Making these sticks can feel a little intimidating at first, but what’s exciting is that once you try it, you’ll see how simple it actually is. If you love crispy, cheesy snacks but want to skip the dairy, these Vegan Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect solution. They’re golden, crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and bursting with flavor. In my kitchen, the most important part is freezing the sticks before cooking—they hold their shape and get perfectly crispy. The coating of panko breadcrumbs gives them that extra crunch while the vegan mozzarella melts slowly inside, making every bite satisfying and fun.

I have tried a few different vegan mozzarella brands, and I use Violife or Miyoko’s because they melt just right without becoming too runny. Always double-coat the sticks in breadcrumbs for that professional, crunchy texture. I also like adding a pinch of garlic powder and Italian herbs to the breadcrumbs—it makes them taste like they came from a restaurant.

You can serve them with a classic marinara sauce for dipping, some vegan ranch dressing for extra creaminess, or even a spicy sriracha mayo if you like a little heat. They’re perfect as a party appetizer, a snack for kids after school, or a fun addition to a vegan game night spread.

Its Perfect For:

• Movie nights with family and friends
• Halloween parties or themed gatherings
• Quick snack for kids after school
• Appetizers for casual dinner parties
• Cozy nights in when you crave something warm and cheesy

Ingredients

• 12 vegan mozzarella sticks (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (soy, almond, oat, etc.)
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
• Oil for frying (or cooking spray for oven version)
• Marinara sauce, for serving

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet or air fryer tray
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Three shallow bowls for breading station
• Small saucepan (for optional dipping sauces)
• Frying pan or deep fryer (if frying)
• Tongs for flipping sticks
• Freezer or ice tray (to chill coated sticks)

How to Make Vegan Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1

Prepare the breading station: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In the second, pour the plant-based milk. In the third, mix breadcrumbs with Italian herbs if using. This triple-layer setup ensures each mozzarella stick gets a crispy, flavorful coating.

Step 2

Coat the mozzarella sticks: Working one at a time, roll a mozzarella stick in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the plant-based milk, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crunchy layer, repeat the milk and breadcrumb step once more. Place the coated sticks on a lined tray or plate and freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent melting during cooking.

Step 3

Cook the mozzarella sticks: Frying: Heat oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry sticks in batches for 2–3 minutes, turning carefully, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels. Baking (Healthier Option): Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil. Arrange frozen sticks in a single layer and bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.

Step 4

Serve immediately:
Transfer the cooked mozzarella sticks to a serving platter. Serve hot with a generous side of marinara sauce for dipping. The gooey, melty vegan cheese inside with the crispy golden crust is irresistible!

Tips for the Perfect Vegan Mozzarella Sticks

• Freeze sticks before cooking to prevent them from melting too fast. This keeps the coating intact and crispy.
• Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones for extra crunch. They give a light, airy coating that bakes evenly.
• Double-coat each stick for maximum crunch. Dip in milk, then breadcrumbs, then milk and breadcrumbs again.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan or tray. Give each stick space so they cook evenly and stay crispy.
• Season breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs. This adds flavor to every bite.
• Use unsweetened plant-based milk. Soy, almond, or oat milk all work and won’t add extra sweetness.
• Serve immediately after cooking. They are best hot when the cheese is melty and the coating is crunchy.

Optional Ingredients

• Nutritional yeast (for extra cheesy flavor)
• Chili flakes (for a spicy kick)
• Black sesame seeds (for a fun look)
• Smoked paprika (adds a subtle smoky taste)
• Vegan parmesan (sprinkle on top before baking)
• Fresh herbs like parsley or basil (for garnish)

How to Serve Vegan Mozzarella Sticks

I love serving vegan mozzarella sticks hot and fresh from the oven or fryer. The first thing I do is plate them on a large platter and drizzle a little extra dipping sauce over the top for presentation. It makes them look irresistible and encourages everyone to dig in.

I also like pairing them with different dipping options. Marinara sauce is my classic favorite because it complements the gooey mozzarella perfectly. Sometimes, I add vegan ranch or garlic aioli on the side for variety. This way, everyone can pick their favorite flavor and enjoy a little tasting adventure with every bite.

Finally, I serve them with simple sides to make them feel like a meal. Celery sticks, carrot sticks, roasted bell peppers, or even lightly seasoned potato wedges add color, crunch, and balance. For parties, I sometimes set up a small dipping station with multiple sauces so guests can experiment with different flavors—it makes snack time fun and interactive!

Is Vegan Mozzarella Sticks Healthy?

Yes, they can be a healthier alternative to traditional mozzarella sticks because they are plant-based and often lower in saturated fat. Using an oven or air fryer instead of deep frying also reduces extra calories while keeping them crispy.

That said, they are still a snack food, so moderation is key. The golden breadcrumb coating adds carbs, and vegan cheese is processed, but enjoying them occasionally can definitely fit into a balanced diet. Pairing with fresh veggies or a salad makes them even better.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cauliflower Sticks: Replace mozzarella with cauliflower florets coated in the same breadcrumbs. Bake or air fry for a veggie version.
• Tofu Sticks: Use firm tofu slices instead of cheese. Press and freeze first, then bread for a protein-packed snack.
• Spicy Version: Add chili powder or cayenne to breadcrumbs for a mild to strong kick. Serve with sriracha mayo.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and panko crumbs. Works well for those avoiding gluten while keeping crunch.
• Baked Only: Skip frying completely. Bake sticks on a parchment-lined sheet with cooking spray for a lighter version.
• Herb-Infused: Add finely chopped fresh basil or oregano into breadcrumbs. It gives a fresh flavor to the coating.
• Air-Fried: Use an air fryer for extra crispiness with less oil. Check halfway for even cooking.
• Stuffed: Try stuffing vegan mozzarella with a thin slice of sun-dried tomato or jalapeño for surprise flavor inside.

How to Store, How to Reheat

Store leftover sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, do not leave them at room temperature for too long, as the coating can become soggy. You can also freeze them after breading if you want to make a batch ahead of time.

To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place sticks on a baking sheet and heat for 8–10 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the coating soft and chewy instead of crunchy. Air fryer reheating also works well for that fresh-from-the-kitchen texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Mozzarella Sticks

Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the sticks and freeze them for later. Cook directly from frozen for the best crunch. This makes them perfect for planning snacks or preparing for parties.

What’s the best vegan mozzarella brand?
Brands like Violife, Miyoko’s, and Follow Your Heart are firm and melt nicely without turning too runny. Avoid soft or spreadable types for breaded sticks.

Can I bake instead of fry?
Absolutely! Baking at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes gives crispy sticks without extra oil. Flip halfway through for even browning and crunch.

What dipping sauces work best?
Classic marinara is a must, but vegan ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo are all great choices. For variety, I like mixing a little vegan pesto with olive oil for a fresh twist. You can even serve multiple sauces for a fun tasting experience.

Vegan Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Recipe by Maria MeyerCourse: Appetizers, SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Learn how to make crispy, melty Vegan Mozzarella Sticks! Easy, golden, and flavorful, these plant-based snacks are perfect for parties, movie nights, and cozy evenings.

Ingredients

• 12 vegan mozzarella sticks (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (soy, almond, oat, etc.)

• 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)

• Oil for frying (or cooking spray for oven version)

• Marinara sauce, for serving

Directions

• Prepare the breading station:Set up three shallow bowls. In the first, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In the second, pour the plant-based milk. In the third, mix breadcrumbs with Italian herbs if using. This triple-layer setup ensures each mozzarella stick gets a crispy, flavorful coating.
• Coat the mozzarella sticks: Working one at a time, roll a mozzarella stick in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the plant-based milk, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crunchy layer, repeat the milk and breadcrumb step once more. Place the coated sticks on a lined tray or plate and freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent melting during cooking.
• Cook the mozzarella sticks: Frying: Heat oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry sticks in batches for 2–3 minutes, turning carefully, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels. Baking (Healthier Option): Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil. Arrange frozen sticks in a single layer and bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
• Serve immediately:
• Transfer the cooked mozzarella sticks to a serving platter. Serve hot with a generous side of marinara sauce for dipping. The gooey, melty vegan cheese inside with the crispy golden crust is irresistible!