Crispy Mozzarella Sticks with Hot Honey Recipe
Crispy mozzarella sticks with hot honey combine crunchy seasoned breading, gooey melted cheese, and a sticky sweet-and-spicy finish. Double-breading and freezing the mozzarella before frying helps create a golden crust while keeping the cheese perfectly stretchy inside.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: About 12 mozzarella sticks, approximately 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Low-moisture mozzarella cheese or mozzarella string cheese
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Italian-style breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Neutral oil, for frying
- Honey
- Red pepper flakes
- Hot sauce, optional
Instructions
- Cut the mozzarella into thick sticks if using a block. If using string cheese, leave the pieces whole or cut them in half.
- Place the flour in one shallow bowl. Whisk the eggs in a second bowl. In a third bowl, combine the panko, Italian-style breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat each mozzarella stick in flour and shake off the excess. Dip it into the egg, then completely coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
- For a sturdier, extra-crispy crust, dip each breaded mozzarella stick back into the egg and coat it with breadcrumbs a second time.
- Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks on a tray and freeze for at least 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, gently warm the honey with red pepper flakes to make the hot honey. Stir in optional hot sauce for additional heat.
- Heat the neutral frying oil to approximately 350°F (175°C).
- Working in small batches, fry the frozen mozzarella sticks for about 1–2 minutes, or until crisp and deep golden. Remove them before the melted cheese begins escaping through the coating.
- Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate and allow them to drain briefly.
- Drizzle with hot honey and serve immediately while the coating is crisp and the mozzarella is hot and stretchy.
Notes
- Low-moisture mozzarella works best because it melts well without releasing excessive water.
- Double-breading helps create a thicker crust and reduces the chance of melted cheese leaking during frying.
- Do not skip the freezing step. Thoroughly chilled mozzarella gives the coating time to crisp before the cheese melts excessively.
- Add cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs for a spicier coating.
- For an Italian-style variation, add dried basil, parsley, extra oregano, or grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs.
- For air-fryer mozzarella sticks, spray the frozen breaded sticks lightly with oil and cook until golden and crisp, watching closely for leaking cheese.
- Serve with marinara sauce alongside the hot honey for a sweet, spicy, and tangy combination.
- Store cooked leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat cooked mozzarella sticks in an oven or air fryer rather than a microwave for a crispier coating.
- Breaded uncooked mozzarella sticks can be individually frozen and transferred to a freezer-safe container or bag for cooking directly from frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 mozzarella sticks
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
