum! I never thought out making my own, great idea! They were delicious
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  September 29, 2020 at 2:38 pm
  
  So happy you enjoyed them! Thanks for letting us know.
Tara says
September 28, 2020 at 2:03 pm

Yum! I love that beautiful crust and how easily they come together! I bet these mozzarella sticks would be a huge hit with my whole family.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  September 29, 2020 at 2:37 pm
  
  Our kids have a great time helping us make them. Enjoy!
Deanne says
September 28, 2020 at 3:16 pm

These are my favorite appetizer/snack. So good!
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  September 29, 2020 at 2:37 pm
  
  Our kids always scarf them down!
Michelle says
September 28, 2020 at 4:30 pm

I cant believe how easy these are! And so much better than store bought. My mouth is watering just thinking about them.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  September 29, 2020 at 2:37 pm
  
  We agree! Enjoy!
Gayle says
September 9, 2021 at 7:30 am

I need to try these. Can these be made with a whole piece of cheese instead of cutting in half? My instinct says yes, but thought I would ask.
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  September 9, 2021 at 12:11 pm
  
  Hi Gayle, we have not tested this recipe with a whole piece of cheese but we think it will work. Let us know how it goes!
Cynthia D says
March 20, 2022 at 10:13 am

I think the price per serving is way off (a 16 pack of cheese sticks are almost $8 by me – and that’s the cheapest store brand!! And an egg is definitely not 10¢) but I’m looking forward to trying them anyway. They look really yummy!
Reply
- Jess Jankowski says
  March 22, 2022 at 12:29 pm
  
  Hi Cynthia, the recipes are priced using Walmart.com but will vary by area. Not sure where you are located but here, Kraft Cheese sticks are $4.53, and yes the price of eggs has gone up recently to about $0.17 per egg. Either way, these Mozzarella Cheese sticks are delicious and we think you will love them!

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - Easy Budget Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Should you freeze mozzarella sticks before frying? ›

Yes, freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying them is essential. If they aren't completely frozen, the cheese will ooze out of the flour and panko coating before it's gotten the chance to crisp up.

Read On ›

How much does it cost to make mozzarella sticks? ›

These homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are easy to make and feed a hungry crowd. This recipe serves 6-8 and costs approximately $9.19 to make. That's just about $1.15 per serving. I don't know about you but I find that my kids are constantly wanting snacks.

Discover More Details ›

How to make farm rich mozzarella sticks in an air fryer? ›

Fry 4 or 8 pieces for 2 minutes 15 seconds. Preheat air fryer to 360°F. Arrange product in a single layer in basket. Air fry 6 pieces for 6-7 minutes.

What is the difference between breaded and battered mozzarella sticks? ›

The batter can provide a crisper and crunchier exterior, but the texture may also be irregular, offering different sensations with each bite. Breaded mozzarella sticks have a smoother and more consistent texture due to the even layer of breadcrumbs.

See Details ›

How to add flavor to mozzarella sticks? ›

Seasoned Breadcrumbs – You'll love the added flavor of Italian seasoned bread crumbs. If you're using plain breadcrumbs, mix in a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or dried basil and oregano. Oil – For frying, or use cooking spray if you're baking your mozzarella sticks.

Find Out More ›

How do you make mozzarella sticks crispy again? ›

Get a skillet on the range good and hot - little bit of oil but not much. Reheat those sticks and fries in the microwave for 90 seconds and then throw them on the (very) hot skillet and turn and shuffle them about until a second browning occurs.

Tell Me More ›

Is it cheaper to make mozzarella or buy it? ›

Contrary to popular belief, making cheese from home is a lot more inexpensive than store bought cheese, and here's why. On average, a block of cheese at your local supermarket costs anywhere between $5-15 per pound depending on the type of cheese you're purchasing and how many pounds you need.

Show Me More ›

What is the difference between cheese sticks and mozzarella sticks? ›

The answer: string cheese must always be mozzarella cheese. Why? Because mozarella cheese is the only type of cheese that has a stringing quality, naturally. Snack cheese, on the other hand, can be any variety of cheese, from cheddar to muenster, but you won't be able to pull it apart in strands.

Explore More ›

Why did McDonald's get rid of mozzarella sticks? ›

A class-action lawsuit was filed against McDonald's, claiming that the cheese sticks contained starch and did not meet the federal standards for mozzarella cheese.

How long should I air fry mozzarella sticks? ›

Set your air fryer to 390°F. Spray the air fryer basket and the mozzarella sticks with a nonstick cooking spray. Air fry the mozzarella sticks (in batches if desired or necessary, as space permits) for 6 to 8 minutes until the exterior is golden and crispy.

Show Me More ›

What marinara is good for mozzarella sticks? ›

For the uninitiated, arrabbiata is basically marinara with red pepper flakes added for heat. If you love Rao's marinara but you crave some spice, this sauce is a revelation, and it's also one of the best dips for mozzarella sticks if you like an extra kick.

Read The Full Story ›

Are mozzarella sticks healthy? ›

While nearly all mozzarella cheese sticks are made with part-skim cheese and are relatively low in fat, the calories and fat add up once fried with cooking oil. For a healthier option, you can try our Air-Fryer Mozzarella Sticks over the traditional frying method.

See Details ›

Are Arby's mozzarella sticks fried? ›

Stretchy, cheesy, melty mozzarella that's battered and fried. Served with a marinara sauce for dipping.

Get More Info Here ›

What are school mozzarella sticks called? ›

Since 1988, Bosco® Sticks have brightened up school lunches with golden-brown deliciousness and 100% real cheese.

Which is better batter or breaded? ›

Other than pancakes and some lighter cakes, batters are great for protecting softer, more delicate foods in the deep fryer or for preventing overcooking. Breading on the other hand, often clumps up when placed in the deep fryer, which can create problems for the presentation and taste of the end product and your fryer.

Do you freeze cheese before deep frying? ›

Making fried cheese requires an additional step of freezing the cheese for thirty minutes before frying, so the outer shell gets perfectly browned and crispy without overcooking the cheese. Once the cheese is extra cold, heat oil to temperature, and fry cheese in batches.

View Details ›

Do you cook mozzarella sticks from frozen? ›

Arrange the frozen cheese sticks on the sheet, leaving about 3/4 inch between each. Lightly coat the tops of the sticks with the oil. Bake in the lower third of your oven for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is heated through and the crumbs are golden.

How do you keep frozen mozzarella sticks from leaking? ›

There are two keys to success when frying cheese: breading and frying. Properly breading the cheese prevents it from leaking out all over in your frying oil. And frying your cheese at the correct temperature, gives you time to melt the cheese inside to a perfect gooeyness without burning the breading on the outside.

Learn More ›

Should I freeze mozzarella? ›

It is possible to freeze mozzarella cheese; however, because it is a softer cheese you will have the most success when the mozzarella is shredded. Whereas a hard or semi-hard block of cheese will stay fresh in your freezer up to 6 months, fresh shredded cheeses such as mozzarella will last around 3-4 months.

Discover More Details ›

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - Easy Budget Recipes (2024)