Olive Garden Fried Mozzarella Sticks Recipe: Perfect Copycat Version

Nothing says comfort food quite like the satisfying stretch of melted mozzarella encased in a golden, crispy coating. Since Olive Garden opened its doors in 1982, its fried mozzarella has become one of the most beloved appetizers on the menu, drawing families back time and again for that perfect combination of creamy cheese and crunchy exterior.

What sets Olive Garden’s version apart from ordinary mozzarella sticks isn’t just the distinctive cut but the expertly seasoned Italian breadcrumb coating that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in every bite. The secret lies in the careful balance of seasonings and the proper breading technique that creates an impenetrable barrier, keeping the cheese perfectly contained while achieving that coveted golden-brown finish.

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Why This Recipe Works

The magic of perfect fried mozzarella lies in the three-stage breading process, creating an impenetrable seal around the cheese. The flour and cornstarch mixture provides the foundation, while the egg wash acts as the binding agent. The seasoned Italian breadcrumbs create that signature crunchy exterior that Olive Garden fans crave.

What Makes This Recipe for Olive Garden Fried Mozzarella so Good? 

Sure, you can buy a package of frozen fried mozzarella sticks at your local grocery store for a few bucks. But, unless you like dried-out and rubbery cheese, the extra expense and effort to make this mozzarella sticks recipe at home is worth it.

When you use fresh mozzarella and high-quality breadcrumbs, the results are even better than you can get in most restaurants. 

Ingredients

• Mozzarella cheese – Forms the creamy, stretchy center that makes these irresistible
• Eggs – Creates the binding layer that helps breadcrumbs adhere properly
• Water – Thins the egg wash for better coverage and smoother coating
• Italian breadcrumbs – Provides the signature seasoned coating and golden color
• Garlic salt – Adds savory depth and enhances the Italian flavor profile
• Italian seasonings – Contributes authentic herbs and spices for restaurant taste
• All-purpose flour – Creates the base coating layer for optimal adhesion
• Cornstarch – Adds extra crispiness and helps prevent oil absorption

How to Make Fried Mozzarella Sticks Like Olive Garden

Here are the simple recipe steps to make these tasty cheese sticks:

1. Cut the mozzarella cheese into thick slices and then, if desired, into triangles.

2. Mix together eggs and water and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic salt, and Italian seasonings.
4. In a third bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch.
5. Dip the cheese in the flour/cornstarch, then the eggs, followed up with the breadcrumb mixture.

6. Heat oil to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Fry the cheese sticks until golden brown.
8. Serve immediately with marinara sauce.

Tips for Making Fried Mozzarella Cheese

• Chill the cheese before battering to help ensure it doesn’t melt in during the frying.
• Paneer, Queso Blanco, or Hallumoini are also great for deep frying as they have high melting points.
• Bread cheese completely. Ensuring the cheese is well-battered is helpful so the cheese does not ooze out of the coating.
• Do not fry too many pieces at once as the oil temperature may drop too much. You should fry a few pieces at a time.

What Goes Well With Mozzarella Sticks?

While most people enjoy dipping their fried mozzarella in marinara sauce, there are other sauces to try.

• Marinara sauce
• Alfredo sauce
• Ketchup
• Plum Sauce
• Jalapeno Jelly
• Barbeque Sauce
• Honey Mustard Sauce
• Ranch Dressing

How to Store and Reheat Olive Garden Mozzarella Sticks 

The best way to store fried mozzarella sticks is in the freezer, but they will last a few days in the fridge.

There are several ways to reheat pre-cooked mozzarella sticks, but the most common way is in the oven.

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees to reheat refrigerated mozzarella sticks, or 450 degrees, if they are frozen.
2. Spread out the mozzarella sticks on a wire rack. 
3. Place the wire rack onto a baking tray and put it in the oven. Bake five to 10 minutes for refrigerated mozzarella sticks and 10 to 20 minutes for frozen ones. 

Another excellent method is using an air fryer:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees.
2. Spray the mozzarella sticks lightly with canola oil and put them in the air fryer, leaving space between each.
3. Reheat refrigerated mozzarella sticks for five minutes and increase the time to 8 to 10 minutes if they are frozen.

Can You Freeze Homemade Mozzarella Sticks? 

Yes, you can freeze uncooked mozzarella sticks. In fact, some people always freeze mozzarella sticks before frying to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.

To freeze uncooked mozzarella sticks:

1. Spread the breaded mozzarella out in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking tray. 
2. Put the uncovered tray in the freezer for about two hours or until they’re frozen solid.
3. Transfer the mozzarella sticks to a freezer bag or container. Keep in the freezer for up to three months. 

You can use the same method to freeze cooked mozzarella sticks made using unfrozen cheese. You should never refreeze food twice. 

Should Mozzarella Sticks Be Frozen Before Frying? 

Cooks have very strong opinions about whether the proper way of making fried mozzarella sticks requires freezing them first. The majority of people seem to fall on the ‘freeze first’ side of the debate, but the truth is that it depends on the thickness of the breading.

Mozzarella sticks with a thin coating don’t need to be frozen beforehand, but if you like a thicker, crunchier exterior, an hour or two in the freezer will help stop the cheese from oozing out while frying.

Fried Mozzarella Olive Garden FAQ

What Is Fried Mozzarella at Olive Garden? 

Fried mozzarella is a popular appetizer at the Olive Garden. The restaurant serves its breaded and fried mozzarella with marinara sauce. 

How Many Calories Are in Mozzarella Sticks from Olive Garden? 

According to a nutritional menu, the fried mozzarella Olive Garden customers love contains 800 calories as served in the restaurant without any additional sauce. This recipe’s version of fried mozzarella sticks has about 660 calories per serving without sauce. 

What Happens If You Don’t Freeze Mozzarella Sticks? 

The unfrozen cheese may overheat and bubble through the coating depending on your cooking method and the thickness of the breading.  

Can You Fry Mozzarella Without Breading?

Many people wonder if you can fry mozzarella cheese without any heavy coating, and the answer is, yes, you can. Breadless mozzarella sticks are a great option if you follow a keto diet or want to cut out unnecessary carbs and calories. To make fried mozzarella without any breading:

1. Cut the mozzarella cheese into about half-inch slices. Pat dry.
2. Season both sides of the mozzarella slices with salt and pepper.
3. At this point, you have a decision to make. Do you want to go completely naked, or do you want a thin eggless coating? Both options work, but a quick dip in cornstarch creates an extra crunchy exterior and doesn’t add a lot of calories.
4. Pour a quarter-inch of canola oil into a non-stick skillet and heat over a medium burner. 
5. When hot, carefully add the cheese and cook until golden brown, about two minutes per side. 
6. Drain on a paper towel and serve while still warm. 

Love cheesy appetizers? Try these recipes!

• Beer Cheese Fondue
• Chili con Queso Crockpot
• Dried Beef Cheese Ball
• Fried Cheese Curds
• Jarlsberg Cheese
• Marinated Mozzarella Salad
• Soft Pretzel Cheese Dip
• White Cheese Dip

Popular Olive Garden Copycat Recipes

• Olive Garden Salad
• Olive Garden Soup
• Peach Cheesecake

Be sure to check out more of my easy appetizer recipes and the best Olive Garden copycat recipes here on CopyKat.com!

What’s your favorite appetizer?  Let me know in the comments below.

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