These incredible gluten free fried cheese sticks are double-dipped for the ultimate crispiness! If you LOVE gooey cheese, this gluten free mozzarella sticks recipe is a must-make appetizer! It is something you will want to make (and eat) again and again! Fry them or make them in your air fryer!
If you have been missing fried cheese sticks since going gluten free, it is time to rejoice because this recipe is not only EASY, but these crispy sticks taste like the real deal! They are crispy on the outside and full of hot, melty cheese on the inside! You will love the cheesy goodness!
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If you want a new appetizer recipe, I can’t recommend these gluten free fried cheese sticks enough. Enjoy them at game day celebrations or any party.
Appetizers are my thing, check out all of my scrumptious Gluten Free Appetizer Recipes.
Why my kids always ask me to make these gluten-free cheese sticks:
- I teach you the tips and tricks to make gluten free cheese sticks that don’t fall apart or lose their crispy coating. These are the crispiest, best gluten free mozzarella sticks EVER!
- This is my favorite recipe, and it will easily become yours. The best part is that I use simple ingredients that you can find at any local grocery store.
- Although mozzarella sticks are considered the most popular fried cheese, you can use any cheese flavor. Pepperjack and cheddar cheeses also are deliciously fried.
- If you are egg-free, you can substitute the egg for ranch dressing!
If you love gooey melted cheese as much as we do, you will also want to try this Stuffed Queso recipe.
These were excellent!! And much easier to make than I thought they would be!”
vicki, blog comment
Allergen Information:
These crispy fried cheese sticks are gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, and oat-free.
Ingredient Notes:
For the full list of ingredients and amounts, please go to the recipe card below.
- Cheese Sticks – I like to use regular cheese sticks, but you can also buy block cheese and cut your own.
- Gluten Free Flour Blend – Gluten free flour blend – I tested this recipe using Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten Free Flour Blend and King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Gluten Free Blend. That doesn’t mean others will not work; I just have not tested other flours.
- Gluten Free Bread Crumbs – Use store-bought or make your own gluten free bread crumbs. Gluten free panko bread crumbs are also good to use.
- Avocado Oil – I like to use avocado oil for frying, but canola and other high-heat oils also work well. Do NOT use olive oil.
- Italian Seasoning – Or use a blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
Step-By-Step Photos and Directions:
First, you need to gather your ingredients. You only need 6 simple ingredients to make this gluten free fried cheese stick recipe.
Step 1: Grab three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine bread crumbs and dried Italian seasonings. Mix the breadcrumb mixture well. In the second shallow bowl, add the gluten free flour blend. Lastly, in the third bowl, add the egg and whisk it.
Step 2: Dip the piece of string cheese in your gluten free flour. Next, dip it in the egg mixture, then back in the gf flour.
👀 Sandi Says: If you like a crispy coating on your fried cheese sticks, you must double-dip your mozzarella sticks. Another reason double-dipping is good is that the thicker coating will prevent your cheese from leaking out when it cooks.
Double dipping is the secret to the perfect crispy crust!
Step 3: Take the cheese sticks and dredge them in the egg again. Dip them in the bread crumbs, then back in the egg. Repeat one more time for the crispiest gluten free cheese sticks ever.
Step 4: Heat your vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or frying pan. I like deep-frying foods in a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven on the burner attachment next to our grill to keep the house from smelling like fried foods.
You want your oil to reach 350-365º F before dropping in your gluten free mozzarella sticks.
Step 5: Fry each coated cheese stick in the hot oil for 30-60 seconds until the coating becomes golden brown. The cheese melts inside the crispy crust.
Remove from the oil with tongs and put them onto a paper towel-lined plate. This will help remove excess oil.
Warm the marinara sauce. Eat these crispy fried mozzarella sticks while they are hot, and the cheese is melty. Dip your gluten free cheese sticks into this delicious gluten free marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
You can even fancy up your cocktails by dipping these crispy cheese sticks into a Michelada or Bloody Mary!
Yummy and super easy! I bake mine in the air fryer. I bread them as instructed then place in fridge for half an hour (this helps to prevent the cheese leaking out as they bake). Then spritz them with some avocado oil and bake in air fryer at 400ºF for about 7 minutes or so until golden and crispy.
Suzette, blog comment
Air Fryer Directions:
You can make these gluten free cheese sticks in the air fryer. You will have to make some adjustments, but they will taste just as crispy.
- Follow the above directions to coat the cheese sticks. Don’t fry them in oil.
- Place the coated cheese sticks in the freezer on a
cookie sheet for 30-45 minutes. This will allow the coating to stay on in the air fryer. Otherwise, you will have chunks of ingredients flying around in there! - Lightly spritz them with avocado oil when you put them in the Air Fryer basket. Cook for approximately 10 minutes at 400º F.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I use either canola or avocado oil because it handles high heat temperatures well. I fried these cheese sticks outside since our grill has a separate burner.
The best way to store leftover gluten-free mozzarella sticks is to place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Then, when you are ready to serve the cheese sticks, you can warm them in the oven or air fryer for 7 minutes at 375º degrees F or 5-8 minutes at 375 degrees F.
They are best when heated back up in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave. They tend to get soggy when microwaved.
Yes, you can bake these gluten free mozzarella sticks. Preheat the oven to 425º F. Follow the directions and place them on a baking sheet lightly coated with cooking spray or use parchment paper.
Bake for 12-16 minutes, turning halfway through. They won’t be as crunchy as when fried, but they will still taste great!
More Gluten Free Appetizers:
- Easy Cheesy Gluten Free Stuffed Mushrooms
- Crispy Cheddar Delicata Squash Fritters
- Homemade Gluten Free Salmon Cakes
- Quick and Easy Hot Cream Cheese Dip With Scallions
Love This Recipe?
If you made and enjoyed this recipe, I would be incredibly grateful if you could leave a comment below. Please include which flour blend you used. This will help others know this recipe is delicious. Thank you!
Gluten Free Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cheese sticks * see note
- ¼ cup gluten free flour blend * see note
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup gluten free bread crumbs * see note
- ½ cup avocado oil * see note
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasonings salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grab three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine bread crumbs and dried Italian seasonings. Mix the breadcrumb mixture well. In the second shallow bowl, add the gluten free flour blend. Lastly, in the third bowl add the egg and whisk it.
- Heat up your vegetable oil in a dutch oven or frying pan. I like deep frying foods in a cast-iron skillet or cast-iron Dutch oven on the burner attachment next to our grill to keep the house from smelling like fried foods. You want your oil to reach about 350-365º F before dropping in your gluten free mozzarella sticks.
- While the oil is heating, cut cheese sticks in half.
- Roll the sticks in the flour. Make sure the ends and all edges are coated.
- Dip into the egg mixture. Repeat this one more time. Double dipping will prevent cheese from leaking out.
- After the final dip in the egg, roll in the bread crumbs and set aside on a plate.
- Fry each coated cheese stick in the hot oil for 30-60 seconds until the coating becomes golden brown. The cheese melts inside the crispy crust.
- Remove from the oil with tongs and put them onto a paper towel-lined plate. This will help remove excess oil.
Notes
- I used avocado oil because it handles high heat temperatures really well. You could also use coconut oil, which is great for high heat, but note it will leave a coconut after taste…which is a little strange with fried mozzarella sticks. Do NOT use olive oil.
- I have tested this recipe with King Arthur Measure for Measure GF and Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 GF blend. That doesn’t mean others will not work, I just have not tested other flours.
- Use cheese sticks or buy brick-style cheese and cut your own. You can use any flavor of cheese.
- You can use store-bought bread crumbs, or save money and make your own gluten free bread crumbs with my easy directions.
SPECIAL NOTE
Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn’t test, you may need to adjust your moisture levels in your baked goods.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.
This post was updated from an older April 2017 post with better instructions and tips.
Yummy and super easy! I bake mine in the air fryer. I bread them as instructed then place in fridge for half an hour (this helps to prevent the cheese leaking out as they bake). Then spritz them with some avocado oil and bake in air fryer at 400 for about 7 minutes or so until golden and crispy.
I love you tried this in the air fryer. Thank you so much. I am going to add your comment to the post so it helps others.
Very tasty! I baked mine in a toaster oven and lots of the cheese oozed out. Not pretty but yummy.
I am really glad you loved them. Baking them is a great option if you want them not fried in oil!
How do you get yours to coat evely with the breadcrumbs? Mine just kept getting stuck on my fingers and not coating properly.
Hi Jaimee, are you talking about the first or second dip? I used a fork to roll the cheese stick around and gently lift it. I didn’t use my fingers unless one was coming off the fork.
These were excellent!! And much easier to make than I thought they would be!
I am so glad you loved this recipe. I agree that they definitely sound like they would be tough to make…but I am so glad you gave it a go!