Ingredients
- 1 block mozzarella, sliced into ⅓-inch thick sticks
- ¼ cup Yonedas Butter Seasoning
- 1½ cups gluten-free bread crumbs
- ½ cup gluten-free flour
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 L canola oil, for frying
- ½ cup Heath Riles Maple Honey Habanero Rib Glaze
Instructions
1. Cold Smoke the Cheese
- Set up your smoker for cold smoking (below 80°F). Use mild wood like applewood or cherry.
- Place mozzarella sticks on a wire rack and smoke for 20 minutes.
- Transfer to the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up before breading.
2. Prepare the Breading Station
- Bowl 1: Mix flour with ½ of the Yonedas Butter Seasoning.
- Bowl 2: Whisk together eggs and milk.
- Bowl 3: Combine bread crumbs with the remaining seasoning.
3. Bread the Mozzarella Sticks
- Dredge each cheese stick in seasoned flour, then egg wash, then bread crumbs.
- Repeat the egg + breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour before frying (overnight is best).
4. Fry to Perfection
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. Glaze and Serve
- Warm Maple Honey Habanero Rib Glaze in a small saucepan.
- Drizzle or brush over hot mozzarella sticks.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dip:
- Marinara
- Ranch
- Extra glaze
- Or smoked marinara for BBQ flavour!
🔥 Pro Tip: Serve with a side of smoked marinara for the ultimate BBQ twist.
Quick Recap
- Cold smoke cheese at <80°F for 20 min.
- Freeze, bread, and double coat.
- Freeze again, then fry at 375°F.
- Drizzle with glaze and serve hot!
Helpful Tips and Notes
How do I stop cheese from leaking out?
Freeze fully before frying and double coat with bread crumbs for a sealed crust.
Can I use fresh mozzarella?
Yes, but pat it dry thoroughly and freeze well—it melts faster than low-moisture mozzarella.
What oil should I use for frying?
Use a neutral, high-smoke-point oil like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.
Can I bake or air-fry instead?
Yes!
- Air Fryer: 390°F for 5–7 min, flip halfway.
- Oven: 400°F for 8–10 min, flip once.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and bread crumbs—panko-style GF crumbs give the crispiest texture.
Why did my breading fall off?
- Pat cheese dry before breading
- Press coating on firmly
- Always double coat
- Freeze before frying
Storage tips?
- Uncooked: Freeze up to 3 months
- Cooked: Refrigerate up to 3 days, reheat in air fryer or oven for best texture
Best sauces to pair with?
- Classic marinara
- Cool ranch
- Heath Riles glaze for sweet heat
- Spicy BBQ dips
Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! Try:
- Cheddar for bold flavour
- Pepper jack for spice
- Provolone for creamy mildness