Arby's Mozzarella Sticks feature golden-fried, breaded mozzarella cheese sticks served with a tangy marinara dipping sauce, offering a crispy exterior and gooey, melted cheese center for a satisfying snack experience.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry basket
- Tongs
- Sheet pan (for draining)
- Paper towels
- Mixing bowl
- Slotted spoon
- Sauce cup (for marinara)
- Serving tray
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
When preparing Arby's Mozzarella Sticks, ensure the mozzarella cheese sticks are well-frozen before breading to prevent cheese from melting too quickly during frying. Use Italian-style breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and oregano to achieve the signature herb flavor. Maintain vegetable oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) for a crispy, golden exterior without excessive oil absorption. Drain the fried sticks on a sheet pan lined with paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crisp. You can recreate the classic Arby's Mozzarella Sticks experience at home by closely following these steps from the Arby's copycat menu.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut mozzarella cheese into sticks, if not pre-shaped.
- Place flour in a mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs with water.
- In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge each cheese stick in flour, coating thoroughly.
- Dip floured cheese stick in egg wash.
- Coat cheese stick with seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently.
- For extra crispiness, repeat egg wash and breadcrumb steps (double breading).
- Arrange breaded sticks on a sheet pan.
- Place pan in freezer for 30-60 minutes until firm.
- Fill deep fryer with vegetable oil.
- Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove with slotted spoon or tongs and drain on a paper towel-lined sheet pan.
- Pour marinara sauce into sauce cup.
- Arrange mozzarella sticks on serving tray with marinara sauce.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Arby's Mozzarella Sticks from the copycat menu replicate the iconic golden-fried, breaded cheese sticks served with tangy marinara sauce, delivering the same crispy exterior and gooey center. If you don't have Italian-style breadcrumbs, you can substitute with plain breadcrumbs mixed with added garlic powder, dried herbs, and a pinch of salt to mimic the flavor profile. Use a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot filled with vegetable oil heated to 350degF (175degC) for optimal frying results. If you lack a fry basket, carefully lower and remove sticks with tongs or a slotted spoon to avoid oil splatter. To keep your mozzarella sticks crispy after frying, drain them on a paper towel-lined sheet pan and serve immediately with your favorite marinara dipping sauce.
Tips
Ensure your deep fryer oil is preheated to a consistent 350degF (175degC) before frying to achieve a crispy, golden crust without melting the cheese too quickly. Double breading by repeating the egg wash and breadcrumb coating helps create a thicker, crunchier exterior that holds the cheese inside during frying. Freezing the breaded cheese sticks for 30-60 minutes solidifies the coating, preventing the cheese from leaking out when submerged in hot oil. You will want to serve your mozzarella sticks immediately after frying to enjoy the gooey melted cheese at its best texture and temperature.
Nutritions
Arby's Mozzarella Sticks provide a rich source of calcium and protein due to the mozzarella cheese content, essential for bone health and muscle repair. While deep frying adds a crispy texture, it also increases the calorie count and fat content, particularly saturated fats from the vegetable oil used. The seasoned breadcrumb coating delivers some dietary fiber and micronutrients from herbs like parsley and oregano, enhancing flavor without significant calories. Your portion size and dipping sauce consumption can impact overall nutritional intake, so moderation is key to balancing indulgence with health.
Storage
To store your Arby's Mozzarella Sticks, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. For longer storage, freeze the breaded sticks before frying, keeping them in a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat by baking in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 10-12 minutes to restore their crispy texture without compromising the gooey melted cheese inside.
Variation or Alternatives
You can enhance your mozzarella sticks by incorporating panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle spicy kick. Try dipping the breaded cheese sticks in a mixture of beaten eggs and a splash of milk instead of water to enrich the coating. For a different flavor profile, serve with a roasted red pepper sauce or a creamy basil pesto as an alternative to marinara. To avoid cheese leakage during frying, briefly freeze the coated sticks before frying, ensuring the cheese stays gooey inside.
Allergies
Arby's Mozzarella Sticks contain common allergens such as milk from the mozzarella cheese and eggs used in the breading process. The Italian-style breadcrumbs likely contain wheat, which is a gluten source, posing a risk for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Your awareness of these ingredients is crucial if you have dairy, egg, or gluten allergies to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
Arby's Mozzarella Sticks offer a perfect blend of crispy golden breading and gooey melted cheese that satisfies your craving for a savory snack. The unique seasoning and perfectly balanced texture set them apart from other fast-food mozzarella sticks. Making a copycat recipe at home lets you customize flavors and enjoy a freshly fried delight without the wait. Your efforts in recreating Arby's signature taste make for a fun and rewarding cooking experience.