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If you’ve ever found yourself savoring Arby’s Mozzarella Sticks, you know they’re the perfect blend of crispy, golden-brown coating and warm, gooey mozzarella goodness.
Table of Contents
How to make Arby’s Mozzarella Sticks
Arby’s Mozzarella Sticks are breaded, deep-fried sticks of mozzarella cheese, served hot and crispy, with a melted, stretchy centre, typically accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping, and sold as a side or snack at Arby’s.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (use whole milk string cheese for the best results)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups seasoned bread crumbs (you can use Italian-style for extra flavor)
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs (adds extra crunch)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought is great, or make a quick homemade version by simmering canned tomatoes with garlic, basil, and oregano).
Instructions
Prep the Cheese Sticks
- Unwrap the mozzarella string cheese sticks and cut each stick in half if desired for smaller portions.
- Place the cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for at least 1-2 hours. Freezing is crucial to prevent them from melting too fast during frying.
Prepare the Breading Station
- In one shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour.
- In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
- In a third bowl, combine the seasoned bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the Cheese Sticks
- Remove the frozen mozzarella sticks from the freezer.
- Dredge each stick in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess.
- Dip the floured stick into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure it’s fully coated.
- For an extra-crispy exterior (optional, but worth it!), repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb coating once more for each stick.
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks back on the baking sheet and freeze them again for 20-30 minutes to firm up before frying.
Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy—maintaining the right oil temperature is key!
- Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches, 4-5 sticks at a time, to avoid crowding the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove the mozzarella sticks with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the mozzarella sticks warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the crispy exterior and the gooey, melted centre that rivals Arby’s!
Pro Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Sticks
- Don’t Skip Freezing: Freezing the cheese sticks before frying is the most important step. It prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out while frying.
- Double-Coating Is Key: For that iconic Arby’s crunch, double-coat the cheese sticks in egg and breadcrumbs to create a thicker, crispier shell.
- Use the Right Oil & Temperature: Use a neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, and keep the oil temperature at 350°F. If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the cheese melts; if it’s too cold, the mozzarella sticks will absorb oil.
- Option to Air Fry or Bake: If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can bake the breaded mozzarella sticks in an oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or air fry them at 375°F for 7-8 minutes. Lightly spray them with cooking oil for the crispiest texture.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Bread the mozzarella sticks and freeze them for up to 3 months—they stay perfectly fresh! Fry them directly from the freezer when ready to enjoy.
What to serve with
Arby’s Mozzarella Sticks are a classic treat on their own, but pairing them with the right sides, dips, and drinks can truly elevate your mealtime experience.
- Classic Marinara Sauce: Nothing beats the tangy, savory flavor of marinara sauce. The tomato-based dip perfectly balances the richness of the melted cheese and crispy breading. Serve it warm for the best experience.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy and zesty, ranch elevates the cheesiness of mozzarella sticks. Its smooth texture and mild tang pair wonderfully with the crispy coating of the sticks.
- Honey Mustard: For a touch of sweetness and tang, try serving honey mustard. Its bold flavor is great for anyone craving a more unique pairing.
- Buffalo Sauce: Add a spicy kick to your mozzarella sticks with buffalo sauce. The heat and creaminess take things to the next level!
- Garlic Aioli: A garlicky dip adds an extra layer of richness and depth to the mozzarella sticks. Perfect for garlic lovers.
- Barbecue Sauce: Sweet, smoky barbecue sauce creates an unexpected yet delightful contrast with the cheesy flavor of mozzarella sticks.
Ingredients Substitutes
There are plenty of ways to substitute ingredients for homemade Arby’s Mozzarella Sticks.
Cheese Substitutes for Mozzarella String Cheese
Mozzarella string cheese is the heart of this recipe, but if you can’t find it—or want to switch things up—here’s what you can use instead:
a. Block Mozzarella Cheese
How to Use: Cut a block of mozzarella cheese into uniform rectangular sticks, approximately the size of a string cheese stick.
Result: Block mozzarella will melt similarly to string cheese, retaining its gooey texture when fried. Opt for low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excessive melting during frying.
b. Other Cheese Options
- Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar can be used for a sharper, tangier flavor. However, cheddar melts more quickly than mozzarella, so freezing the sticks for extra time is necessary to prevent leakage.
- Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack: These cheeses melt beautifully and add a slightly different flavor profile. Pepper Jack will give your mozzarella sticks a spicy kick.
- Colby or Colby-Jack: These are mild, creamy substitutes that mimic mozzarella’s melting properties.
- Provolone: For a richer, slightly tangier option, use rolled, frozen provolone slices before breading.
Final Thoughts
This recipe mimics Arby’s mozzarella sticks by using a flavorful breading mix and a proper frying technique to achieve that signature crunch.
More Arby’s Recipes:
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups seasoned bread crumbs
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
Prep the Cheese Sticks
- Unwrap the mozzarella string cheese sticks and cut each stick in half if desired for smaller portions.
- Place the cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for at least 1-2 hours. Freezing is crucial to prevent them from melting too fast during frying.
Prepare the Breading Station
- In one shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour.
- In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
- In a third bowl, combine the seasoned bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the Cheese Sticks
- Remove the frozen mozzarella sticks from the freezer.
- Dredge each stick in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess.
- Dip the floured stick into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure it's fully coated.
- For an extra-crispy exterior (optional, but worth it!), repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb coating once more for each stick.
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks back on the baking sheet and freeze them again for 20-30 minutes to firm up before frying.
Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy—maintaining the right oil temperature is key!
- Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches, 4-5 sticks at a time, to avoid crowding the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove the mozzarella sticks with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the mozzarella sticks warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the crispy exterior and the gooey, melted centre that rivals Arby’s!
