I can’t resist a snack that’s crispy, gooey, and ridiculously easy to whip up. Enter: mozzarella sticks made with egg roll wrappers. This recipe is my go-to when I want something indulgent, fast, and guaranteed to disappear the moment it hits the table. The egg roll wrappers give these mozzarella sticks a light, flaky crunch that perfectly complements the ooey-gooey cheese inside. Bonus? You only need four ingredients and a little frying time to make a batch that feels like it came straight out of a restaurant.

Delicious Mozzarella Sticks With Egg Roll Wrappers Recipe

I still remember the first time I made these for a Friday game night. My friend, who swore by the frozen mozzarella sticks from the store, gave me a skeptical look when I pulled out egg roll wrappers. “That’s not how you make them!” she said, laughing. But one bite later, she was already reaching for another. The buttery crunch, the melty cheese—it was love at first bite. Now, these mozzarella sticks are a staple whenever friends come over. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become one of your favorites, too.

The origin story of mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks are classic American comfort food, but they actually have roots in Italian cuisine. The idea of breaded and fried cheese likely came from recipes for fried mozzarella, or “mozzarella in carrozza,” which dates back centuries. Over time, the recipe evolved, and by the 1970s, mozzarella sticks had become a mainstay on American appetizer menus. This version with egg roll wrappers is a modern twist that skips the breadcrumbs while still delivering that crispy, cheesy goodness. It’s a perfect example of how simple swaps can create a whole new spin on a timeless favorite.

Let’s talk ingredients: crispy meets gooey

This recipe keeps it simple, but every ingredient plays its part.

Mozzarella string cheese: These are the star of the show, melting beautifully while staying contained in their wrapper. If you’re out of string cheese, you can cut a block of mozzarella into sticks (just make sure they’re firm).
Egg roll wrappers: These give a unique flaky crunch compared to traditional breaded sticks. Look for fresh wrappers in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, near tofu or fresh noodles. Spring roll wrappers could work in a pinch, but they’ll be thinner and crisp up faster.
Water: Just a little dab helps seal the wrapper edges, keeping the cheese snugly tucked inside.
Oil for frying: Go for neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. They have high smoke points and won’t overpower the flavor of the cheese.

Kitchen gear you’ll need (and what you can skip)

The beauty of this recipe is how low-maintenance it is. Here’s what you’ll want:

A medium skillet: Cast-iron is perfect because it holds heat evenly, but any medium-sized skillet will do the trick.
Tongs or a slotted spoon: These make flipping and removing the mozzarella sticks a breeze while keeping your hands safe.
Paper towels: A must for draining the excess oil, unless you like greasy fingers (hey, no judgment).
A candy thermometer: Not strictly necessary, but if you want to be precise, it’s a handy tool to ensure your oil hits that sweet spot of 375°F. If you don’t have one, just test with a small piece of wrapper—if it sizzles, you’re good to go.

Step-by-step: let’s get frying

Now for the fun part! Here’s how to bring these crispy, gooey beauties to life:

Heat the oil
Pour about 1/2 inch of oil into your skillet and set it over medium heat. Let it warm up to 375°F (or test it with a tiny bit of wrapper—it should sizzle right away but not burn).
Wrap the cheese
Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on your work surface. Place a stick of string cheese near one corner. Roll the wrapper around the cheese until you’re halfway, then fold in the sides (like a burrito) to keep the cheese snug. Continue rolling to the end, sealing the wrapper with a dab of water. Repeat for all 12 sticks.
Fry to golden perfection
Carefully lower a few mozzarella sticks into the hot oil—don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry for 30-60 seconds on each side, turning with tongs, until golden brown. Keep a close eye here—these cook fast!
Drain and serve
Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil. Let them cool slightly before diving in (molten cheese can burn!).

Variations and twists on the classic

If you’re like me, you’ll want to experiment with this recipe. Here are a few fun ways to make it your own:

Spice it up: Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning onto the egg roll wrappers before wrapping. A dash of garlic powder works, too.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free egg roll wrappers or rice paper. Just be mindful that rice paper will crisp up faster.
Go vegetarian: Add a fresh basil leaf to the wrapper for a Caprese-inspired twist, or pair the cheese with a strip of roasted red pepper.
Switch up the cheese: Try using pepper jack, Colby Jack, or even sharp cheddar for a new flavor profile. Softer cheeses like Brie might be trickier but are worth a try for adventurous cooks.
Dipping sauces galore: Marinara is a classic, but ranch, spicy mayo, or even honey mustard can take these to the next level.

How to serve them up in style

These mozzarella sticks are best served hot and crispy, with a side of marinara for dipping. If you’re hosting a party, arrange them on a platter with little bowls of dipping sauces for variety. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or grated Parmesan for an extra pop of flavor and color. They’re fun finger food, but trust me, you’ll need a napkin (or two).

Drinks that pair perfectly

Mozzarella sticks love a good drink partner. For something classic, pair them with a cold beer—lager or pale ale works great. If you’re in the mood for wine, go for something light and acidic like a Sauvignon Blanc or even Prosecco. Hosting a kids’ party? Lemonade or sparkling water is a fun, bubbly choice.

Storing and reheating tips

If you have leftovers (unlikely, but it happens), let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain that crispiness. Avoid the microwave unless you’re okay with soggy sticks (and who is?).

Scaling the recipe for any crowd

This recipe is super easy to double or halve. Just make sure you have enough oil for frying, and don’t overcrowd your skillet. If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked sticks warm in a 200°F oven while you finish frying the rest.

Common issues (and how to avoid them)

Cheese leaking out: Make sure the wrappers are sealed tightly, with no gaps. You can double-wrap the cheese for extra security.
Oil too hot or cold: If the oil is too hot, the wrappers will burn before the cheese melts. Too cool, and they’ll absorb more oil and turn greasy. A consistent 375°F is key!
Wrapper tearing: Handle the wrappers gently, and don’t overfill them. If they feel dry or stiff, cover them with a damp towel to keep them pliable.

Give these a try—your taste buds will thank you

These mozzarella sticks with egg roll wrappers are so much more than a quick snack—they’re a little crispy slice of comfort that’ll make any gathering feel special. Whether you’re serving them at a party, making a fun family dinner, or just treating yourself to something indulgent, they’re guaranteed to bring a smile. Go ahead, give them a try, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your own flavor twists. You might just create your new favorite appetizer!

FAQs

1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

2. Can I freeze them before frying?
Yes, you can assemble the mozzarella sticks and freeze them in a single layer. Fry them straight from frozen, just adding an extra minute or two.

3. What other cheeses can I use?
Any firm cheese works—pepper jack, cheddar, or Gouda are great options. Just avoid very soft cheeses like cream cheese.

4. Can I make them in an air fryer?
Definitely! Spray them with a little cooking oil and air fry at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping once.

5. What dipping sauces go best with these?
Marinara is a classic, but ranch, buffalo sauce, or even a tangy barbecue sauce are fantastic alternatives.