By Wendy Stoltz and Hristina Polk / Last Modified On February 20, 2023

These gluten-free mozzarella sticks are a crowd-pleasing appetizer with a super crispy golden outer crust with gooey melt-in-your-mouth cheese. Perfect for game day or any occasion that requires a simple appetizer or snack that's quick and easy to make. No one can resist melted cheese!

Usually, these are deep-fried, but the oven does a fantastic job without all the extra oil. I have also included steps for making these in the air fryer, just in case you want to try it.

If you are looking for more gluten-free game day appetizers or snack options, these are great recipes to try: gluten-free cheese crackers that taste like gluten-free Cheez-Its! If you're a fan of breadsticks, you're going to love these gluten-free cheesy breadsticks. Gluten-free Onion Rings are a great savory treat of battered onion rings that are fried to perfection.

GLUTEN-FREE MOZZARELLA STICKS RECIPE

These gluten-free mozzarella sticks are so good and ready in under 30 minutes. I like to freeze an uncooked batch so when I have unexpected guests or need a gooey cheese snack, I can take these out and place them in the oven or air fryer.

They really are so simple to make, so I would make them from fresh where possible or uncooked and frozen. The cheese is simply better, and the outer crust is so crispy. Follow my tips below for success.

WHY YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THESE GLUTEN-FREE MOZZARELLA STICKS

Easy to make - You'll be enjoying these as an appetizer or snack in just a few steps.

No oil - Yes, as we are not deep frying these, no oil is required, and they bake up so well.

Minimal ingredients - You only need a few ingredients and they are very simple to make.

INGREDIENTS IN GLUTEN-FREE MOZZARELLA STICKS

Mozzarella - 6-8 Mozzarella Sticks or string cheese. You need a firm cheese stick, or you can buy a block of mozzarella and slice it into sticks.

Flour - 1 Cup All-purpose gluten-free flour. 

Breadcrumbs - Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Eggs - 2 Eggs at room temperature that have been beaten.

Seasoning - 1 tsp Italian Seasoning, 1 tsp Salt and 1 tsp Black Pepper.

Dipping sauce (optional) - Marinara sauce, for serving, optional.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR GLUTEN-FREE MOZZARELLA STICKS

Mixing bowls - These Pyrex mixing bowls set comes in handy.

Baking Sheet - I like this set of non-stick baking sheets.

Parchment paper - This parchment paper works well; you can also get all sorts of pre-cut versions.

If you have any questions about making gluten-free mozzarella sticks please leave a comment and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN-FREE MOZZARELLA STICKS

1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Mix together the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set it aside. Beat the eggs in a bowl and put them next to the flour mix. Transfer the breadcrumbs to a plate and place them next to the eggs. TIP: Use Panko crumbs.
3. Roll a cheese stick into the flour—dust off the excess and dip in the eggs. Roll to coat all over and transfer to the breadcrumbs. Cover the cheese stick all over with breadcrumbs and set it on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining cheese.
4. Bake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. Monitor in case the cheese starts to melt.
5. Remove from the oven and serve with marinara sauce or your sauce of choice.

These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions in gluten-free mozzarella sticks, please see the complete recipe below.

TIPS FOR MAKING GLUTEN-FREE MOZZARELLA STICKS

Use the correct cheese - Don't use fresh and soft mozzarella. Use hard mozzarella cheese.

Don't overbake it - If you overbake it, the cheese may melt out.

Freeze the mozzarella sticks - If you find your gf mozzarella sticks melt out, then freeze them for 2 hours prior to baking or air frying them. 

Use flour - The flour ensures the breading is held in place. 

Use a spray - Although not a requirement but if you want them extra crispy. Spray the gf mozzarella sticks with olive oil prior to baking or air frying them.

Pre-heat - Pre-heat your oven or air fryer.

HOW DO I STORE GLUTEN-FREE MOZZARELLA STICKS?

You can store these once cooked in an airtight container for up to 2 days. I do, however, prefer them when I have just made them.

CAN I FREEZE GLUTEN-FREE MOZZARELLA STICKS?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. I prefer making them up until the step just before baking them and then freezing them. I only bake or air fry them when I need them.

CAN YOU MAKE GLUTEN-FREE MOZZARELLA STICKS AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes, you can. But I prefer serving them 5-10 minutes after they are made. Alternatively, prepare them and don't place them in the oven or air fryer until guests have arrived or you are serving them.

CAN I USE STRING CHEESE INSTEAD OF MOZZARELLA?

Yes, you can use string cheese. If it is a firm cheese, it should work.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PANKO AND REGULAR BREADCRUMBS?

Panko has a larger crumb than regular breadcrumbs and is drier. It results in a less greasy crumb.

WHY DO YOU NEED TO BAKE MOZZARELLA STICKS FROM FROZEN?

Well, you don't need to, but if you find your gf mozzarella sticks are melting out, then we recommend that you freeze them, so it doesn't occur.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH GLUTEN-FREE CHEESE STICKS?

You can serve them with any dipping sauce you like. Here's some suggestions:

• Marinara sauce
• Pizza sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Caesar dressing
• Honey mustard

HOW DO YOU AIR FRY GLUTEN-FREE MOZZARELLA STICKS?

It is a straightforward process. Follow the recipe until you place them in the oven. Then take the mozzarella sticks and place them in a pre-heated air fryer at 390 F. Place them in the basket and ensure no gluten-free mozzarella sticks overlap. You can spritz them with a bit of olive oil and air fry them for 5-7 minutes.

Get an air fryer here if you don't have one yet! 

WHY MAKE YOUR OWN GLUTEN-FREE MOZZARELLA STICKS?

It really is so simple to make; you don't need to buy them from the store. Make them ahead of time and don't bake or air fry them, freeze them so you have them on hand for unexpected guests or occasions or have a cheesy snack craving. 

Continue to Content

Yield: 4 servings

Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks

Print

These gluten-free mozzarella sticks are a crowd-pleasing appetizer with a super crispy golden outer crust with gooey melt-in-your-mouth cheese.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 6-8 Mozzarella Sticks (string cheese)
• 1 Cup All-purpose Gluten-Free Flour
• 2 Cups Gluten-Free Panko Breadcrumbs
• 2 Eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• Marinara sauce, for serving, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Mix together the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Beat the eggs in a bowl and put them next to the flour mix. Transfer the breadcrumbs to a plate and place them next to the eggs.
3. Roll a cheese stick into the flour—dust off the excess and dip in the eggs. Roll to coat all over and transfer to the breadcrumbs. Cover the cheese stick all over with breadcrumbs and set it on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining cheese.
4. Bake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. Monitor in case the cheese starts to melt.
5. Remove from the oven and serve with marinara sauce.

Notes

• Don't overcook the gf mozzarella sticks as they will ooze out.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.

• 
  NutriChef Non-Stick Kitchen Oven Baking Pans-Deluxe & Stylish Nonstick Gray Coating Inside & Outside, Commercial Grade Restaurant Quality Metal Bakeware with Red Silicone Handles NCSBS3S, 3 Piece Set
• 
  Jeff Nathan Creations Chef Gourmet Panko Plain Gluten Free, 15 Ounce
• 
  Bob's Red Mill Resealable Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Flour, 22 Ounce (Pack of 2)
• 
  Reynolds Kitchens Parchment Paper Roll, 60 Square Feet
• 
  Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 379Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 117mgSodium: 1637mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 4gSugar: 6gProtein: 17g

This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands that I used a the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.