Quick Eggless Mozzarella Sticks

Let’s talk about mozzarella sticks – you know, those crispy, melty bites that everyone loves to grab at restaurants. As someone who’s had to cut eggs out of my diet, I really missed being able to make these at home. After a lot of kitchen experiments (and quite a few failed attempts), I finally cracked the code to making them without eggs.

I know what you’re thinking – can they really be as good as the original? Trust me, these eggless mozzarella sticks are just as gooey and crunchy as the ones you remember. The best part? They’re super easy to make, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Plus, they’re perfect for anyone with egg allergies or those who follow a vegetarian diet.

Whether you’re planning a game day snack or just craving some comfort food, these mozzarella sticks hit all the right spots. And I’ll show you all my tips to prevent them from turning into a melty mess in your oven.

What Kind of String Cheese Should I Use?

Regular mozzarella string cheese from the dairy aisle is perfect for this recipe, and most major brands will work just fine. Part-skim mozzarella string cheese is actually better than full-fat versions here, since it has a slightly lower moisture content that helps prevent excessive melting and leaking during frying. You’ll want to make sure your string cheese is cold right from the fridge when you start prepping – this makes it easier to work with and helps it hold its shape better during the coating process. If you’re shopping for this recipe, look for string cheese that pulls apart easily into strings, as this is usually a sign of good quality mozzarella that will give you that classic stretchy texture when melted.

Options for Substitutions

Looking to switch things up with these eggless mozzarella sticks? Here are some helpful swaps you can try:

• String cheese: While string cheese is perfect for this recipe, you can cut regular mozzarella into sticks. Just make sure it’s low-moisture mozzarella to prevent too much melting during frying.
• All-purpose flour: You can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. If using gluten-free flour, you might need to adjust the water slightly to get the right batter consistency.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work too, though they won’t be quite as crunchy. For gluten-free options, try crushed rice crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just note that regular breadcrumbs might need a bit more seasoning.
• Corn starch: Potato starch or tapioca starch can work instead. The amount needed stays the same.
• Garlic powder: Feel free to swap this with onion powder or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile. You can also skip it if you prefer plain cheese sticks.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making eggless mozzarella sticks is preventing the cheese from oozing out during frying – double coating your sticks with the flour mixture and breadcrumbs creates a secure barrier that keeps the cheese contained. Another common mistake is not freezing the breaded cheese sticks for at least 2 hours (or ideally overnight) before frying, which can lead to a melty mess in your oil. The temperature of your oil is crucial too – if it’s not hot enough (around 350°F), the coating will become greasy and soggy, but if it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the cheese gets warm and gooey. For the crispiest results, avoid overcrowding the pan when frying – work in small batches and give each stick enough space to develop that perfect golden crust.

What to Serve With Mozzarella Sticks?

These crispy mozzarella sticks are begging to be dunked in some tasty dipping sauces! Marinara sauce is the classic choice, but ranch dressing and garlic aioli are also crowd favorites. Since these are pretty rich, I like to balance them out with some fresh veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers on the side. For a fun game day spread or party appetizer setup, serve these alongside other finger foods like chicken wings, sliders, or potato wedges – just make sure to serve the mozzarella sticks hot while the cheese is still nice and stretchy!

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed right after cooking while the cheese is still warm and stretchy. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just know they won’t be quite as crispy as when fresh!

Make Ahead: You can prep these ahead of time! Bread the mozzarella sticks and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the freezer until solid (about 2 hours). Then transfer them to a freezer bag and keep frozen for up to 1 month. This is super handy when you want a quick snack!

Warm Up: To get the best texture from leftover mozzarella sticks, pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. If cooking from frozen, add a few extra minutes. The microwave works too, but the coating won’t stay as crispy.

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	10-15 minutes
Total Time	185-195 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1100-1300
• Protein: 40-50 g
• Fat: 70-80 g
• Carbohydrates: 100-110 g

Ingredients

For the cheese sticks:

• 7 pcs string cheese (partially frozen for easier handling)

For the batter:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (I use King Arthur all-purpose flour)
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp corn starch
• 1/4 cup plus 1/2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• salt to taste

For the breading and frying:

• extra oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Begin by taking the mozzarella cheese sticks out from the fridge to allow them to slightly soften.

In a mixing bowl, combine maida, cornflour, garlic powder, salt, a little oil, and water.

Mix these ingredients well to form a smooth batter.

If the batter appears too thick, add a bit more water to reach the desired consistency.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sticks

Cut all the mozzarella cheese sticks into two equal pieces.

On a wide plate, spread the breadcrumbs evenly and set them aside for later use.

Next, add the cut string cheese pieces into the prepared batter, ensuring they are well-coated.

Let them rest in the batter for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Coat with Breadcrumbs

After resting, carefully tap off any excess batter from the cheese sticks.

Roll each marinated cheese stick in the breadcrumbs, turning and coating each one thoroughly to ensure an even layer of breadcrumbs on all sides.

Step 4: Refrigerate the Coated Cheese Sticks

Place the breadcrumb-coated cheese sticks in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.

This step helps the coating adhere better and ensures the cheese doesn’t leak during frying.

Step 5: Fry the Cheese Sticks

Before frying, take the cheese sticks out of the refrigerator and allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

In a pan, heat oil until it is hot enough for frying.

Gently add the cheese sticks into the hot oil, turning and cooking them evenly on all sides until they turn golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese sticks are golden brown, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

Serve immediately with marinara sauce or ketchup for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious homemade mozzarella sticks!