Crunchy, delicious, and cheesy, these Giada De Laurentiis Mozzarella Cheese Sticks recipe with marinara sauce has it all. Easy to prepare using mozzarella, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and eggs.

To make Giada Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan, coat cheese sticks in beaten eggs, double coat with breadcrumbs, freeze for two hours, and fry until golden brown.

So, if you love cheese and a good crunch, give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

Giada De Laurentiis Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups of Italian-style dried breadcrumbs
• 1 1/3 cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 (16-ounce) blocks of pasteurized mozzarella, cut into 4 by 1/2-inch sticks
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups of vegetable oil
• 4 cups of Marinara Sauce (recipe below)

Marinara Sauce:

• 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 small onions, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• 2 (32-ounce) cans of crushed tomatoes
• 2 dried bay leaves

How To Make Giada De Laurentiis Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Prepare the Mozzarella Cheese Sticks:

1. Mix Breadcrumbs: In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, 1 cup of Parmesan, and 1 teaspoon of salt until well blended.
2. Dip in Eggs: Dip each mozzarella stick into the beaten eggs, making sure they are completely covered.
3. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll the egg-coated mozzarella sticks in the breadcrumb mixture until they are fully covered.
4. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer.
5. Double Coat: Repeat dipping the mozzarella sticks in the eggs and breadcrumb mixture for a thicker coating.
6. Freeze the Sticks: Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 2 hours.
7. Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it is hot and shimmering.
8. Fry the Sticks: Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches until they are golden brown, about 1 minute per side, and then transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

Make the Marinara Sauce:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it is hot but not smoking.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onions and garlic, and sauté them until the onions become translucent, which takes about 10 minutes.
3. Add Vegetables: Stir in the finely chopped celery and carrots, seasoning with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper, and cook until soft.
4. Add Tomatoes and Bay Leaves: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the dried bay leaves, stirring everything together until well mixed.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, which takes about 1 hour.
6. Season to Taste: After simmering, remove and discard the bay leaves, and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Can I bake the Mozzarella Cheese Sticks instead of frying them?

Absolutely, you can bake your Giada Mozzarella Cheese Sticks if you prefer a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the sticks on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Recipe Tips

• Double Dipping: For an extra crispy coating, dip the mozzarella sticks in the egg and breadcrumb mixture twice. This trick ensures a crunchy exterior that holds up well when fried.
• Freeze Well: Make sure to freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least two hours before frying. This step helps the cheese sticks hold their shape and prevents them from melting too quickly in the oil.
• Use Fresh Oil: Always use fresh vegetable oil for frying to achieve the best flavor and texture. Old oil can make the cheese sticks taste off and won’t give you that perfect golden-brown color.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Overcrowding the pan lowers the heat and makes the cheese sticks soggy instead of crispy.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick. This variation gives the mozzarella sticks a delightful heat that pairs perfectly with a cooling dip.
• Herb Infusion: Mix some dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme into the breadcrumbs. This adds a fragrant and flavorful twist to the classic mozzarella sticks, making them even more irresistible.
• Cheese Blend: Use a mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for a unique flavor combination. The sharpness of the cheddar complements the mild mozzarella, creating a gooey and delicious snack.
• Panko Upgrade: Substitute Italian-style breadcrumbs with panko for an even crunchier texture. Panko breadcrumbs are larger and lighter, giving the mozzarella sticks a satisfying crunch with every bite.

What To Serve With Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Serve your Mozzarella Cheese Sticks with roasted garlic aioli, Arugula Pesto, tangy barbecue sauce, zesty lemon pepper fries, balsamic-glazed vegetables, and creamy spinach artichoke dip.

You can also pair them with truffle oil popcorn, Bechamel Sauce, and spicy mango salsa for a delightful flavor contrast and extra fun.

How To Store Leftover Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

In The Fridge:

Place the leftover Mozzarella Cheese Sticks in an airtight container to keep them fresh in the fridge. Make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain their best quality.

In The Freezer:

Freeze the Mozzarella Cheese Sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet to avoid them sticking together. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

How To Reheat Leftover Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Reheat your leftover Mozzarella Cheese Sticks in an oven preheated to 375°F for about 10 minutes until they are crispy and hot. You can also reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their crunchy exterior and gooey inside.

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada De Laurentiis Cherry Tomato Spaghetti
• Giada De Laurentiis Chicken Carbonara
• Giada De Laurentiis Asparagus Lasagna