Low Carb Almond Breaded Italian Mozzarella Sticks
Crispy ketogenic mozzarella sticks coated in seasoned almond meal instead of traditional breadcrumbs. These protein-rich appetizers deliver all the melted cheese satisfaction of classic mozzarella sticks while keeping carbs minimal. The almond coating creates a golden, crunchy exterior that perfectly complements the stretchy, herb-seasoned mozzarella interior. Ideal for low-carb dieters, keto followers, or anyone seeking a healthier twist on the beloved bar snack. The freezing step ensures the cheese holds its shape during frying.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups mozzarella cheese
- 3 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup almond meal, finely ground
- 1 medium egg, raw whole
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- 1
Mix almond meal with Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper in a bowl
- 2
Slice mozzarella into thick strips or wedges about 3/4 inch thick
- 3
Beat egg in a small bowl
- 4
Coat each mozzarella strip in beaten egg then roll in seasoned almond meal until well covered
- 5
Transfer all breaded cheese to freezer for minimum one hour
- 6
Remove frozen cheese from freezer and heat one tablespoon olive oil in large frying pan
- 7
Add four breaded mozzarella sticks to pan and fry roughly 1 minute on each side until golden brown and cheese is hot through
- 8
Repeat with remaining oil and cheese and serve immediately
Tips
Freeze breaded sticks for at least one hour to prevent cheese from melting out during frying
Don't overcook or the cheese will completely melt and leak from the coating
Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even browning
Good to Know
refrigerate breaded sticks up to 2 days before frying
bread and freeze sticks up to 1 month, fry from frozen
immediately while cheese is hot and stretchy
Common Mistakes
skip freezing step to avoid cheese melting out during cooking
overcook to prevent complete cheese meltdown and coating separation
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Nut-Free Alternatives
FAQ
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400F for 6-8 minutes, but the coating won't be as crispy as pan-frying achieves.
How long do the breaded sticks need to freeze?
Minimum one hour, but overnight freezing works even better for maintaining shape during cooking.
Can I freeze the finished cooked mozzarella sticks?
Not recommended as the texture becomes rubbery when reheated. Best served fresh and hot.