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Olive Garden Fried Mozzarella

Helen T. Patterson
This homemade version of Olive Garden's iconic fried mozzarella features crispy, golden breading surrounding a deliciously gooey, melted mozzarella center.
Perfect as an appetizer or paired with sides for a full meal, this recipe captures the restaurant's classic taste with a few simple ingredients and easy steps.
Serve with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate indulgence!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 310, Total Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 55mg, Sodium: 550mg, Total Carbohydrates: 18g, Dietary Fiber: 1g, Sugars: 2g, Protein: 14g, Calcium: 20% DV, Iron: 6% DV
Estimated based on one serving (assuming 6 servings per batch)
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack, Starter
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • 2-3 shallow bowls (for flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs)
  • Deep frying pan or large skillet
  • Meat thermometer (optional, to check oil temperature)
  • Slotted spoon or tongs (for removing mozzarella sticks)
  • Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
  • Knife (for cutting mozzarella)
  • Cutting Board
  • Plate (for serving)

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz 340g Mozzarella cheese (block or string cheese)
  • 1/2 cup 60g All-purpose flour
  • 2 large Eggs beaten
  • 1 cup 120g Italian-style breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs)
  • 1/4 cup 25g Grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning oregano, basil
  • 1 1/2 cups 360ml Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1/2 cup 120g Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Mozzarella:

  • Slice the mozzarella into 1/2-inch thick sticks (if using a block). If using string cheese, leave it as-is.
    Freeze the mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes to firm them up and prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.

Set Up the Breading Station:

  • Set up three shallow dishes.
    In the first, place the flour; season with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second, beat the eggs.
    In the third, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian seasoning.

Bread the Mozzarella:

  • Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
    For a thicker coating, you can double bread the sticks by dipping them in egg and breadcrumbs again.

Fry the Mozzarella:

  • Heat the oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
    When the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully add the breaded mozzarella sticks in batches (do not overcrowd the pan).
    Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, turning occasionally to ensure even frying.

Drain and Serve:

  • Use a slotted spoon to remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels.
    Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Freezing Tip: Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying is key to ensuring the cheese doesn’t leak out while cooking. A quick freeze of 15-20 minutes works best.
  • Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil stays at a consistent 350°F (175°C). Too hot and the breading will burn; too cold and the cheese will ooze out. A thermometer helps, but if you don’t have one, a small piece of bread dropped into the oil should brown in 30 seconds.
  • Double Bread for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier coating, dip the mozzarella sticks in the egg and breadcrumbs twice before frying.
  • Alternative Cheese: While mozzarella is traditional, you can try other cheeses like provolone or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a different twist.
Keyword Olive Garden Fried Mozzarella