A crispy and crunchy exterior with gooey, stringy mozzarella cheese inside is something that excites your taste buds and melts your insides with pure comfort food bliss. Fried mozzarella sticks are a delicious appetizer or snack that is popular among every age group. They are not just easy to make but are very satisfying as well.
The ideal fried mozzarella stick recipe includes rectangular sticks of cheese dipped in egg wash and then covered in a herb and breadcrumb mixture. They are then deep-fried until the outside is golden and the cheese melts to perfection! You can also air fry them in an air fryer if you prefer.
Most people love breadcrumbs, but a few might not be a fan. Especially when you are on a restricted diet like a keto diet, you look for ways to make these sticks without bread crumbs.
So if you are wondering how to make mozzarella sticks without bread crumbs? We have a few amazing ideas for you to try!
Why do you need breading on a mozzarella cheese stick?
Mozzarella cheese is sensitive to temperature. It means if you are not keeping it in a cool place, it will start to melt quickly. Since the idea of mozzarella sticks is to fry the sticks at a high temperature so that they are gooey inside and the outside crispy…the only way to do so is by having another layer like breadcrumbs on them. The layer works as an insulator protecting the mozzarella, giving you the texture these sticks are known for.
Breadcrumb substitutes
If you want to make mozzarella sticks without using bread crumbs, here are a few substitute ideas for you that work really well and give you crispy sticks:
- Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese is a delicious type of cheese with a hard texture. It has a nutty and fruity flavor. You can use parmesan cheese in powdered form and mix it with seasonings and herbs. Dip the sticks first in the egg and then in this mixture. Fry, and you will get a delicious crispy crust.
- Almond and coconut flour: Another ingredient that works well is almond flour, coconut flour, or a mixture of both. The two ingredients are low in carbs and healthy and an ideal breadcrumb substitute. So, you can happily use almond flour or coconut flour instead of bread crumbs.
- Gram flour: Gram flour is made by grinding dried chickpeas. It is a rich source of protein and is widely used in Indian cuisine. You can make a paste of gram flour by adding water. Season it according to your liking and dip the mozzarella stick in it. Now fry it and enjoy! You won’t need egg wash for this recipe.
More breadcrumb substitutes
- Tempura batter: Tempura batter is known to have a light and crispy texture. It is widely used in Japanese cuisine and works well for chicken and shrimp. But you can also use it for mozzarella sticks instead of breadcrumbs. You can even use a premade tempura mix from the grocery store. You can also make it yourself with all-purpose flour, cold water, seasonings, and egg.
- Dehydrated potatoes: Dehydrated potatoes come in several flavors and offer a very satisfying crunch as well.
- Grounded Cheetos/Doritos: Another popular and rather new way of making mozzarella sticks is by grounding Cheetos or Doritos until they are in coarse form. Dip the sticks in eggs first and then in the chips and fry until you get a crunchy texture. Mozzarella sticks prepared this way are sure to be a big hit with your kids!
What to serve mozzarella sticks with?
Here are a few ideas on what to serve with mozzarella sticks:
- Marinara sauce: the classic way of serving mozzarella cheese sticks is with marinara sauce. It is always a great choice.
- Soy sauce: Try mozzarella sticks with soy sauce, especially when you are using a tempura batter to make them.
- Chilli garlic sauce: Ketchup, garlic, and chili sauce make a delicious, tangy, savory sauce.
- Chilli oil: It is spicy and delicious.
- Ranch dips: Ranch dips are creamy, rich, and very addicting.
- Cheese sauce: A rich, cheesy sauce is a perfect pair with mozzarella cheese sticks, especially for cheese lovers.
How to make mozzarella sticks without bread crumbs
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 mozzarella cheese sticks or string cheese
- ¼ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup coconut flour
- 2 whole eggs, whisked
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Crack eggs in a deep bowl and whisk. Set the egg mixture bowl aside.
- Put the almond flour, coconut flour, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in another shallow dish. Mix well.
- Dip the mozzarella sticks first in the eggs and then dip them in the dry mixture. Press so that the mixture sticks to the mozzarella stick.
- Heat oil in a pan. Once you have hot oil, add the mozzarella sticks and fry for about 2 to 3 minutes or until they get a golden color.
- Take them out and place them on a cooling rack.
- Serve your cooked mozzarella sticks with your favorite sauce.
How to make mozzarella sticks without bread crumbs
Ingredients
- 2 mozzarella cheese sticks or string cheese
- ¼ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup coconut flour
- 2 whole eggs whisked
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Crack eggs in a deep bowl and whisk. Set the egg mixture bowl aside.
- Put the almond flour, coconut flour, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in another shallow dish. Mix well.
- Dip the mozzarella sticks first in the eggs and then dip them in the dry mixture. Press so that the mixture sticks to the mozzarella stick.
- Heat oil in a pan. Once you have hot oil, add the mozzarella sticks and fry for about 2 to 3 minutes or until they get a golden color.
- Take them out and place them on a cooling rack.
- Serve your cooked mozzarella sticks with your favorite sauce.
Storing and Reheating
When you have leftover mozzarella sticks, proper storage and reheating methods are important to maintain their crunchy exterior.
Proper Storage Techniques
To preserve your mozzarella sticks, you should store them in an airtight container to keep out moisture and other contaminants. If you plan to eat them within a few days, place them in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze the mozzarella sticks. When freezing, spread out the sticks on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to an airtight container; this prevents them from sticking together.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Let them cool before storage | Put hot sticks directly into the container |
| Use an airtight container | Leave them uncovered |
| Refrigerate for short-term storage | Use refrigerator for long-term storage |
| Freeze for extended storage | Freeze sticks without initial individual freezing |
Best Practices for Reheating
For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F for a conventional oven or 325°F for a convection oven. Spread out the mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 to 10 minutes until they’re hot and crispy. The duration depends on whether they’re coming from the fridge or freezer.
If in a hurry, you can use a microwave, but be careful as it might not restore the crunchy texture on the outside. Place the sticks on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals, checking for warmth and texture.
| Reheating Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Oven | 350°F for fridge sticks; 325°F for frozen; 5-10 min |
| Microwave | 30-second intervals; check frequently |
Cooking Tips
Tips for Crispier Mozzarella Sticks
Replacing traditional bread crumbs with alternative coatings can lead to incredibly crispy and crunchy mozzarella sticks. Here’s how you can ensure your mozzarella sticks are crispy on the outside every time:
- Pre-Freezing: Freeze your cheese sticks before coating to maintain shape and prevent cheese from oozing out during cooking.
- Coating Alternatives:
- Cornstarch: A light dusting of cornstarch before frying can create a crispy exterior.
- Crushed Chips: Crushed potato chips or tortilla chips provide a crunchy texture.
- Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough, typically around 350°F, for frying to create a crust, which keeps the inside gooey.
Flavor Enhancements
Flavorful mozzarella sticks without bread crumbs can be achieved by incorporating herbs and spices directly into your coating and cheese. Here’s how to enhance the flavor:
- Herbs and Spices:
- Italian Seasoning: Mix Italian seasoning directly into your cornstarch or crushed chips.
- Garlic and Onion: Add garlic powder and onion powder to your mix to elevate the taste.
- Fresh Ingredients:
- Minced Garlic: Incorporate minced garlic into the cheese for a burst of flavor.
- Oregano: Sprinkle oregano within the layers for an authentic Italian zest.
By carefully selecting coating substitutes and seasoning blends, you can master the art of making exceptionally crispy and flavorful mozzarella sticks without the need for bread crumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to keep homemade mozzarella sticks from falling apart during cooking?
To prevent your mozzarella sticks from falling apart, freeze them before cooking. This step keeps the cheese intact and allows a crust to form quickly when introduced to heat.
Can I prepare mozzarella sticks using an air fryer without breadcrumbs?
Absolutely, you can use an air fryer to prepare mozzarella sticks without breadcrumbs. Instead, try using crushed cornflakes or pretzels as an alternative coating for a crunchy exterior.
Is it possible to make mozzarella sticks with just flour and cheese?
Yes, you can use a combination of flour and cheese to create mozzarella sticks. Dredge the cheese in flour and dip it into a beaten egg or a liquid mixture before cooking to create a simple crust.
How can I make mozzarella sticks with just two or three ingredients?
To make mozzarella sticks with minimal ingredients, cut the cheese into sticks, freeze them, and then dip them into a binding liquid like a beaten egg or milk before rolling them in a coating like Parmesan cheese, then cook.
What are the differences in texture and taste between using string cheese and regular mozzarella in cheese sticks?
Using string cheese typically results in a firmer texture and milder flavor, while regular mozzarella will yield a creamier and more pronounced mozzarella taste in your cheese sticks.
How to make mozzarella sticks without bread crumbs and egg?
For a no breadcrumbs, no egg option, consider coating the cheese sticks in a mixture of flour and water to create a paste, or simply use a dry flour coating, then freeze and cook until crisp.