Crispy Wonton Mozzarella Sticks

These clever wonton mozzarella sticks transform ordinary mozzarella cheese and wonton wrappers into an extraordinary appetizer that delivers the perfect blend of crispy exterior and gooey, melted cheese interior. Each bite offers that satisfying cheese pull we all crave, with a delicate crunch that traditional breadcrumb-coated versions can't match. Ready in under 30 minutes with just three main ingredients, these addictive treats elevate game day snacking, casual gatherings, or even weeknight dinners when you're craving something indulgent.

I first experimented with these mozzarella sticks after discovering wonton wrappers hiding in the produce section during one of my less-than-glamorous grocery runs. In yoga pants and a questionable t-shirt, I'd braved the store for 'just one thing' and of course ran into everyone I know. At least I returned home with the inspiration for these crispy cheese vessels, which quickly became a household favorite. The first time I made them, they disappeared so quickly that my husband was hovering around the kitchen asking every five minutes when the next batch would be ready. What started as a side dish experiment turned into our entire dinner that night—and honestly, I have zero regrets.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese, cut into sticks: String cheese works perfectly as it's already portioned, or cut block mozzarella into 1/2-inch sticks. Low-moisture mozzarella is essential here to prevent soggy wrappers
• 24 Wonton Wrappers: These thin pasta sheets crisp beautifully when fried. Look for them in the refrigerated section of the produce department near the tofu
• 1 Egg, beaten: Acts as the glue that seals your wonton wrappers. A light brush is all you need for a secure seal
• Vegetable or Grapeseed Oil for frying: Choose an oil with a high smoke point. Grapeseed oil works beautifully and has a clean flavor
• Marinara Sauce for dipping: The classic pairing that brings acidic balance to the rich cheese. Store-bought works fine, but homemade elevates these sticks to restaurant quality

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare Your Cheese:

If using block mozzarella, cut it into sticks approximately 1/2 inch thick and 2-3 inches long. If using string cheese, simply cut each stick in half lengthwise. Place the prepared cheese on a plate and pop it in the freezer for about 15 minutes while you set up your assembly station. This slight freezing firms up the cheese, making it easier to handle and slower to melt during frying, which prevents cheese leakage through the wrapper.

Set Up Your Wrapping Station:

While the cheese is chilling, crack the egg into a small bowl and beat it lightly with a fork until well mixed. This will be your sealing agent. Pour about a teaspoon of water into the egg and mix again to thin it slightly. Have a small pastry brush or your fingertip ready for application. Arrange the wonton wrappers on a clean, dry work surface, positioning them like diamonds (with one point facing you) for easier wrapping. Working in small batches of 4-6 wrappers at a time keeps them from drying out.

Master the Wrapping Technique:

Remove the cheese from the freezer. Place one cheese stick in the center of a wonton wrapper, positioning it diagonally from corner to corner. Lightly brush the edges of the wrapper with the beaten egg. Fold the bottom corner over the cheese and tuck it underneath. Fold the two side corners over the cheese, pressing firmly to seal them to the bottom layer. Roll the cheese toward the remaining corner, creating a tight cylinder. Press all seams firmly to ensure they're well-sealed, as any openings will allow cheese to escape during frying. Repeat with the remaining cheese and wrappers.

Heat Your Oil Properly:

Pour oil into a medium heavy-bottomed skillet to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping in a small piece of wonton wrapper—it should bubble vigorously and begin to brown within 10 seconds. The proper oil temperature is crucial: too cool and the wrappers absorb oil and become greasy; too hot and they'll burn before the cheese melts properly.

Fry to Golden Perfection:

Using tongs or a slotted metal spoon, carefully lower 3-4 mozzarella sticks into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for approximately 1-2 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the wrappers are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Watch them carefully as they cook quickly, and you want to remove them just as the wrapper turns golden but before the cheese begins to bubble through any seams. Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Stand them on their seam side down if possible, which helps prevent any cheese from escaping. Allow them to cool for about 1 minute—just enough time for the molten cheese inside to become handleable rather than scaldingly hot.

Serve Immediately:

Transfer the mozzarella sticks to a serving plate and provide warm marinara sauce for dipping. The slight acidity of the tomato sauce perfectly balances the richness of the fried cheese. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan if desired, for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. These mozzarella sticks are at their absolute peak when served piping hot, when the contrast between the crispy exterior and melted, stretchy cheese interior is most pronounced. Enjoy immediately for the best texture experience.

I learned the critical importance of proper sealing the hard way during my first attempt at these cheese sticks. Thinking I'd been thorough, I confidently dropped several into the hot oil, only to watch in horror as rivers of precious cheese escaped into my frying oil, creating a spectacular bubbling mess. Now I treat each wonton wrapper like I'm sealing classified documents, pressing every edge with the dedication of someone whose dinner depends on it—because it does! That extra 30 seconds of attention during wrapping saves both cheese and dignity.

Seasonal Variations

While the classic mozzarella stick needs little embellishment, a world of flavor awaits the adventurous cook. Try adding a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the cheese before wrapping for an aromatic twist. For heat lovers, a few red pepper flakes or a thin slice of jalapeño tucked inside creates a surprising kick. My personal favorite variation includes a small basil leaf wrapped with the cheese, which infuses the molten interior with fresh herb flavor that perfectly complements the marinara dipping sauce. Each variation maintains the dish's quick-cooking charm while creating a completely new flavor experience.

Dipping Sauce Suggestions

Marinara may be the classic pairing, but these crispy cheese vessels welcome a variety of dipping companions. Ranch dressing offers cooling creaminess with herbal notes. For something more adventurous, try mixing sriracha with mayonnaise for a spicy aioli that adds heat and richness. A personal favorite for game day is a simple pizza sauce spiked with a dash of balsamic vinegar, which provides sweetness, acidity, and depth all at once. Set up a dipping bar with multiple options and watch guests create their perfect combinations.

Make-Ahead Tips

While these mozzarella sticks are best fried just before serving, you can prepare them up to the frying stage in advance. Wrap the cheese in wonton wrappers as directed, then place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer to a freezer bag for storage up to one month. When ready to serve, fry directly from frozen, adding about 30 seconds to the cooking time. This method is perfect for preparing ahead for parties or having a quick snack option ready to go.

Baking Alternative

Although frying produces the most authentic texture and flavor, a baked version can satisfy the craving with less oil. To bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the prepared sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray or brush them lightly with oil, and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy. The results won't have quite the same shattering crispness, but they'll still offer that wonderful cheese-pull satisfaction with less mess and slightly fewer calories.

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Serving Suggestions

Turn these mozzarella sticks from a simple snack into part of a memorable meal by thoughtful pairing. For game day, create the ultimate appetizer platter with wings, loaded potato skins, and a selection of dips. For a casual dinner, serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. They also make a surprisingly perfect accompaniment to tomato soup, functioning as the ultimate grilled cheese dipper and elevating a simple soup to special occasion status.

I discovered my favorite way to serve these mozzarella sticks during an unexpected power outage. With dinner half-prepared, we lost electricity for several hours. Rather than waste the food, we packed up our partially prepared mozzarella sticks and headed to my sister's house to finish cooking. Enroute, the warm cheese continued to meld with the ranch seasoning, intensifying the flavor development. Upon arrival, we simply topped them with the cheese and bacon and finished them under the broiler. Everyone agreed they were the best batch ever, teaching me that sometimes a little patience between preparation and final cooking creates the most flavorful result. Now I intentionally let the potatoes rest with their seasonings for at least 30 minutes before the final steps!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Brush the assembled sticks with oil and bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. They won't be quite as crispy but still delicious.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble them up to 24 hours ahead and store in the refrigerator before frying. For best results, fry just before serving so the cheese is hot and melty.

→ What if my cheese leaks during frying?

Make sure all seams are tightly sealed with egg wash. If cheese starts leaking, your oil might be too hot or you might need to double-wrap particularly troublesome pieces.

→ What dipping sauces work well besides marinara?

Ranch dressing, garlic aioli, pesto, buffalo sauce, or honey mustard all make excellent alternatives to traditional marinara sauce.

→ Where do I find wonton wrappers?

Wonton wrappers are typically found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store, often near the tofu and other Asian ingredients in the produce department.