Mummy Mozzarella Sticks are a fun and tasty twist on a classic snack that’s perfect for spooky occasions like Halloween. These cheesy sticks are wrapped in crispy pastry strips that look like little mummies, making them just as fun to eat as they are to look at. The gooey melted mozzarella inside pairs perfectly with the flaky, golden outside.
I love making these because they’re simple to put together and always get a big smile from everyone, especially kids. My favorite part is wrapping the dough around the cheese just right so you can still see the “eyes” peeking out, which I usually make with little dots of black olive or peppercorns. It’s like a cute little surprise inside every bite!
These make a great snack for parties or movie nights, and I find they’re best served warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. I always like to keep some extra sauce nearby because I tend to dunk these cheesy mummies over and over. They’re a playful way to enjoy mozzarella sticks, and they bring a bit of Halloween fun all year round in my house.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Fresh mozzarella sticks are ideal for that gooey melt. If you can’t find them, string cheese works well too. Just cut string cheese in half.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko creates a light, extra-crispy crust. You can swap for regular breadcrumbs, but the texture will be less crunchy.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add nice flavor. Feel free to adjust or add Italian seasoning for a different twist.
Marinara Sauce: This is a classic dip for mozzarella sticks. You could also try ranch dressing or a spicy sriracha mayo for variety.
How Do You Keep Cheese from Melting Out During Frying?
To avoid cheese leaking out during frying, freezing the coated mozzarella sticks is key:
- After coating with flour, egg, and breadcrumb, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a thicker crust.
- Freeze the sticks for at least an hour before frying. This firms up the cheese and crust, keeping everything intact.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) so the coating crisps quickly without the cheese melting too fast.
- Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
These tips help you get golden, crispy sticks with perfectly melty cheese inside every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep-fry thermometer – helps you keep the oil at the perfect temperature for crispy frying.
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot – for frying the sticks evenly without splashes.
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer – easy to lift the sticks out without grabbing oil.
- Three shallow bowls – to set up your flour, egg, and breadcrumb coatings for quick dipping.
- Baking sheet and parchment paper – to lay out coated sticks before freezing, so they don’t stick together.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add Italian seasoning or dried oregano to the breadcrumb mix for a herby taste.
- Try pepper jack cheese sticks instead of mozzarella for a spicy twist.
- Mix grated Parmesan into the panko for extra cheesy crunch.
- Serve with different dips like ranch, spicy mayo, or honey mustard to switch up flavors.
How to Make Mummy Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (vegetable or canola) for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare plus 1 hour of freezing time, and around 10 minutes to fry and serve. The freezing step is important to keep the cheese inside the sticks when frying.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready With Coating Bowls:
Set out three shallow bowls. In the first, put the flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third, mix the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the Cheese Sticks:
Dry the mozzarella sticks with paper towels to remove extra moisture. Dip each stick in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated, and shake off any extra. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs. Finally, roll the stick in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so the crumbs stick well.
3. Double Coat and Freeze:
Repeat dipping the breadcrumb-coated sticks into the egg and then breadcrumbs once more for an extra crispy and sturdy crust. Place the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then freeze them for at least 1 hour. This helps the cheese stay inside while frying.
4. Fry Until Golden and Crispy:
Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the frozen sticks in small batches for 1-2 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Don’t crowd the pan to keep the oil hot.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks and drain them on paper towels. Serve warm, sprinkled with chopped parsley and with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara on the side.
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen mozzarella sticks, but it’s best to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating. This helps the coating stick better and prevents excess moisture while frying.
How Do I Prevent Cheese from Oozing Out?
Double coating the sticks with egg and breadcrumbs, then freezing for at least an hour before frying, is key to keeping the cheese inside and getting a crispy crust.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! Bake coated sticks at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy. Baking is a healthier option but may be less crunchy than frying.
How Should I Store Leftover Mummy Mozzarella Sticks?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) to keep them crispy.
