Indulge in the crispy, golden goodness of mozzarella sticks tailored to fit a carnivore-friendly diet! These cheesy, crunchy bites are the ultimate appetizer or snack, made with pork panko for a low-carb twist.
Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself, this quick recipe ensures molten interiors and perfectly crisp exteriors every time. Best of all, they’re easy to prepare and packed with rich flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
How to Make Mozzarella Sticks at Home, Carnivore Style
- Yield: 6 sticks (2 servings)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes, plus 20 minutes to chill
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
Ingredients
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons pork panko, divided
- 1 large egg
- 3 whole-milk mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half crosswise
- ½ cup tallow, bacon grease, or other heat-tolerant fat of choice, plus extra if needed, for frying
- Dipping sauce of choice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a coating station by arranging 3 small bowls. Add 2 tablespoons of pork panko to the first bowl on the left, the remaining ¼ cup of pork panko to the third bowl on the right, and crack the egg into the middle bowl. Whisk the egg well.
- Coat each cheese stick by rolling it in the first bowl of panko, ensuring all sides are covered. This layer helps the egg adhere better.
- Dip the stick into the whisked egg, then press it into the last bowl of panko, thoroughly coating all sides. Repeat for all sticks and place them on a plate. Chill the coated sticks in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up and prevent leaking during frying.
- Heat tallow or your preferred cooking fat in a deep-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Ensure the melted fat is about ½ inch deep. Add more fat if needed.
- Fry the sticks for 3–4 minutes, turning them every minute to brown all sides evenly. Once golden and crispy, remove them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy as-is or pair with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Carnivore Mozzarella Sticks
- Choose the Right Cheese: For a true carnivore approach, opt for full-fat mozzarella string cheese. While part-skim options work, full-fat yields a creamier, more indulgent interior.
- Freezing Is Key: Don’t skip the freezing step, as it prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and breaking through the coating during frying.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Keep the frying oil at a consistent 350°F for even browning and crispy results. A thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
- Dipping Sauce Ideas: While these sticks are delicious on their own, you can pair them with carnivore-friendly sauces like a garlic butter dip or melted cream cheese for a richer experience.
Why Mozzarella Sticks Are the Ultimate Carnivore Snack
This recipe takes a classic comfort food and transforms it into a carnivore-friendly delight by swapping breadcrumbs for pork panko. The result is a low-carb, high-protein snack that satisfies cravings while keeping your diet on track. Whether you’re serving these at a game night or enjoying them solo, mozzarella sticks are a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
Elevate your appetizer game by experimenting with variations. Add a touch of Parmesan to the panko for extra flavor, or sprinkle the finished sticks with smoked paprika for a subtle kick. However you customize them, these cheesy bites are sure to be a hit!
Carnivore Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons pork panko divided
- 1 large egg
- 3 whole-milk mozzarella string cheese sticks cut in half crosswise
- ½ cup tallow bacon grease, or other heat-tolerant fat of choice, plus extra if needed, for frying
- Dipping sauce of choice for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a coating station by arranging 3 small bowls. Add 2 tablespoons of pork panko to the first bowl on the left, the remaining ¼ cup of pork panko to the third bowl on the right, and crack the egg into the middle bowl. Whisk the egg well.
- Coat each cheese stick by rolling it in the first bowl of panko, ensuring all sides are covered. This layer helps the egg adhere better.
- Dip the stick into the whisked egg, then press it into the last bowl of panko, thoroughly coating all sides. Repeat for all sticks and place them on a plate. Chill the coated sticks in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up and prevent leaking during frying.
- Heat tallow or your preferred cooking fat in a deep-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Ensure the melted fat is about ½ inch deep. Add more fat if needed.
- Fry the sticks for 3–4 minutes, turning them every minute to brown all sides evenly. Once golden and crispy, remove them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy as-is or pair with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.