Take your ordinary mozzarella stick experience to extraordinary heights with these smoky, golden beauties! The secret lies in using premium smoked mozzarella cheese that transforms the familiar appetizer into something truly special. Each bite delivers that satisfying cheese pull we all crave, enhanced by subtle smokiness that elevates every crispy, panko-crusted morsel. Perfect for parties or when you want to impress with minimal effort.
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The double-dipping technique creates an extra-thick coating that prevents cheese leakage during frying. Resting between coats allows the bread crumbs to adhere properly, while the panko breadcrumbs provide a superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs. The smoked mozzarella adds depth and complexity that regular mozzarella simply cannot match.
Ingredients
Cheese:
- Smoked mozzarella cheese – Provides the signature smoky flavor and creamy texture that melts perfectly
Coating Base:
- Milk – Helps flour and seasonings adhere to the cheese surface
- All-purpose flour – Creates the foundation layer for breading adhesion
- Black pepper – Adds subtle heat and enhances the smoky cheese flavor
- Garlic salt – Combines garlic flavor with salt to season the coating
Breading:
- Panko breadcrumbs – Create the signature crispy, light texture superior to regular breadcrumbs
Frying:
- Vegetable oil – Provides neutral flavor for frying at high temperatures without burning
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy pot until it reaches a depth of 3 inches. Heat to 350°F using a candy thermometer for accuracy.
- Prepare the cheese: Cut smoked mozzarella into thick sticks approximately 2 inches long by ¾ to 1 inch thick. Trim rounded edges if needed and save trimmings for salads.
- Set up a breading station: Arrange three shallow bowls, with milk in the first, a seasoned flour mixture in the second, and panko breadcrumbs in the third.
- Make seasoned flour: In the flour bowl, combine all-purpose flour, black pepper, and garlic salt. Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- First coating: Dip each cheese stick in milk, then coat completely in seasoned flour. Shake off excess flour and place on a wire rack.
- Rest period: Allow coated sticks to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the coating set appropriately.
- Second coating: Dip the floured sticks back into the milk, then roll them in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
- Final rest: Let the breaded sticks rest for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the coating adheres properly.
- Fry to perfection: Carefully lower the sticks into hot oil and fry until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes). Don’t overcrowd the pot.
- Drain and serve: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack. Serve immediately while cheese is still molten.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage: Store cooked sticks in airtight containers for up to 2 days, though best eaten immediately
- Reheating Method: Reheat in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving as the coating becomes soggy
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked breaded sticks on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to cooking time
Other Mozzarella Cheese Recipes
- Marinated Mozzarella Salad
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Olive Garden Fried Mozzarella Sticks
- Spaghetti Warehouse Caprese Bruschetta
- TGI Friday’s Fried Mozzarella Sticks
Check out more cheesy appetizer recipes right here on CopyKat!
Smoked Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe
rispy golden smoked mozzarella sticks with panko coating! Better than restaurant versions, these elevated cheese sticks are perfect appetizers.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 572kcal
Ingredients
- 15 ounce smoked Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon flour
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Add enough vegetable oil to fill a pot about three inches deep. If you use a smaller pot, you will need less oil. Heat oil until 350 degrees. Cut Mozzarella into large sticks, about 2 inches by 3/4 to 1 inch.
- If your cheese is rounded you will need to trip off the rounded edges, you can place these trimmings into a salad. I like to use thicker sticks for this. Set up a breading station consisting of 1 bowl of milk, one bowl of seasoned flour, and one bowl of Panko Bread Crumbs.
- In a small bowl add flour, black pepper, and garlic salt. Stir to combine seasoned flour. Dip sticks into milk, then seasoned flour, coating well. Shake off excess. Place the cheese stick on a rack. Allow cheese stick to rest about 5 minutes before dipping into the milk again, and then dip into Panko breadcrumbs. Coat well. Allow cheese stick to rest for a few minutes before cooking. This time of resting helps the coating glue onto the food. Fry cheese stick in hot oil. Fry until just golden brown. Remove from hot oil and drain on a wire rack. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Sometimes panko breadcrumbs aren’t very uniform coming out of the package. You can place your panko crumbs into a plastic bag and gently roll a rolling pin over them to make them more uniform. The Panko crumbs will coat the cheese better this way.
Nutrition
Calories: 572kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 935mg | Potassium: 167mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 770IU | Calcium: 599mg | Iron: 1.9mg
These Smoked Mozzarella Sticks are amazing! I love the idea of adding a smoky flavor to such a classic snack. Can’t wait to try this recipe at my next get-together!
i have made cheese sticks before, but these were great.