Mozzarella sticks are a popular appetizer or side dish found on many restaurant menus. They consist of mozzarella cheese that has been breaded and deep fried. But what exactly are the ingredients that go into making mozzarella sticks? Here is a comprehensive look at what mozzarella sticks are made of.
Mozzarella Cheese
The key ingredient in mozzarella sticks is mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella is a soft Italian cheese made from cow’s or buffalo’s milk. Authentic mozzarella used for mozzarella sticks is fresh mozzarella that contains high moisture content. When the mozzarella is heated and melted during the cooking process, it becomes elastic and stringy. This gives mozzarella sticks their distinctive stretchy texture when bitten into.
Some lower quality mozzarella sticks may use cheaper low moisture mozzarella or pre-shredded mozzarella cheese. This can result in a harder, chewier texture. High quality mozzarella sticks will advertise that they are made with fresh mozzarella or pulled curd mozzarella on the menu.
Mozzarella Cheese Production
Authentic mozzarella cheese is made through a process called pasta filata, where curdled milk is stretched and kneaded into various shapes. First, cow’s or buffalo’s milk is curdled by adding rennet, which causes the milk proteins to coagulate. The curdled solids are cut into pieces and then heated in whey, which causes the curds to stretch and become elastic when kneaded.
This process aligns the protein fibers parallel to each other, creating mozzarella’s trademark stringy texture. Finally, the stretched curd can be formed into balls or other shapes. Fresh mozzarella for mozzarella sticks is generally cut into small cubes or sticks before being battered and fried.
Batter
In order to get the crispy outer breading on mozzarella sticks, they must be coated in a batter before frying. A basic batter for mozzarella sticks consists of:
- Flour – Provides structure and crunch to the batter coating.
- Starch – Starches like corn starch helps crispiness and also aid in browning.
- Baking powder – Causes batter to puff up when deep fried.
- Salt and seasonings – For flavor.
- Milk or eggs – Adds moisture, richness, and binding.
- Water or other liquid – Thins out the batter to optimal coating consistency.
The specific proportions of batter ingredients depend on the recipe. Some batters have only flour, starch, baking powder and liquid. Other recipes may be enriched with eggs, milk, beer, or spices. The batter coats each piece of mozzarella evenly before it is fried.
Dry Breadcrumb Coating
In addition to batter, mozzarella sticks are coated with an outer layer of crunchy breadcrumbs. This provides additional texture contrast and another layer of flavor. The breaded exterior stays crispy despite the melted cheesy interior.
The breadcrumbs are seasoned and mixed with flour and spices for flavoring. Some recipes may include ingredients like parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, and black pepper. The mozzarella sticks are first dipped into the wet batter, then into the breadcrumb mixture to fully coat them before frying.
Frying Oil
To achieve the golden brown, crispy exterior of mozzarella sticks, they must be deep fried in hot oil. The most common oils used for frying mozzarella sticks are:
- Canola oil
- Vegetable oil
- Peanut oil
- Corn oil
These oils can withstand high frying temperatures up to 370-375°F without burning. The hot oil rapidly cooks the batter and breading, giving the mozzarella sticks their crunchy texture. At the same time, the melted mozzarella interior is insulated from the oil and gets heated through.
While frying gives mozzarella sticks their signature texture, some lower fat recipes may bake them instead. Baking does make the sticks slightly less crispy, but still gives great flavor and melty cheese.
Shaping and Assembly
To make mozzarella sticks, small cubes or sticks of fresh mozzarella are first cut or shaped from a larger block. The size varies based on preference, with larger sticks around 1 inch square and 4 inches long being common.
Smaller bite-sized chunks may also be used. Each piece of cheese is then dredged in the wet batter, then coated with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. The battered cheese is carefully dropped into the hot oil and fried for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Alternative Shapes
While a stick shape is the norm, the fried mozzarella can also be cut into different shapes and sizes. Small rounds or balls of mozzarella can be made into fried “mozzarella bites”. Logs, triangles, squares, or other shapes are also possible. The cheese just needs to be cut before battering and frying.
Serving Suggestions
Mozzarella sticks are very versatile and can be served as:
- Appetizers for dinner parties or get togethers
- Side dishes with meals
- Snacks, bar food or game day finger foods
- Toppings on salads or pizza
- Part of antipasto platters
They go great with dipping sauces like marinara sauce, ranch, salsa, or cheese sauce. And they can be customized with different seasonings in the breading. Some delicious flavored variations include:
- Parmesan
- Pesto
- Pizza
- Jalapeno
- Bacon & ranch
- Onion or garlic
So dip into your favorite sauce and enjoy this tasty appetizer!
Storage and Reheating
Storing Uncooked Mozzarella Sticks
If preparing mozzarella sticks in advance, they can be assembled with the batter and breading then kept refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. Keep them stored in a single layer separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. This helps the batter adhere best when frying.
Storing Leftover Cooked Mozzarella Sticks
Cooked mozzarella sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. They can also be reheated for 1-2 minutes in the microwave.
You can freeze breaded raw mozzarella sticks for 1-2 months before cooking. Bake frozen sticks directly from freezer at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
For cooked mozzarella sticks, freeze in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat frozen sticks by baking at 350°F for 12-15 minutes. Microwaving may result in a soggy texture.
Nutrition Information
Mozzarella sticks are an indulgent appetizer and they are high in calories, fat, and sodium as expected for a deep fried food. Here is the nutrition breakdown for 4 typical fried mozzarella sticks (85g) based on standard recipes:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 358 |
| Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 612mg |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 14g |
As you can see, a 4 piece serving provides nearly half the recommended daily value for saturated fat and sodium. However, mozzarella itself is a good source of protein and calcium. Overall, mozzarella sticks should be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.
Cost Analysis
Making your own mozzarella sticks at home is much cheaper than buying pre-made frozen ones from the store or ordering them at a restaurant. Here is a cost breakdown for a batch of 16 homecooked mozzarella sticks:
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 pound fresh mozzarella | $3.99 |
| 1 cup flour | $0.15 |
| 1 egg | $0.15 |
| Panko breadcrumbs | $0.25 |
| Oil for frying | $0.30 |
| Seasonings | $0.10 |
| Total Cost | $4.94 |
| Cost per mozzarella stick | $0.31 |
As you can see, you can make 16 appetizer-sized mozzarella sticks for only $4.94 total. That equates to just $0.31 per mozzarella stick – a great value compared to $0.99 or more per stick at most restaurants. So fire up the fryer and enjoy this hot appetizer on the cheap!
Common Questions
Can you bake mozzarella sticks instead of frying?
Yes, for a lower fat option, mozzarella sticks can be baked in the oven instead of fried. Coat them with breadcrumbs and a small amount of oil, then bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and melted. Baking won’t make them as crispy as frying, but they will still be delicious.
How long do you fry mozzarella sticks?
Fry mozzarella sticks for 2-3 minutes per batch at 375°F oil temperature. Fry just a few sticks at a time so they don’t stick together. They should be golden brown and cooked through. Drain fried mozzarella sticks on a paper towel lined plate.
Can you freeze mozzarella sticks?
Yes, both cooked and uncooked breaded mozzarella sticks can be frozen for 1-2 months. Freeze cooked mozzarella sticks in a single layer before storing in bags. Reheat from frozen by baking in a 350°F oven until crispy again.
What dipping sauces go with mozzarella sticks?
Popular dipping sauces for mozzarella sticks include marinara, cheese sauce, ranch, salsa, honey mustard, and buffalo sauce. Get creative with different flavor combinations!
Conclusion
Mozzarella sticks require just a few simple ingredients – fresh mozzarella cheese, flour batter, breadcrumbs, and oil for frying. Combined through the quick frying process, these components produce the irresistible appetizer we know and love. Crisp, gooey, and stringy mozzarella sticks are delicious on their own but even better when dipped into a tangy sauce. Now that you know exactly what goes into making them, get ready to enjoy this bar and party food favorite!