Best Low Carb Mozzarella Sticks

Who doesn’t love mozzarella sticks? That crispy outside, the gooey cheese pull – they’re basically the perfect comfort food. But since I started watching my carbs, those restaurant favorites had to take a back seat. That is, until I figured out how to make them at home without all the breadcrumbs.

These low carb mozzarella sticks have become a regular snack in our house, and my kids can’t even tell the difference. I make a big batch on Sunday afternoons while I’m meal prepping for the week. They’re perfect for after-school snacks or when friends drop by unexpectedly. Plus, they’re so easy to make that my teenagers have started making them on their own.

Want the satisfaction of real mozzarella sticks without the carb overload? This recipe hits all the right spots. Trust me, once you try these, you won’t miss the original version one bit.

What Kind of Mozzarella Should I Use?

For mozzarella sticks, you’ll want to stick with part-skim, low-moisture mozzarella string cheese sticks – they’re perfect because they hold their shape well when melted and have just the right amount of stretch. Regular fresh mozzarella or high-moisture varieties tend to become too soft and can leak out of the breading during cooking. The pre-packaged string cheese sticks are actually ideal for this recipe since they’re already portioned and shaped exactly how you need them. Just make sure your cheese sticks are very cold or even partially frozen before breading them – this helps prevent them from melting too quickly during cooking and keeps everything nice and neat.

Options for Substitutions

Need to make some swaps for these keto-friendly mozzarella sticks? Here are some helpful substitutions:

• Mozzarella sticks: While part-skim mozzarella sticks work best here, you can use full-fat ones too. Just don’t use fresh mozzarella – it’s too wet and won’t hold up during cooking.
• Keto bread crumbs: You can make your own by crushing pork rinds, or use a mix of almond flour and crushed pork rinds. Ground sunflower seeds or crushed low-carb crackers work too, though the texture might be slightly different.
• Parmesan cheese: Romano or Asiago cheese can step in for parmesan. Pre-grated is fine, but freshly grated gives better texture and flavor.
• Italian herbs blend: No Italian seasoning? Mix equal parts dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Or skip it altogether – the cheese coating will still taste great!
• Egg wash: If you’re egg-free, try heavy cream or melted butter mixed with a bit of water. This helps the coating stick to the cheese.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making low-carb mozzarella sticks is preventing them from melting too quickly and oozing out during cooking – freezing the cheese sticks for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before breading is absolutely essential. A common mistake is not double-coating the cheese sticks, so make sure to dip each stick in the egg wash and breading mixture twice for a secure coating that won’t break open. The temperature of your oil is crucial – if it’s not hot enough (around 350°F), the breading will get soggy and absorb too much oil, but if it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the cheese gets warm enough to melt properly. For the crispiest results, don’t overcrowd your cooking vessel – fry in small batches and let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a minute before serving.

What to Serve With Mozzarella Sticks?

These cheesy mozzarella sticks are perfect for dipping, so let’s talk about some great sauce options! A classic marinara sauce is the go-to choice, but you could also try a ranch dressing or garlic aioli if you want to switch things up. Since these are low carb, they pair really well with other keto-friendly appetizers like buffalo wings, celery and cucumber sticks, or a fresh Caesar salad (just skip the croutons). For a complete game day spread, serve them alongside some guacamole, spinach dip, or your favorite low-carb dips and veggies.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These keto mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed right after cooking when the cheese is hot and stretchy. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just know that the breading might not stay as crispy after refrigeration.

Make Ahead: You can prep these mozzarella sticks ahead of time! Bread them completely, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. This is super handy for when those cheese stick cravings hit!

Cook From Frozen: When you’re ready to cook your frozen mozzarella sticks, no need to thaw – just pop them straight into the air fryer or oven. You’ll need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, but they’ll turn out just as good as fresh-made ones. Keep an eye on them to prevent the cheese from oozing out too much.

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	5-7 minutes
Total Time	125-127 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

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

• Calories: 800-900
• Protein: 40-50 g
• Fat: 50-60 g
• Carbohydrates: 60-70 g

Ingredients

• 6 mozzarella cheese sticks (part skim, low moisture)
• 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs suitable for keto
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon italian herbs blend (optional)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cutting each mozzarella cheese stick in half and setting them aside.

In a high-speed blender or food processor, add the pork rinds, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs.

Blend this mixture until it reaches a powdery texture.

Transfer the crumb mixture into a bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and water until well combined.

Step 2: Coat the Cheese Sticks

Work quickly to coat the cheese sticks.

Dip each stick first into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully covered, followed by the dry crumb mixture.

For an extra-crispy coating, repeat the process by dipping once more in the egg mixture and then again in the crumb mixture.

Place the coated mozzarella cheese sticks onto a lined plate.

Step 3: Freeze the Coated Cheese Sticks

Place the plate with the coated cheese sticks in the freezer for two hours.

This will help the coating adhere better and prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.

Step 4: Fry the Cheese Sticks

After freezing, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil into a non-stick pan and heat over medium heat.

Once the oil is hot, carefully remove the cheese sticks from the freezer and place them into the sizzling oil.

Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the sticks are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, place the mozzarella sticks onto a plate covered with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your deliciously crispy mozzarella sticks!