Who doesn’t love mozzarella sticks, especially when they’re crispy on the outside and oozy on the inside?
You can make TGI Friday’s mozzarella sticks in your own kitchen, and the process is pretty simple.
Breading the mozzarella and then freezing them before frying is key for that perfect texture.
Fry them up as you need them, and they’ll be as tasty as the ones at the restaurant!
Make sure your oil is hot enough and fry in small batches to keep them crispy.
How to Make TGI Friday’s Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 oz. Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 cups Breadcrumbs
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
- ¼ cup Milk
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic Salt
- 5 cups Vegetable Oil
- ¼ cup Marinara Sauce (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Cut the mozzarella cheese block into sticks, each about ½ inch thick.
Have these ready before moving forward.
Step 2:
Set up a breading station by placing flour, beaten eggs mixed with milk, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt in separate bowls.
Step 3:
Dip each cheese stick in flour, then the egg mixture, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Do this for all sticks.
Step 4:
Arrange the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Place them in the freezer for at least 1 hour.
Step 5:
In a deep pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F.
Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
Drain them on paper towels.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Freeze the Sticks
Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying helps them maintain shape and prevents cheese leakage.
A minimum of an hour in the freezer is ideal for best results.
Oil Temperature is Key
Keep your oil at about 350°F to avoid soggy or overly greasy sticks.
This ensures a crispy exterior without undercooked cheese inside.
Try Panko Breadcrumbs
If you want extra crunch, consider using Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
They tend to give a superior texture that many people prefer.
Serve with a Variety of Dips
Don’t just stick to marinara sauce!
Ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayonnaise can add interesting flavor twists.
What to Serve with TGI Friday’s Mozzarella Sticks
Marinara Sauce
There’s nothing quite like dipping those crispy mozzarella sticks into a rich and savory marinara sauce.
Tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of herbs make this a classic pairing that complements the cheesy goodness.
Whether store-bought or homemade, it’s a must-have accompaniment.
Garlic Breadsticks
Garlic breadsticks provide an extra garlic kick that pairs wonderfully with mozzarella sticks.
Warm and buttery, these breadsticks add a satisfying crunch and rich flavor profile to your meal.
You can easily make them with pre-made dough brushed with garlic butter and baked to perfection.
Mixed Green Salad
Balance out the richness of mozzarella sticks with a refreshing mixed green salad.
A salad with crisp lettuce, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette provides a light and fresh contrast.
This adds a bit of healthiness to your meal while enhancing the overall flavor experience!
Honey Mustard Dip
Try serving your mozzarella sticks with a honey mustard dip for a change of pace.
The sweetness of honey with the tang of mustard creates a unique combination that pairs surprisingly well.
This unconventional choice might just become your new go-to dipping sauce!
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a creative and delicious side dish that can bring some sweetness to your table.
The natural sweetness of these fries balances well with the savory, cheesy sticks.
Plus, their vibrant color makes for an attractive plating alongside your mozzarella sticks.
Pickled Vegetables
Try accompanying your mozzarella sticks with a side of tangy pickled vegetables.
Crisp and acidic, pickled onions, carrots, or cucumbers offer a zesty contrast.
This choice can be a nice little surprise, adding an intriguing twist to your meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Cheese Choices
You can experiment with different types of cheese beyond mozzarella, such as provolone or cheddar.
Just remember, each cheese will melt differently, giving you unique results with every batch you try.
Coating Alternatives
If you’re looking to change things up, you can try using panko breadcrumbs.
I love how they add an extra crunch that regular breadcrumbs might miss!
Healthier Options
If you’re watching your intake, you might like baking instead of frying.
This method can slightly alter the texture but still delivers a satisfying taste!
Spice It Up
Add a bit of excitement by mixing in some spices to your breadcrumb coating.
Try additions like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning.
Sauce Variations
Don’t forget, changing up dipping sauces can really transform a serving experience.
Apart from marinara, you might like ranch dressing or a sweet chili sauce for something different!
How to Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks
Refrigeration Tips
After enjoying your delicious mozzarella sticks, place any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Store them in the fridge, ideally on the middle shelf, which keeps the temperature more stable.
They’ll keep well for up to five days, so you have a little time before needing to eat them!
Avoid Freezing Mistakes
I know you might be tempted, but avoid freezing cooked mozzarella sticks if possible.
Freezing can alter their texture, making them less enjoyable when you try to reheat them later.
If you must freeze, consider wrapping each stick individually before placing them in a container.
Keeping It Crisp
When you store mozzarella sticks, always make sure they’re completely cooled before putting them in the fridge.
This prevents condensation and keeps the outer breading from becoming soggy.
Proper storage can help maintain their delicious, crispy texture!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overfrying the Mozzarella Sticks
One common mistake is overfrying the mozzarella sticks, which can cause them to burst and lose their shape.
Make sure to fry them just until they’re golden and crispy.
This usually takes about 1-2 minutes at the right oil temperature!
Not Pre-Chilling the Cheese
Skipping the pre-chilling step could lead to cheese melting too quickly during frying.
Make sure to freeze the breaded sticks for at least an hour before frying.
That gives them more time to set and keeps the cheese inside where it belongs!
Inconsistent Breading
Uneven coating can lead to patches without a crunchy layer, causing melted cheese to ooze out.
Create a breading station by setting up flour, milk, and breadcrumbs in separate bowls.
Coat each stick evenly by following the sequence: flour, milk, then breadcrumbs twice!
TGI Friday's Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
- 16 oz. Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 cups Breadcrumbs
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
- ¼ cup Milk
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic Salt
- 5 cups Vegetable Oil
- ¼ cup Marinara Sauce for serving
- Cut the mozzarella cheese block into sticks, each about ½ inch thick.
- Have these ready before moving forward.
- Set up a breading station by placing flour, beaten eggs mixed with milk, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt in separate bowls.
- Dip each cheese stick in flour, then the egg mixture, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Do this for all sticks.
- Arrange the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place them in the freezer for at least 1 hour.
- In a deep pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F.
- Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Drain them on paper towels.
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