Description
Pepperoni Pizza Mozzarella Sticks are a fun, cheesy appetizer that combines the flavors of classic pepperoni pizza with gooey mozzarella, all coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pepperoni Pizza Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups mini or diced pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (additional)
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced or paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Seasoned Breadcrumbs:
- 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Egg Wash:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
Other:
- Canola oil for frying
- Pizza sauce for serving
- Parmesan cheese, grated, for garnish
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, pepperoni, mozzarella, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form Sticks: Shape the mixture into sticks, about 3–4 inches long, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, beat eggs with water to make the egg wash. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat Sticks: Dip each chilled cheese stick into egg wash, then coat with seasoned breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb coating.
- Fry: Heat canola oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry sticks in batches until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Drain & Serve: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with pizza sauce, garnished with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Notes
- Freeze sticks before frying for easier handling and to prevent cheese from leaking.
- Use mini pepperoni for an even distribution in each stick.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes; avoid microwaving to keep them crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg