Low Carb Keto Mozzarella Sticks

Keto Mozzarella Sticks: The Ultimate Low-Carb Snack for Cheese Lovers

ketogenic diet or simply trying to reduce your carbohydrate intake, finding satisfying snacks can often be a struggle. One craving that can be especially challenging to satisfy is the desire for something crispy, cheesy, and indulgent. Luckily, keto mozzarella sticks offer a perfect solution! These crunchy, cheesy delights are ideal for anyone on a low-carb or gluten-free diet, making them a tasty and guilt-free treat. Best of all, they’re simple to prepare, and you can even keep a batch in the freezer for whenever hunger strikes.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to make these delicious keto mozzarella sticks from scratch, along with everything you need to know to make them a staple in your keto-friendly snack repertoire.

Why Choose Keto Mozzarella Sticks?

Mozzarella sticks have always been a popular comfort food. Traditionally made by breading mozzarella cheese and deep-frying them, they are often a guilty pleasure for many, especially on diets like keto or low-carb, which tend to limit traditional breading ingredients like flour and breadcrumbs. This is where keto mozzarella sticks come to the rescue—offering all the gooey, melty goodness of classic mozzarella sticks, but without the carbs!

Here are just a few reasons why these keto mozzarella sticks are the perfect choice:

1. Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly

The standard mozzarella sticks you find at restaurants or frozen foods aisles are usually packed with breadcrumbs, flour, and high-carb fillers. This keto-friendly version uses ingredients like almond flour and coconut flour to create a crispy exterior, without the carb overload. Each serving of these mozzarella sticks contains just 4 grams of carbs, with only 1 gram of net carbs per serving.

2. Gluten-Free

Traditional mozzarella sticks are not gluten-free, as the breading typically contains wheat flour. By using almond flour and coconut flour, these keto mozzarella sticks are completely gluten-free, making them a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

3. Quick to Prepare

One of the best things about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to make. It requires just 10 minutes of prep time, followed by a brief frying session that will yield a delicious snack in no time. With a bit of freezing time to ensure the sticks stay intact while cooking, you can have these mozzarella sticks ready to go in just under 90 minutes.

4. Kid-Friendly Snack

Keto mozzarella sticks make an excellent snack for both adults and kids. They’re fun to eat and flavorful, so they’re sure to please even picky eaters. You can serve them with a sugar-free marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping, making them even more enjoyable for your little ones.

5. Freezable for Convenience

If you’re making a large batch of these mozzarella sticks, you can easily store them in the freezer for later use. This makes it simple to have a low-carb, cheesy snack on hand whenever hunger strikes. They can be cooked straight from the freezer without needing to thaw, saving you even more time.

6. Rich in Protein and Healthy Fats

Each serving of keto mozzarella sticks contains a significant amount of protein—16 grams per serving—thanks to the mozzarella cheese. This makes them a great snack for muscle building and keeping you fuller for longer. Plus, the healthy fats from the cheese and the oil used for frying will help keep your energy levels steady without spiking your blood sugar.

Key Ingredients for Keto Mozzarella Sticks

To make these keto mozzarella sticks, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that are both low in carbs and full of flavor. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

• String Cheese: The base of these mozzarella sticks is, of course, mozzarella cheese! You’ll need 6 pieces of string cheese. Make sure you use full-fat string cheese, as it melts better and gives you that perfect cheesy, gooey texture.
• Egg: One large egg is used for dipping the mozzarella sticks before coating them in the flour mixture. The egg helps the coating stick and provides a slight crispiness when fried.
• Almond Flour: Almond flour is the low-carb substitute for regular flour in this recipe. It’s gluten-free and perfect for creating the crunchy coating you need for these mozzarella sticks.
• Parmesan Cheese: You’ll need about 1/4 cup of powdered Parmesan cheese (the kind that comes in a can). Parmesan adds a sharp, salty flavor to the coating and helps with the crispiness of the sticks.
• Coconut Flour: Coconut flour is another low-carb option that adds texture to the coating and helps with the crispiness while providing a subtle, slightly sweet flavor that complements the mozzarella cheese.
• Italian Seasoning: For flavor, you’ll need 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This blend of herbs (usually including basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary) adds that signature pizza-like flavor to your mozzarella sticks.
• Garlic Powder: Adding 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder will enhance the flavor of the sticks and give them a savory, aromatic note.
• Salt: A pinch of coarse kosher salt helps to balance the flavors and gives the sticks a little extra zing. You can adjust the salt according to your personal preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Keto Mozzarella Sticks

Now that you understand why these keto mozzarella sticks are so great, it’s time to get into the preparation! Below are the steps you’ll need to follow to create these mouth-watering cheese sticks from scratch.

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sticks

Begin by cutting each piece of string cheese in half crosswise, so that you have 12 mini mozzarella sticks in total. This will allow for bite-sized portions, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

Step 2: Make the Coating

In a small bowl, beat 1 egg until well mixed and set aside. In a separate sandwich bag, combine the following dry ingredients:

• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon coconut flour
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Seal the bag and shake vigorously to mix the ingredients. This will ensure that the coating is evenly combined and ready for dipping.

Step 3: Dip and Coat the Mozzarella Sticks

Take each piece of mozzarella cheese and dip it into the beaten egg, making sure it is fully coated. Afterward, drop the egg-coated cheese into the sandwich bag with the flour mixture. Seal the bag and shake it gently to coat the cheese in the dry ingredients. Repeat this process for each mozzarella stick.

Step 4: Freeze the Coated Sticks

Once all the mozzarella sticks are coated, place them on a tray or plate lined with parchment paper. Freeze the sticks for at least one hour to help them set. Freezing helps the coating adhere better and prevents the cheese from melting out during cooking.

Step 5: Fry the Mozzarella Sticks

In a small frying pan, heat oil (such as avocado or coconut oil) to a depth of at least half an inch. The oil should reach a temperature of 325-375°F (about 163-191°C). It’s important not to use too high of a temperature, as this can cause the cheese to melt out too quickly. Alternatively, you can air fry the mozzarella sticks at 370-400°F for about 5-7 minutes.

Carefully place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the hot oil, frying them in batches if necessary. Cook each stick until it is golden brown and crispy on all sides—this should take around 2-3 minutes per side. Be sure to keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once the mozzarella sticks are crispy and golden brown, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

Part 2: Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Freezing Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 (3 sticks per serving)

Ingredients:

• 6 pieces string cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (powdered)
• 1 tablespoon coconut flour
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt

Instructions:

1. Cut each string cheese in half to create 12 mini mozzarella sticks.
2. Beat the egg in a small bowl and set aside.
3. In a sandwich bag, combine almond flour, Parmesan cheese, coconut flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Seal and shake to mix.
4. Dip each mozzarella stick in the beaten egg, then coat it in the flour mixture by shaking it in the bag.
5. Freeze the coated sticks for at least 1 hour.
6. Heat oil in a small frying pan to 325-375°F. Fry the mozzarella sticks until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with a keto-friendly dipping sauce.

Nutrition Information (per serving of 3 sticks):

• Calories: 207
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Net Carbs: 1g
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 74mg
• Sodium: 987mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Calcium: 360mg

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and cheesy keto mozzarella sticks!