Looking for a fun and satisfying snack that’s crispy, cheesy, and surprisingly easy to make? These healthy mozzarella sticks made with string cheese are my go-to when I want something indulgent without relying on frozen store-bought options. They’re golden on the outside, gooey on the inside, and honestly taste just like restaurant mozzarella sticks – but better because I know exactly what’s going into them.

Healthy Mozzarella Sticks with String Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how budget-friendly this recipe is, especially since string cheese is something I usually have on hand. It saves me from having to buy blocks of fresh mozzarella or spend on frozen ones that never taste quite right.

This is also a great one to make with kids – they enjoy the breading process and love watching their creations transform into crispy snacks. I can prep them ahead and freeze for quick appetizers later, and the flavor is unbeatable. Best of all, they really do give that restaurant-level satisfaction without the cost or mystery ingredients.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

16 pieces of string cheese, halved crosswise
1/3 cup plain flour
1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper as desired
2 eggs
2 teaspoons milk
Oil for frying
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup marinara sauce

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Coating Ingredients
I start by putting the flour in one bowl. In a second, I mix the Italian breadcrumbs with salt and pepper. Then, I whisk together the eggs and milk in a third bowl until smooth.

Step 2: Coat the Cheese Sticks
Each cheese piece gets a light flour coating, followed by a dip in the egg mixture. Then I roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crispy coating, I dip it in the egg and breadcrumbs one more time. Once coated, I line them up on a parchment-lined sheet pan.

Step 3: Freeze the Cheese Sticks
To avoid any cheesy mess while frying, I freeze the coated sticks for at least 2 hours. This step really makes a difference in keeping the cheese inside during cooking.

Step 4: Fry the Cheese Sticks
In a deep pot, I heat about 3 inches of oil to 350°F. I carefully add a few sticks at a time and fry for 2–3 minutes, just until they turn golden brown. Then I take them out with a slotted spoon.

Step 5: Drain and Serve
I let the mozzarella sticks drain on paper towels and sprinkle them with chopped parsley while they’re still hot. I always serve them with warm marinara sauce on the side – perfect for dipping!

Servings and timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 20–30 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Freezing Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2.5–3 hours
Difficulty Level: Medium

Variations

When I want to change things up, I try these easy swaps:

Cheese: If I’m out of string cheese, I cut low-moisture mozzarella into similar-sized sticks.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch – I just season them like Italian breadcrumbs.
Egg Substitute: For a plant-based version, I mix 1/4 cup plant milk with 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
Dips: Marinara is a classic, but I also like ranch, pesto, or a spicy arrabbiata.
Herbs: If I don’t have fresh parsley, dried basil or oregano works great for that Italian touch.

Storage/Reheating

I’ve found these are best fresh, but they’re still tasty as leftovers:

Fridge: I store cooked mozzarella sticks in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They lose a little crispiness but still taste great.
Freezer (Make Ahead): I bread and freeze the sticks uncooked. Once frozen solid, I move them to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: I reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes. If using the microwave, I know they won’t be as crispy, but they’re still good.

FAQs

How do I stop the cheese from leaking out during frying?

I always double coat each stick and make sure to freeze them thoroughly before frying. Keeping the oil at 350°F is key to sealing the coating before the cheese melts.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, I can bake them at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes per side. They won’t be quite as crispy but still very satisfying.

What oil should I use for frying?

I usually go with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola since they have a high smoke point and won’t affect the flavor.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Definitely. I use gluten-free breadcrumbs and swap the regular flour for a gluten-free blend. Everything else stays the same.

How do I keep them warm if I’m serving a crowd?

After frying, I place them on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200°F) to keep them warm and crispy until serving time.

Conclusion

These homemade healthy mozzarella sticks with string cheese have completely replaced the store-bought versions for me. They’re crispy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make, especially with a little prep ahead of time. Whether it’s a movie night snack or party appetizer, they’re always a hit – and I love knowing I made them from scratch.