Name: Deep Fried Pizza Sticks with Mozzarella
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 8 mozzarella cheese sticks or 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella; 24 pepperoni slices (optional); All-purpose flour, for dusting; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1 cup bread crumbs or Italian-style bread crumbs; Oil for deep frying (vegetable or canola); 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)

Deep Fried Pizza Sticks with Mozzarella are a fun, indulgent twist on classic pizza and mozzarella sticks. I take soft pizza dough, stuff it with gooey mozzarella cheese and savory pepperoni, then fry it until golden and crispy. These pizza sticks are perfect for parties, game nights, or when I just want a cheesy, crispy treat that satisfies all my cravings in one bite. Deep Fried Pizza Sticks with Mozzarella

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these pizza sticks deliver that crispy-on-the-outside, melty-on-the-inside experience in every bite. They’re quick to make, super satisfying, and customizable to whatever toppings I prefer. Whether I’m making them for a crowd or just for myself, they always disappear fast. Plus, they’re a fun way to enjoy pizza without needing a fork, plate, or oven.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Mozzarella cheese sticks or shredded mozzarella
Pepperoni slices (optional)
All-purpose flour (for dusting)
Egg (for egg wash)
Bread crumbs or Italian-style bread crumbs
Oil for deep frying (vegetable or canola)
Marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)

Directions

I start by rolling out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
I cut the dough into strips wide enough to wrap around each mozzarella stick or filling.
I place a mozzarella stick (and a few slices of pepperoni, if using) on each strip and fold the dough over, pinching the edges to seal completely.
I roll each stick in flour, dip in egg wash, then coat it evenly with bread crumbs.
In a deep pan, I heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
I carefully fry the pizza sticks in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
I remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
I serve them hot with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 pizza sticks. I prep everything in around 15 minutes, and the frying takes another 10–15 minutes depending on batch size. Altogether, I have them ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for when I want something quick and satisfying.

Variations

I swap mozzarella for cheddar or provolone when I want a different cheese profile.
I add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes inside for a spicy kick.
I skip the pepperoni and add sautéed mushrooms or olives for a vegetarian version.
For a crunchier crust, I sometimes double-coat the sticks with breadcrumbs.
I use garlic butter to brush over the dough before frying for an extra flavor boost.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to get them crispy again. I avoid the microwave if I want to keep the outside crisp.

FAQs

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out during frying?

I make sure to seal the edges of the dough tightly and chill the assembled sticks for about 15 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I prep and assemble them, then keep them in the fridge for a few hours before frying. They also freeze well before frying.

What kind of oil is best for frying these?

I use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, I can bake them at 425°F (220°C) for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, but they won’t be quite as crispy as the fried version.

What dipping sauces go well with these pizza sticks?

I usually serve them with marinara, but ranch, garlic sauce, or spicy buffalo sauce also work great.

Conclusion

Deep Fried Pizza Sticks with Mozzarella are one of my go-to indulgent snacks. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit with anyone I serve them to. Whether I’m treating myself or feeding a crowd, these cheesy, crispy sticks never disappoint.