Mozzarella Sticks With Filo Pastry
Enjoy a fresh twist on classic mozzarella sticks with this filo-wrapped version. The thin, crispy pastry gives way to a warm, gooey mozzarella centre, lifted by the bright flavours of parsley, red onion, lemon zest, and garlic. Served hot with a sprinkle of flaky salt and a side of tangy chimichurri or your favourite dip, they’re as eye-catching as they are delicious. Perfect for sharing, these golden sticks make an irresistible snack that’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
Ingredients
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45 g
Dried breadcrumbs
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½ tsp
Coarse salt
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50 g
Parsley, finely chopped
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150 g
Mozzarella cheese, diced
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1
Red onion, finely chopped
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2 tsp
Lemon zest
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2
Garlic cloves, finely chopped
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12 sheets
Filo pastry (approx. 10x10 cm)
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2
Eggs, beaten
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500 ml
Rapeseed oil (for frying)
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Flake salt
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
For the best results, use a high-quality block of low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella. It melts smoothly without releasing excess liquid, helping your sticks stay crisp and preventing messy oil splatters. Fresh mozzarella, while delicious, contains too much moisture and can cause uneven melting or leaks. With the right cheese, you’ll get that irresistible stretchy, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the garlic, red onion, lemon zest, and parsley in the filling.
To stop the cheese from leaking while frying, it’s important to keep your filo sheets fresh under a damp tea towel and work with one at a time. Place a sheet so the tip points towards you, add a spoonful of filling near the corner, and fold the tip snugly over it. Roll once or twice to secure, then tuck in the sides to lock the cheese inside. Brush the edges with a little egg wash – your secret “glue” – and roll up firmly. This simple fold gives you perfectly sealed sticks that fry up golden and gooey without any leaks.
An even coating is all about technique. Start by dipping your rolled sticks into the beaten egg then coat it in the breadcrumbs. Use one hand for the wet step (egg) and the other for the dry (breadcrumbs) to avoid clumps and keep the coating smooth. Roll the sticks gently in the crumbs so they cover evenly without pressing too hard, and if you spot any bare patches, sprinkle on a little more and pat lightly. For extra crunch, repeat the egg-and-breadcrumb step once more, this double layer gives you that perfectly golden, uniform crust that stays crisp while the cheese melts inside.
Questions about mozzarella sticks
Have questions about making the perfect snack? From knowing exactly when they’re cooked to picking the best dip – or even trying them in the air fryer – we’ve got the answers to help you get the most out of this cheesy favourite.
How do I know my mozzarella sticks are perfectly cooked?
You’ll know your snack is ready when they turn a deep golden brown and feel crisp to the touch. The cheese inside should be melted but not spilling out. If you see little bubbles of cheese peeking through, that’s your sign to take them out quickly. Fry in small batches so the oil temperature stays steady and keep an eye on the colour rather than the clock. Perfectly cooked sticks should be crunchy on the outside, with gooey, stretchy cheese inside.
What’s the best dipping sauce to pair with this recipe?
Mozzarella sticks pair beautifully with dips that balance their rich, cheesy centre and crispy coating. For something light and refreshing, a sour cream and chive dip brings tang and a gentle herby lift. If you’re in the mood for bold flavour, this rich blue cheese dip adds salty depth and a satisfying tang. Or, for a creamier and fresher twist, the avocado dip from our sweet potato chips recipe is a perfect match — smooth, mild, and with just the right hint of zest to cut through the richness.
Can I make these mozzarella sticks in the air fryer?
Yes, this snack turns out great in the air fryer. Preheat it to 200 °C (390 °F) and freeze the wrapped sticks for at least 30 minutes so the cheese doesn’t melt too quickly. Lightly brush or spray them with oil, then cook in a single layer for about five minutes. Flip and cook for another two to three minutes until golden and crisp. You’ll get the same gooey centre with a crunchy shell, but with less oil than deep frying.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
1727 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 5.1 gram fibers |
| Protein | 17 | 72.3 gram |
| Fat | 19.8 | 38.6 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 63.2 | 268.7 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
Make it your own with herbs, spices, or a little heat
Want to take your mozzarella sticks up a notch? Mix extra herbs and spices into the breadcrumbs for a coating that really stands out. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of dried basil or oregano add a Mediterranean flair, while cayenne or paprika bring gentle heat. A little grated Parmesan not only boosts savoury flavour but also helps the crumbs cling better.
For the filling, fresh thyme or basil give an aromatic twist, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds just the right kick. Be sure to mix everything evenly so every bite is packed with flavour.
Out of breadcrumbs? Try these easy DIY alternatives
No breadcrumbs in the cupboard? Don’t worry, plenty of everyday ingredients can give your mozzarella sticks that same golden crunch. Crushed cornflakes or tortilla chips bring extra crispiness, while finely ground oats or crackers create a lighter coating.
You can even blitz stale bread or rolls in a food processor for a quick homemade batch. Each option gives a slightly different texture, but all fry up deliciously crisp and keep the gooey cheese sealed inside.
Can I swap mozzarella for another melty cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella gives you that classic gooey stretch, other mild, melty cheeses work just as well. Try gouda or cheddar for a richer flavour, or Havarti for an extra creamy bite. Even a mix of cheeses can be fun, just stick to varieties that melt smoothly so you get the same irresistible pull when you bite into your crispy snack.
Save time by prepping your mozzarella sticks in advance
This recipe is perfect for prepping ahead of time. Simply roll and coat them, then place the finished sticks on a tray lined with baking paper. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours until you’re ready to fry. This also helps the coating firm up and makes them hold their shape better.
If you want to get even further ahead, freeze the coated sticks in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to two months. When the craving hits, fry them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two of cooking time for that same golden crunch and gooey centre.
Other tasty snacks to pair with your mozzarella sticks
Round out your snack spread with a mix of flavours and textures that complement the rich, gooey bite of mozzarella sticks:
- Roasted chickpeas: crunchy and spiced, they add a light, protein-packed balance to the cheesy richness.
- Kale chips: salty, delicate, and feather-light, they offer a crisp contrast to the heavier coating of the sticks.
- Vegetable fritters: lightly pan-fried and golden, these fritters bring variety and freshness to the table, making a colourful partner for the cheesy indulgence.
