🧀 The Best Vegan Mozzarella Sticks Recipe (Crispy & Gooey!)
🧀 The Best Vegan Mozzarella Sticks (Crispy, Gooey & Easy!) 🧀
Is there a more perfect appetizer than a mozzarella stick? That crispy, golden-brown breading giving way to a gooey, cheesy, melted center is pure bliss. It is the ultimate comfort food. For those on a vegan diet, this classic dairy-based snack might seem like a distant memory.
But the fantastic news is that the world of vegan cheese has made it possible. You can create amazing, restaurant-quality vegan mozzarella sticks right in your own kitchen. They are crispy, cheesy, and perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
This guide will give you a simple, foolproof recipe. We will also share the most important secret for success. Get ready to enjoy your favorite cheesy appetizer in a completely plant-based way! ✅
🤔 What is the Secret to Perfect Vegan Mozzarella Sticks?
Creating great vegan mozzarella sticks comes down to two key components. First, you need the right cheese. Second, you need to use the right technique to prevent a melted mess. Let's break down the secrets.
What is the best vegan cheese to use?
You need to choose a vegan cheese that comes in a block or stick form. Do not use shredded cheese. A block allows you to cut it into the classic stick shape. You also need a brand that is known to melt well. Brands like Daiya, Miyoko's Kitchen, or Violife all offer great mozzarella-style blocks.
What is the most important trick?
The number one most crucial step is to freeze the breaded sticks before cooking. Vegan cheese often has a lower melting point than dairy cheese. If you cook them from room temperature, the cheese will melt and ooze out before the breading gets crispy. Freezing them solid ensures the inside gets gooey while the outside gets perfectly golden and crunchy.
🥣 How Do You Make Crispy Vegan Mozzarella Sticks?
This simple recipe uses a classic three-step breading process. It is made vegan with a plant-based milk wash. Remember, do not skip the freezing step! This is the key to perfect vegan mozzarella sticks.
What Ingredients Do You Need?
- 1 block (7-8 oz) of firm vegan mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond or soy)
- 1 ½ cups of seasoned Italian-style breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying (or an air fryer)
- Marinara sauce for dipping
What Are the Instructions?
1. Prepare the Cheese: Cut your block of vegan mozzarella into thick, stick shapes. Aim for about 8-10 sticks per block.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station: You will need three shallow dishes. Put the flour in the first dish. Pour the plant-based milk into the second. Put the breadcrumbs in the third.
3. Bread the Sticks: Take one cheese stick at a time. First, coat it in the flour. Then, dip it completely in the plant-based milk. Finally, press it firmly into the breadcrumbs until it is fully coated. For an extra-crispy crust, repeat the milk and breadcrumb step a second time.
4. FREEZE! (Do Not Skip This Step): Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined tray. Put them in the freezer for at least 30-60 minutes. They should be frozen solid.
5. Cook Your Sticks: You have a few options for cooking. For the best results, an air fryer is fantastic. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, until golden and crispy. You can also bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Or, you can pan-fry them in about an inch of oil until golden on all sides.
6. Serve Immediately: Your delicious vegan mozzarella sticks are best served hot and fresh. Pair them with a warm bowl of marinara sauce for the classic experience. Enjoy this amazing, cheesy, and compassionate appetizer! 🌱