When you’re craving something crunchy, gooey, and totally satisfying, few things hit the spot like gluten free mozzarella sticks. These golden bites are crisp on the outside, warm and melty on the inside—everything a great snack should be, minus the gluten. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to make the perfect gluten free mozzarella sticks at home (fried, baked, or air-fried), plus share all my tips from freezer prep to dairy-free swaps. If you’re looking for a snack your family will fight over—in the best way—this one’s it.
Table of Contents
Why I Love These Gluten Free Mozzarella Sticks
Crunchy, Melty, Family-Approved Goodness
Hi, I’m Lisa Hartwell—a 53-year-old home cook from sunny Santa Barbara, California. I still remember the first time I tried to recreate mozzarella sticks for my twin boys. They were in their “everything must be dipped in marinara” phase, and I needed a snack they’d actually eat without complaints. But being gluten free? That made it tricky. Most frozen brands were off-limits. So, I rolled up my sleeves and decided to make them myself.
What surprised me most was how easy—and honestly fun—it was. There’s something so satisfying about coating each cheese stick, double-dipping for that extra crunch, and seeing them fry up to golden perfection. And that first bite? Ooey-gooey cheese wrapped in a crispy gluten free crust. Pure joy.
These gluten free mozzarella sticks quickly became a weekend tradition in our house. Whether we were watching movies or hosting friends, a batch of these never lasted more than a few minutes. They’re not just kid-friendly—they’re crowd-pleasers. I’ve served them to people who didn’t even know they were gluten free.
You can make them ahead, freeze them, bake or air-fry them, and even go dairy-free if needed. Just like my gluten-free garlic bread or my gluten-free ice cream cake, they’re approachable, tasty, and 100% real-life approved.
Made for Real-Life Kitchens (Messes Welcome)
If you’ve ever hesitated to fry something at home—don’t. This recipe breaks it down step-by-step and offers air fryer and oven options too. I love using organic gluten free breadcrumbs or even crushed sourdough crackers for the crust when I’m feeling creative.
This dish reminds me why I started cooking in the first place—to make meals that feel like hugs on a plate. It’s not about perfection. It’s about flavor, effort, and joy.
Up next: how to prep the ingredients, coat the cheese just right, and keep those sticks from leaking in the pan.
How to Make Gluten Free Mozzarella Sticks at Home
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Gluten Free Mozzarella Sticks
When it comes to making gluten free mozzarella sticks from scratch, the ingredients you choose will shape the final bite. You want that perfect balance: crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside. I’ve made these dozens of times, and a few simple swaps make all the difference.
Start with mozzarella string cheese—those individually wrapped sticks are ideal. They hold their shape and melt beautifully. You can also use a block of mozzarella and slice it into thick pieces, but string cheese makes things quicker and easier. If you need dairy-free, Miyoko’s cashew milk mozzarella is a fantastic option.
Now for the coating—this is where your gluten free mozzarella sticks get their crunch. I blend gluten free Panko breadcrumbs (I like the 4C brand) with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a touch of salt. That breadcrumb coating delivers serious texture and flavor whether you fry, bake, or air-fry your gluten free mozzarella sticks.
Set up a three-part breading station: one shallow bowl with a mix of gluten free flour and cornstarch, another with whisked eggs, and a third with the seasoned breadcrumbs. Trust me, this organized setup keeps things clean(ish) and smooth—especially when little hands want to help. I sometimes toss in crushed gluten free garlic bread ends to amp up flavor in the crumb mix.
Step-by-Step Breading for Ultimate Gluten Free Crunch
Start by cutting each mozzarella stick in half—this helps your gluten free mozzarella sticks hold their shape better and cook evenly. Dip one at a time in the flour-cornstarch blend. This dry layer helps the egg stick. Then roll it in egg, followed by breadcrumbs. And don’t stop there—repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a second layer. This double breading is what keeps your gluten free mozzarella sticks from leaking cheese during cooking.
Once they’re all coated, place the sticks on a parchment-lined baking tray. Pop them in the freezer for at least one hour. Freezing is non-negotiable—it helps the cheese stay inside while cooking and guarantees a crispy crust. If you’re batch prepping, you can store the frozen gluten free mozzarella sticks in a zip-top bag for up to two months. That way, you always have a party snack or kid-friendly dinner ready in minutes.
When I prep these alongside my low FODMAP sourdough bread, it feels like a little gift to my future self. Homemade comfort that’s gluten free and ready to enjoy anytime.
Cooking Your Gluten Free Mozzarella Sticks to Perfection
Fry, Bake, or Air-Fry? All Roads Lead to Crunch
Now that your gluten free mozzarella sticks are breaded and frozen, it’s time to bring them to life. And the best part? You’ve got options. Whether you love the rich golden crust of frying or prefer the ease of baking or air frying, these gluten free mozzarella sticks deliver on flavor and texture.
To Fry: Heat about 2–3 inches of oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F. I like using peanut or canola oil for an even, crisp finish. Carefully drop in two to three gluten free mozzarella sticks at a time and fry for just 60 seconds. You want that beautiful golden brown outside and a perfectly melty inside. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly.
To Air-Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and spray the basket with gluten free cooking spray. Add the frozen gluten free mozzarella sticks in a single layer and lightly mist the tops. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway. The crust comes out surprisingly crunchy with zero mess.
To Bake: Preheat your oven to 415°F. Place your gluten free mozzarella sticks on a foil-lined, greased baking sheet. Bake for 10–15 minutes, flipping once, until lightly golden. This is a great option when you’re cooking for a crowd or want a lower-oil version without sacrificing crispiness.
No matter which method you choose, the result is mouthwatering. These gluten free mozzarella sticks hold up beautifully and offer that satisfying stretch when you break one open. I often prep them alongside my sourdough French bread to round out a homemade appetizer board.
Serving Ideas That Go Beyond Marinara
Sure, marinara is the classic dipping sauce for gluten free mozzarella sticks—but don’t stop there. My boys love dunking them in ranch dressing or honey mustard. For guests, I serve them with a trio of dips: warm pizza sauce, spicy buffalo ranch, and a garlicky aioli. It turns a simple snack into a crowd-winning appetizer.
They also pair well with light sides like sourdough pita chips or fresh-cut veggies when you want to balance out the indulgence. If I’m hosting, I’ll make a big platter and add some gluten free meatballs or mini sliders to make it a complete game-day spread.
These gluten free mozzarella sticks never last long in our house—no matter how I serve them. Crispy, cheesy, endlessly dippable… they’re everything I love about comfort food in one bite.
Gluten Free Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut each mozzarella stick in half. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with gluten free flour and cornstarch mixed, one with whisked eggs, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Dip each cheese stick into the flour mixture, then the egg, then the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat egg and breadcrumb steps to double-coat. Place on parchment-lined tray.
- Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour to prevent leaking during cooking.
- To fry: Heat oil to 350°F and fry 2–3 sticks at a time for 60 seconds until golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- To air-fry: Preheat to 390°F. Place sticks in a single layer in the basket, mist with cooking spray, and cook 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
- To bake: Preheat oven to 415°F. Arrange on greased, foil-lined sheet and bake 10–15 minutes, flipping once, until golden.
- Serve hot with marinara, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Storage, Reheating & FAQs for Gluten Free Mozzarella Sticks
Make-Ahead Magic & Smart Storage
One of the reasons I love gluten free mozzarella sticks so much—besides how delicious they are—is how easy they are to prep ahead. When you’ve already got a freezer stocked with ready-to-cook cheesy snacks, you’re never far from a quick appetizer or last-minute dinner solution.
After you bread your gluten free mozzarella sticks and freeze them on a tray for at least an hour, transfer them to a freezer-safe zip bag. Label it with the date and you’re good to go for up to 2 months. Just pull out however many you need and fry, bake, or air-fry straight from frozen.
Leftovers? If there are any, store the cooked gluten free mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I suggest tossing them in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 375°F or baking for 5–7 minutes. This keeps them crispy, unlike the microwave which can soften the coating.
I often double my batch while prepping my organic sourdough bread or gluten-free ice cream cake so I can have a stash of both sweet and savory treats ready when company comes.
For more fun variations and ideas, check out our Facebook and Pinterset sections where creativity meets craving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten Free Mozzarella Sticks
Are there any gluten-free mozzarella sticks?
Yes! You can absolutely find gluten free mozzarella sticks both in grocery store freezers and homemade recipes like this one. Making them at home is the best way to control ingredients, get a super crispy crust, and make them dairy-free if needed.
Do Sonic mozzarella sticks have gluten?
Yes, Sonic’s mozzarella sticks are not gluten free. They’re breaded using traditional wheat flour and fried in shared oil, which increases the risk of cross-contamination.
Are TGI Fridays mozzarella sticks gluten-free?
Unfortunately, no. TGI Fridays mozzarella sticks are made with wheat-based breadcrumbs and are not considered safe for gluten free diets.
Is Trader Joe’s mozzarella gluten-free?
Trader Joe’s plain mozzarella cheese is naturally gluten free, including many of their string cheese products. Always double-check the label, as manufacturing practices can change.
Conclusion
Making gluten free mozzarella sticks at home is easier—and more rewarding—than you might think. From that first cheesy pull to the satisfying crunch of the seasoned crust, every bite delivers comfort and joy. Whether you fry them up for a crowd, pop them in the oven for a low-oil snack, or stash a freezer batch for future cravings, these homemade gluten free mozzarella sticks are a true game-changer.
They’re more than just a snack—they’re a reminder that gluten free doesn’t mean giving up the foods we love. With a few pantry staples, smart prep, and a little heart, you can enjoy that nostalgic, golden crunch whenever you want.
If you’re looking for more simple, soul-satisfying gluten free recipes, check out my gluten free garlic bread or my reader-favorite gluten-free ice cream cake. Until then, I hope your mozzarella sticks come out golden, melty, and totally devoured.