Top 10 Restaurants with the Best Mozzarella Sticks
Why Mozzarella Sticks Are the Ultimate Comfort Food
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the irresistible allure of mozzarella sticks. Their crispy, golden exterior and gooey, melty interior make them a favorite appetizer or snack for many. Whether you’re enjoying them as a side at a sit-down restaurant or grabbing them as a quick snack on-the-go, mozzarella sticks are a universal treat.
But with so many restaurants offering mozzarella sticks, how do you know where to find the best ones? In this article, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 restaurants with the best mozzarella sticks. These spots are known for their exceptional preparation, perfect crunch, and flavorful cheese pull that will make you fall in love with this classic dish all over again.
1. The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory isn’t just known for its extensive menu and decadent desserts—it also serves up some of the best mozzarella sticks around. Their mozzarella sticks come served with a tangy marinara dipping sauce, offering the perfect balance of crunch and creamy cheese. What sets them apart is the generous portion size, making it the perfect appetizer to share (or not!).
Why It’s Great:
- Crispy golden crust
- Rich, gooey mozzarella inside
- Perfectly seasoned marinara sauce
2. Buffalo Wild Wings
When you think of Buffalo Wild Wings, you probably picture their famous wings, but their mozzarella sticks are equally impressive. They offer a perfect blend of texture and taste—crispy on the outside with a stringy, cheesy interior. The mozzarella sticks at Buffalo Wild Wings are served with their signature sauce, adding an extra kick for those who like a little heat with their snacks.
Why It’s Great:
- Crispy and cheesy in every bite
- Choice of dipping sauces for extra flavor
- Consistently great texture and quality
3. TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays has long been a go-to spot for casual dining, and their mozzarella sticks are no exception. Known for their flavor-packed appetizers, the mozzarella sticks here are breaded to perfection and filled with melty mozzarella. What makes them stand out is the seasoning—they have a unique blend of herbs and spices that elevates the traditional mozzarella stick to the next level.
Why It’s Great:
- Unique seasoning for extra flavor
- Golden, crispy coating
- Served with a side of zesty marinara
4. Applebee’s
Applebee’s mozzarella sticks are a classic favorite for a reason. Their crispy, golden exterior is perfectly matched by a creamy, melty cheese interior. The mozzarella sticks are served with a side of marinara sauce that complements the cheese’s rich flavor, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack.
Why It’s Great:
- Simple yet delicious
- Perfectly crispy coating
- Great for sharing (or not)
5. Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse is famous for its steaks, but its mozzarella sticks are something to be reckoned with too. With a thick, crunchy coating and a generous serving of mozzarella cheese, these mozzarella sticks are sure to satisfy any craving. They come served with a tangy dipping sauce that enhances the flavor and adds a touch of zest.
Why It’s Great:
- Thick, crunchy breading for extra texture
- Perfectly melted mozzarella
- Served with a flavorful dipping sauce
6. Pizzeria Uno
While known for its deep-dish pizza, Pizzeria Uno also offers an exceptional mozzarella stick that rivals some of the best in the business. Their mozzarella sticks are hand-breaded and fried to crispy perfection. The thick mozzarella cheese is perfectly melted inside, making each bite a cheesy delight.
Why It’s Great:
- Hand-breaded for extra crunch
- Rich, gooey mozzarella inside
- Ideal for pairing with pizza
7. The Melting Pot
If you’re looking for a more unique mozzarella stick experience, The Melting Pot is the place to be. Known for its fondue dishes, The Melting Pot serves mozzarella sticks that are perfectly crispy on the outside with gooey cheese on the inside. Served with a choice of dipping sauces, they offer a gourmet twist on the traditional snack.
Why It’s Great:
- Gourmet, fondue-inspired mozzarella sticks
- Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside
- A variety of dipping sauces
8. Café Gratitude
For those who are looking for a more plant-based option, Café Gratitude serves delicious vegan mozzarella sticks that are just as satisfying as the traditional version. Made with dairy-free mozzarella, these mozzarella sticks are breaded and fried to perfection, providing a crispy exterior with a rich, creamy filling. They are served with a tangy marinara sauce that perfectly complements the flavors.
Why It’s Great:
- Plant-based mozzarella for vegans
- Crispy, satisfying texture
- Rich flavor with a creamy interior
9. Hooters
Hooters is well-known for its wings, but their mozzarella sticks are another fan favorite. They are generously breaded, offering a crisp, satisfying crunch with every bite. The mozzarella inside is always perfectly melted, and they come with a savory dipping sauce that adds extra flavor to the experience.
Why It’s Great:
- Generously portioned mozzarella sticks
- Crunchy coating with melty cheese inside
- Great with their dipping sauces
10. Red Robin
Red Robin’s mozzarella sticks are a top contender for the best in the game. Known for its gourmet burgers, Red Robin also offers mozzarella sticks that are crispy on the outside and perfectly gooey on the inside. They serve them with a tangy marinara sauce that perfectly complements the cheesy, crispy treat.
Why It’s Great:
- Crispy exterior with gooey cheese
- Perfectly seasoned
- Served with a classic marinara sauce
Related Questions: Your Mozzarella Stick FAQ
What makes mozzarella sticks so irresistible?
Mozzarella sticks are a combination of textures—crispy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside—that make them irresistible. The mozzarella cheese itself has a mild, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy breading and flavorful dipping sauces.
How do you make mozzarella sticks at home?
Making mozzarella sticks at home is easy! Simply coat sticks of mozzarella cheese in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then freeze them for about an hour. Fry them until golden and crispy, and serve with marinara sauce. The key is to make sure the cheese is well-coated and frozen before frying, to prevent it from melting too quickly.
What’s the best dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks?
Marinara sauce is the classic choice for mozzarella sticks, but you can also try other dipping sauces like ranch, garlic butter, or even a spicy buffalo sauce. The key is to find a sauce that complements the cheesy goodness of the sticks.
Can mozzarella sticks be made in an air fryer?
Yes! You can make crispy mozzarella sticks in an air fryer by spraying them lightly with cooking spray and air frying them at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives you crispy mozzarella sticks with less oil.
Conclusion: The Best Mozzarella Sticks Near You
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or indulging in a hearty appetizer, the mozzarella sticks at these top 10 restaurants are sure to satisfy your craving. From the crispy golden crust to the gooey cheese center, these mozzarella sticks offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you prefer traditional marinara or a more unique dipping sauce, these restaurants have mastered the art of mozzarella sticks. So, the next time you’re out and about, be sure to stop by one of these spots and enjoy a plate of the best mozzarella sticks around!
