Wonton Mozzarella Sticks are a fun, creative twist on the classic mozzarella stick appetizer. By wrapping gooey, melty mozzarella sticks in crispy wonton wrappers, this recipe offers a lighter, crispier alternative to traditional breaded mozzarella sticks. The result is a crunchy, golden-brown exterior that perfectly contrasts with the stretchy, cheesy interior—making these wonton mozzarella sticks an irresistible snack for any occasion.
Perfect for parties, game days, or family movie nights, these cheesy delights are easy to make and quick to fry or bake. The use of wonton wrappers eliminates the need for messy breading, while also delivering a delightful crunch with every bite. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces—like marinara, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo—and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will disappear in minutes!
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the best Wonton Mozzarella Sticks step by step, along with tips for success, variations, and creative serving ideas. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Wonton Mozzarella Sticks bring a fresh and unique spin to a classic appetizer, and here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:
- Crunchy and Cheesy: The crispy wonton wrapper adds a satisfying crunch, while the melted mozzarella provides that gooey, stretchy cheese pull everyone loves.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simpler and faster to prepare than traditional breaded mozzarella sticks.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the game, or making an after-school snack, these mozzarella sticks are always a hit.
- Customizable: You can add herbs, spices, or even different types of cheese to suit your taste.
- Freezer-Friendly: Prepare a batch ahead of time and freeze them for a quick and convenient snack whenever you crave them.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 wonton mozzarella sticks
- Serving Size: 2-3 mozzarella sticks per person
Nutritional Information (per serving of 3 sticks)
- Calories: 250
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Ingredients
For the Wonton Mozzarella Sticks:
- 10 mozzarella string cheese sticks (cut in half crosswise to make 20 pieces)
- 20 wonton wrappers
- 1 large egg (beaten, for sealing)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or as needed, for frying)
Optional Seasoning for Wonton Wrappers:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
Dipping Sauces (Optional):
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Sriracha mayo
- Honey mustard
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese and Wonton Wrappers
- Unwrap the mozzarella string cheese sticks and cut each stick in half crosswise. You should end up with 20 pieces.
- Lay the wonton wrappers on a clean surface and cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out while you work.
Step 2: Assemble the Wonton Mozzarella Sticks
- Place one wonton wrapper on your work surface with one corner pointing toward you, forming a diamond shape.
- Place a piece of mozzarella near the bottom corner of the wrapper. If using the optional seasoning, sprinkle a small pinch of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika over the cheese.
- Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the cheese stick, tucking it tightly around the cheese.
- Fold in the left and right corners toward the center, similar to folding an envelope.
- Roll the cheese stick upward to seal the wrapper completely, brushing the final edge with beaten egg to ensure it stays closed during frying. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and cheese sticks.
Step 3: Heat the Oil for Frying
- In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature.
- If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping in a small piece of wonton wrapper—it should sizzle and turn golden in about 15 seconds.
Step 4: Fry the Wonton Mozzarella Sticks
- Carefully add 3-4 wonton mozzarella sticks to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until the wonton wrappers are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Repeat with the remaining mozzarella sticks, ensuring the oil stays at the correct temperature between batches.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Wonton Mozzarella Sticks warm with your choice of dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or sriracha mayo.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor and presentation.
Ingredient Background
Mozzarella Cheese
String cheese is the ideal choice for this recipe because it’s pre-portioned, melts beautifully, and stays inside the wonton wrapper during frying. Regular mozzarella sticks or blocks of mozzarella cut into strips can also work, but they may melt more quickly.
Wonton Wrappers
Wonton wrappers are thin, square sheets of dough typically used for dumplings or wontons. Their thin, crisp texture makes them perfect for creating a light and crunchy exterior for mozzarella sticks.
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is a neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying. Alternatives like canola oil or peanut oil can also be used.
Technique Tips
- Wrap Tightly: Ensure the wonton wrappers are tightly wrapped around the cheese to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
- Seal Properly: Use beaten egg to seal the edges of the wonton wrappers securely. Without a proper seal, the cheese may escape while frying.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil between 350°F and 375°F for the best results. Oil that’s too hot will burn the wrappers, while oil that’s too cool will result in greasy mozzarella sticks.
- Fry in Small Batches: Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
- Mini Appetizer Platter: Serve Wonton Mozzarella Sticks alongside other bite-sized appetizers like mini sliders, wings, and stuffed mushrooms for a party platter.
- Cheese Pull Board: Arrange the mozzarella sticks on a charcuterie board with dipping sauces, fresh herbs, and crackers for an elegant presentation.
- Wonton Cups: Fold the wonton wrappers into muffin tins to form cups, bake until crispy, and fill with melted mozzarella and marinara for a unique twist.
Additional Tips for Success
- For extra crispiness, sprinkle the wonton wrappers with a touch of cornstarch before wrapping the cheese.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for consistent results.
- Serve the mozzarella sticks immediately for the best texture and cheese pull.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Wonton Mozzarella Sticks: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Herbed Mozzarella Sticks: Mix chopped fresh basil, parsley, or oregano into the cheese for added flavor.
- Buffalo Style: Toss the fried wonton mozzarella sticks in buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free egg roll wrappers or rice paper wrappers as a substitute for wonton wrappers.
Freezing and Storage
Freezing (Before Frying)
- Arrange the wrapped mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer the frozen mozzarella sticks to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
- Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
Refrigeration (After Frying)
Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Healthier Twist Ideas
- Baked Version: Instead of frying, bake the wonton mozzarella sticks at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- Air Fryer: Cook the mozzarella sticks in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes for a crispy, oil-free alternative.
- Low-Fat Cheese: Use low-fat mozzarella string cheese to reduce the calorie and fat content.
Serving Suggestions for Events
Wonton Mozzarella Sticks are versatile and suitable for various occasions:
- Game Day: Pair them with other classic finger foods like wings, nachos, and onion rings for a winning game-day spread.
- Movie Night: Serve them alongside popcorn, chips, and other snacks for a cozy movie night.
- Potlucks: Bring a tray of Wonton Mozzarella Sticks with a variety of dipping sauces to share at your next potluck.
Special Equipment
- Deep-Fry Thermometer: For monitoring oil temperature.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For safely handling the mozzarella sticks while frying.
- Cooling Rack: To keep the mozzarella sticks crispy after frying.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use egg roll wrappers instead of wonton wrappers?
Yes, egg roll wrappers can be cut into smaller squares and used in the same way as wonton wrappers.
2. How do I keep the cheese from leaking out during frying?
Ensure the wonton wrappers are tightly sealed and that the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) to cook the wrappers quickly before the cheese melts too much.
3. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free mozzarella alternative and follow the same wrapping and frying process.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wrappers soggy.
5. Are these gluten-free?
Traditional wonton wrappers contain gluten, but you can use gluten-free wrappers or rice paper as a substitute.
6. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake the mozzarella sticks at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. What’s the best oil for frying?
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal for frying due to their high smoke point.
8. Can I add other cheeses?
Yes, you can mix in cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Wonton Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate cheesy, crispy snack that’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re frying them for a party, baking them for a healthier option, or customizing them with your favorite flavors, these mozzarella sticks are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect combination of crunch and gooey cheese!
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Best Wonton Mozzarella Sticks
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 wonton mozzarella sticks 1x
Ingredients
For the Wonton Mozzarella Sticks:
- 10 mozzarella string cheese sticks (cut in half crosswise to make 20 pieces)
- 20 wonton wrappers
- 1 large egg (beaten, for sealing)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or as needed, for frying)
Optional Seasoning for Wonton Wrappers:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
Dipping Sauces (Optional):
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Sriracha mayo
- Honey mustard
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese and Wonton Wrappers
- Unwrap the mozzarella string cheese sticks and cut each stick in half crosswise. You should end up with 20 pieces.
- Lay the wonton wrappers on a clean surface and cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out while you work.
Step 2: Assemble the Wonton Mozzarella Sticks
- Place one wonton wrapper on your work surface with one corner pointing toward you, forming a diamond shape.
- Place a piece of mozzarella near the bottom corner of the wrapper. If using the optional seasoning, sprinkle a small pinch of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika over the cheese.
- Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the cheese stick, tucking it tightly around the cheese.
- Fold in the left and right corners toward the center, similar to folding an envelope.
- Roll the cheese stick upward to seal the wrapper completely, brushing the final edge with beaten egg to ensure it stays closed during frying. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and cheese sticks.
Step 3: Heat the Oil for Frying
- In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature.
- If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping in a small piece of wonton wrapper—it should sizzle and turn golden in about 15 seconds.
Step 4: Fry the Wonton Mozzarella Sticks
- Carefully add 3-4 wonton mozzarella sticks to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until the wonton wrappers are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Repeat with the remaining mozzarella sticks, ensuring the oil stays at the correct temperature between batches.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Wonton Mozzarella Sticks warm with your choice of dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or sriracha mayo.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor and presentation.
- Cook Time: 5 minutes per batch
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 mozzarella sticks per person
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g