Copycat Chili’s Mozzarella Sticks | Giant Mozzarella Stick Recipe

These Copycat Chili’s Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate appetizer indulgence. You’ll be drooling when you bite into this giant chunk of mozzarella cheese coated in a crispy and flavorful breadcrumb coating. Dunk them in your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable bite.

Why You’ll Love This Mouthwatering Appetizer

• Simple to make. Follow five simple steps to create these mozzarella sticks that will rival your favorite restaurant.
• Minimal ingredients required. All you need is a handful of ingredients to make this crispy, melty, and cheesy delight.
• Packed with flavor. These giant mozzarella sticks are so good you won’t have any problem skipping the dipping sauce (but we won’t judge you if you decide you want it).

Whether you’re trying to skip out on the high price of this restaurant favorite or you’re just craving something perfectly cheesy at home for a midnight snack, these copycat Chili’s Mozzarella Sticks are guaranteed to hit the spot.

What Do Chili’s Mozzarella Sticks Taste Like?

Chili’s mozzarella sticks are just like other mozzarella sticks, right? WRONG. The flavor of these giant mozzarella sticks may be similar to other mozzarella sticks you’ve had in the past, but their size and cheese pull are unmatched.

They’re crispy, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned with a lovely spice blend to create a fried cheese stick that is packed with flavor.

Ingredients To Grab

Double-check your refrigerator and spice rack for these ingredients before you get started for a seamless cooking experience:

• Mozzarella Cheese– The star of the dish, mozzarella cheese provides the creamy, gooey, and stretchy center that makes mozzarella sticks so irresistible. Its mild flavor and meltability make it the ideal cheese for this recipe.
• Egg– The egg acts as a binding agent that helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the mozzarella sticks. It ensures that the coating sticks during frying, creating a cohesive outer layer.
• Breadcrumbs– Breadcrumbs form the crispy, golden-brown crust on the outside of the mozzarella sticks. They provide texture and flavor, with seasoned breadcrumbs adding an extra layer of seasoning to the dish.
• Flour– Flour serves as the first layer in the breading process, creating a dry surface on the mozzarella sticks for the egg to cling to. This step is essential for building the base of the breading structure.
• Oil– Vegetable or Canola oil are both great choices for deep frying.
• Spices– The combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning is used to add a punch of flavor to the crispy batter of the mozz sticks.

How To Make Copycat Chili’s Mozzarella Sticks

Slice the cheese. Cut an 8 ounce block of mozzarella cheese into 8 chunks. First, cut it in half lengthwise. Then cut each half of the block of cheese into 4 even-sized rectangles. I prefer to use a cheese slicer, but if you don’t have one, a sharp knife works just as well.

Create the breading. Combine all purpose flour, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a shallow bowl.

Scramble the egg mixture. Scramble an egg in a separate bowl.

Coat the cheese. Dip the sliced cheese into the egg mixture. Gently shake off any excess egg and then dip the egg-coated cheese into the breading. Repeat the egg coating and breading a second time on each piece of cheese.

Fry to perfection. Bring the oil up to a temperature of 350F in a flat-bottomed skillet or deep fryer. Place the coated mozzarella cheese into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, flipping half way through until the breading is golden brown.

Serve and enjoy. Remove the Copycat Chili’s Mozzarella Sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for the perfect dunk and enjoy!

Tips And Tricks

This recipe is super simple, but to ensure you create a perfect appetizer every time, read over the following tips and tricks before you get started:

• Don’t skimp on the breading. Make sure you dunk the mozzarella cheese in the egg and breadcrumbs twice. This thicker batter will help prevent the cheese from melting out into the oil.
• Heat your oil correctly. Frying oil that is not hot enough will prevent your breading from becoming crispy while it cooks. The oil will absorb into the bread crumbs and create a greasy bite.
• Use a cheese slicer. If you’re not confident in your knife skills, try using a cheese slicer instead. This will help maintain consistency in the size of the mozzarella sticks and help save your fingers.

Variations

If you’re a sucker for a delicious mozzarella stick but want to mix up the flavors a little bit, try tossing this copycat creation in one of these spectacular sauces:

• Honey Chipotle
• Nashville Hot
• Firecracker Sauce
• Honey BBQ
• Hot Honey

What To Eat With Copycat Chili’s Mozzarella Sticks

Giant Mozzarella Sticks are absolutely irresistible enjoyed by themselves, but they can be made even better when they are paired with the perfect dipping sauce. Here are some of our favorite things to dip them in:

• Ranch Dressing– The creamy and tangy flavor of ranch dressing balances the richness of the mozzarella sticks.
• Marinara Sauce– The classic pairing! Marinara sauce offers a tangy, tomato-based contrast to the cheesy mozzarella. It cuts through the richness of the cheese, and the hint of garlic and herbs enhances the overall flavor.
• Honey Mustard– The sweetness complements the salty, cheesy mozzarella sticks, while the mustard adds a slight kick for balance.
• Spicy Mayo– Spicy mayo adds a creamy and mildly spicy element, introducing a bit of heat that contrasts with the rich cheese.
• Chunky Salsa– The mix of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices adds a juicy, slightly acidic element, cutting through the heaviness of the fried cheese while introducing a fun texture.

How Long Do They Last?

For the best bite, store any leftover mozzarella sticks that you may have in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last up to 5 days when stored properly.

When you’re ready to reheat them, place them in the microwave for 45 seconds. If you want to maintain their crispy texture, spray them with a small amount of oil or cooking spray and reheat them in the air fryer at 400F for 3-5 minutes.

Can You Freeze Them?

Yes! These giant mozzarella sticks are perfect for making in bulk and freezing for later!

To freeze your leftovers, allow them to cool to room temperature. Separate the mozzarella sticks with parchment paper before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can place them into an air fryer preheated to 375F. Cook them for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through or until crispy on the inside and melty on the inside. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can pop them back into some hot oil and allow them to fry until they are warmed through.

More Amazing Appetizers

If you love a delicious starter or are craving a spread of little bites, try out some of these other amazing appetizers:

• Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Cashew Chicken Dip
• Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
• Pinwheels
• Pizza Dip

If you love this recipe for Copycat Chili’s Mozzarella Sticks as much as our family does, make sure you share it on social media so your friends can try it too! Don’t forget to save it so you can make it again next time you’re craving something cheesy.