The sizzle of cheese hitting a hot griddle is music to my ears—a sound that instantly transports me to my favorite cozy hangout, where crispy Blackstone Fried Mozzarella is the star of the show. These cheesy sticks, with their golden panko coating, are simply irresistible, making them an ideal choice for everything from game day gatherings to intimate dinners at home. The best part? This recipe is incredibly quick to whip up and pairs perfectly with a homemade marinara sauce that adds a fantastic depth of flavor. So, let’s take your snack game to new heights—are you ready to indulge in this deliciously cheesy adventure?

Why is This Mozzarella Recipe a Must-Try?

Cheesy Delight: These Blackstone Fried Mozzarella sticks feature an indulgent blend of gooey mozzarella and a crispy panko coating that’s simply irresistible.

Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests, this recipe is a breeze to prepare in just a few steps.

Versatile Flavor: You can customize the dish by experimenting with different herbs or dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue for a unique twist.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether it’s game day or a cozy dinner at home, these sticks are sure to be the star of any gathering.

Healthy Options: Adapt this recipe to be gluten-free or low-carb by substituting the breadcrumbs, so everyone can enjoy a cheesy treat!

Ready for more delicious snacks? Check out our guide on easy homemade marinara to complement your fried mozzarella perfectly!

Blackstone Fried Mozzarella Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks

Fresh Mozzarella – Provides a creamy, stretchy center that melts beautifully.
Flour – Helps the panko adhere; you can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
Garlic Powder – Adds a delightful flavor to the crispy coating for an extra kick.
Egg – Binds the flour and panko, ensuring a perfectly crispy texture after frying.
Milk – Enriches the egg wash for a deeper flavor and helps achieve a golden crust.
Panko Breadcrumbs – Creates a light, crunchy exterior; substitute with regular breadcrumbs if preferred.
Olive Oil – Essential for frying, delivering both flavor and crispness to the mozzarella sticks.

For the Marinara Sauce

Tomato Puree – The flavorful base provides the sauce with rich acidity.
Garlic (minced) – Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth; adjust quantity for a stronger taste.
Salt, Onion Powder, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes – This seasoning blend enhances the marinara flavor profile; feel free to adjust to taste.

These Blackstone Fried Mozzarella sticks are a cheesy, crunchy bite of heaven, perfect for any occasion!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Blackstone Fried Mozzarella

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Stations
Begin by preparing your breading station. In one dish, mix together all-purpose flour and garlic powder for a flavorful coating. In a separate bowl, whisk together an egg and a splash of milk until well combined. Finally, place panko breadcrumbs in another dish, ready for that delightful crunch. Ensure everything is set up close to your cooking area for smooth transitions as you create your Blackstone Fried Mozzarella.

Step 2: Bread the Mozzarella
Take each slice of fresh mozzarella and dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated to help the panko adhere. Then, transfer it to the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently for an even covering. Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This helps them maintain their shape during frying.

Step 3: Make Marinara Sauce
While the mozzarella is freezing, it’s time to whip up your homemade marinara sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil, then sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until lightly fragrant. Stir in tomato puree, along with a pinch of salt, onion powder, pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to create a rich, bubbling sauce perfect for dipping your crispy Blackstone Fried Mozzarella.

Step 4: Fry the Mozzarella
Once your mozzarella has sufficiently frozen, preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium heat and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor. Place the frozen mozzarella sticks on the griddle, careful not to overcrowd them. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they achieve a glorious golden-brown color. You may need to add a bit more oil midway through to ensure they fry evenly, resulting in that perfect crispy texture.

Step 5: Serve
When your Blackstone Fried Mozzarella sticks are beautifully golden and crisp, remove them from the griddle. Serve them hot and fresh alongside your simmering marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the divine combination of crispy coating and gooey cheese that is sure to be a hit at any gathering or cozy night in!

Blackstone Fried Mozzarella Variations

Feel free to personalize this recipe and make it your own; the possibilities are endless!

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko for a crunchy texture that everyone can enjoy without worry.
Herbed Panko: Mix in dried Italian herbs or fresh parsley with the panko to add bursts of flavor to each bite.
Spicy Twist: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños to the egg wash for an extra kick that spicy lovers will adore.
Cheese Lovers: Try using a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese for a richer taste and gooey consistency.
Baked Option: For a healthier take, brush the breaded mozzarella sticks with olive oil and bake them at 400°F until golden brown, revisiting the joy of baked cheesy goodness.
Creamy Dips: Serve with garlic aioli or a zesty ranch instead of marinara for an unexpected twist on dipping sauces.
Crunchy Cornflake Coating: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes for an extra delightful crunch that takes your snacking to new heights.
Sweet and Savory: Pair with a sweet dipping sauce like honey mustard or fig chutney to explore unique flavor dimensions.

These innovative ideas will spark your creativity in the kitchen! When you’re in the mood for more sauce options, consider trying out our easy homemade marinara recipe for that perfect finishing touch.

Expert Tips for Blackstone Fried Mozzarella

Freeze for Success: Ensure mozzarella sticks are frozen for at least 30 minutes. This prevents excessive melting and keeps them intact during frying.

Don’t Overcrowd: Frying too many mozzarella sticks at once can lower the griddle’s temperature, leading to soggy results. Fry in batches for crispiness.

Quality Panko: Use high-quality panko breadcrumbs for the best crunch. They should be light and airy, creating that perfect crispy exterior.

Additional Flavor: Experiment with adding dried herbs to your panko mixture, such as Italian seasoning or parsley, to complement the mozzarella beautifully.

Keep an Eye on Oil: If the oil begins to smoke, your griddle is too hot. Adjust the heat to maintain a steady frying temperature for optimal results.

Make Ahead Options

These Crispy Blackstone Fried Mozzarella sticks are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! To save time, you can bread the mozzarella slices ahead of time and freeze them for up to 24 hours. After breading them, simply place the coated mozzarella on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the sticks to an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply preheat your Blackstone griddle and fry the frozen mozzarella sticks straight from the freezer, cooking them until they are golden brown and delicious. This way, you’ll achieve that crispy texture and gooey cheese without any morning-of hassle!

How to Store and Freeze Blackstone Fried Mozzarella

Fridge: Store any leftover Blackstone Fried Mozzarella in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the uncooked breaded mozzarella sticks. Lay them flat on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat from frozen, place on a preheated griddle or bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until golden and heated through, about 10-12 minutes.

Tips for Best Results: Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy; aim for a crisper texture with oven or griddle reheating.

What to Serve with Crispy Blackstone Fried Mozzarella?

Creating a delightful snack experience begins with the perfect accompaniments that elevate your dish and satisfy your cravings.

Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad balances the rich, cheesy flavors of fried mozzarella, adding vibrant colors and textures.
Garlic Bread: This classic favorite with its buttery, garlicky goodness complements the mozzarella’s richness while providing satisfying crunch and savoriness.
Creamy Ranch Dressing: The cool tanginess of ranch adds a delightful contrast to the warm, gooey cheese, making for a wonderful dipping option.
Spicy Marinara Sauce: Go beyond just a simple dip—enhance your experience with a zesty marinara that kicks up the flavor with every bite.
Stuffed Jalapeños: For those craving heat, these spicy, cheesy delights bring a bold contrast to the milder flavors of mozzarella.
Bubble Tea or Iced Tea: Refreshing drinks like bubble tea or frosty iced tea help cleanse the palate between bites, making each mozzarella taste even better.
Fruit Platter: Serve a light fruit platter with strawberries, grapes, and melon for a sweet, refreshing option that balances the dish’s richness.
Chocolate Fondue: For dessert, dip strawberries and marshmallows in warm chocolate to end your meal on a delightful sweet note, contrasting indulgent savory flavors.

Blackstone Fried Mozzarella Recipe FAQs

What type of mozzarella is best for frying?
Fresh mozzarella is ideal for frying as it provides the perfect creamy and stretchy texture when melted. Always choose high-quality mozzarella, preferably packed in water, to ensure maximum flavor and meltability.

How should I store leftover Blackstone Fried Mozzarella?
Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat and restore their delightful crispiness, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through, avoiding the microwave as it may render them soggy.

Can I freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks?
Absolutely! To freeze, arrange the uncooked, breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for 1-2 hours until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag, where they will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, you can fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

What if my mozzarella sticks are falling apart while frying?
If your mozzarella sticks are falling apart, it may be due to insufficient freezing time. Ensure they are deeply frozen for at least 30 minutes before frying. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the griddle during cooking, as this can lower the temperature and cause them to break. Fry in smaller batches for best results.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily adapt this Blackstone Fried Mozzarella recipe to suit a gluten-free diet by substituting regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Ensure your flour is also gluten-free to maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.

Are there any alternatives to panko breadcrumbs?
Certainly! If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can substitute them with regular breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes for a different texture. Just keep in mind that using traditional breadcrumbs may result in a denser crust, while cornflakes can add a sweeter note to your dish.