Low Carb Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe (Crispy!) | Wholesome Yum (2024)

Low Carb Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe (Crispy!) | Wholesome Yum (1)

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

Get It Now

In This Post

  • How To Make Keto Mozzarella Sticks
  • Keto Mozzarella Sticks FAQs
  • More Keto Appetizer Recipes
  • Tools To Make Keto Mozzarella Sticks
  • Low Carb Keto Mozzarella Sticks RecipeRecipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

Anyone else miss fried restaurant food on keto? Low carb keto mozzarella sticks are a delicious and wholesome way to fulfill those fried appetizer cravings. These keto cheese sticks are super easy to throw together, with just six ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

While they are wonderful for parties, low carb mozzarella sticks also happen to fulfill a junk food craving even if you’re at home by yourself or with your family – without actually eating junk food. They’re packed with protein, fiber, and calcium, so you’re actually getting nutrients when eating these.

I originally made these keto mozzarella sticks baked, but have since updated the recipe a bit to make the breading more crispy if you want to fry them and include pork rinds in the breading. (Learn how to make pork rinds here!) And if you still prefer to bake ’em or avoid the pork rinds, there’s an option for that below as well.

Of course, the best part is that these low carb mozzarella sticks are so darn easy. Seriously, anyone could make these. My young daughter even helped me out with the stirring and dipping!

This keto mozzarella sticks recipe was originally published on December 28, 2016, and was republished in May 2020 to add better photos, useful tips, 2 different cooking methods, and answer common questions.

Low Carb Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe (Crispy!) | Wholesome Yum (2)

How To Make Keto Mozzarella Sticks

  • Prep ingredients. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Prepare three bowls: coconut flour, whisked egg, and almond flour mixed with pork rinds (this is the breading mixture).
Low Carb Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe (Crispy!) | Wholesome Yum (3)
  • Bread the mozzarella sticks. Dredge mozzarella in coconut flour first – this helps the egg wash stick. Dip it in the egg, then roll in almond flour breading mixture until coated well.

TIP: Use one hand for the dry dredging and breading, and the other hand for the wet egg wash. This will help keep the breading bowl dry so that the breading sticks.

Low Carb Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe (Crispy!) | Wholesome Yum (4)
  • Freeze the low carb mozzarella sticks. This is an important step, otherwise the cheese will melt during cooking and keeping the keto cheese sticks in one piece will be impossible.
Low Carb Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe (Crispy!) | Wholesome Yum (5)
  • Cook cheese sticks. Once they are frozen solid, you can bake or fry the keto cheese sticks. Both options work, but check the FAQ below on why I prefer one of the methods over the other.
Low Carb Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe (Crispy!) | Wholesome Yum (6)

Keto Mozzarella Sticks FAQs

Are mozzarella sticks keto?

No, most mozzarella sticks are made with flour so aren’t low carb. But don’t worry, you can still enjoy cheese sticks on keto. Just make this mozzarella sticks keto friendly recipe instead!

Can I make vegetarian keto mozzarella sticks?

Yes, you can. Simply omit the pork rinds and use all almond flour instead of 1/2 and 1/2. (The almond-flour-only version is shown in the video on the recipe card below.) They will be slightly less crispy this way.

Can I make low carb mozzarella sticks nut-free?

Yes, you can. Simply omit the almond flour and use only pork rinds.

Is there a difference between baking vs frying mozzarella sticks?

Yes, there is a difference, and it’s especially noticeable in keto mozzarella sticks without breadcrumbs.

If possible,I highly recommend frying in oil (no need to deep fry) to get the crispiest, browned exterior. Most of the pictures in this post, including the one below, are the fried version.

Can you make them in an air fryer?

Yes, you can! I recommend using the same method as these air fryer mozzarella bites. You’ll just need to swap the high carb breading with the kind in this keto mozzarella sticks recipe instead.

Low Carb Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe (Crispy!) | Wholesome Yum (7)

However, if you want to bake the mozzarella sticks, you absolutely can and they are still delicious – just not quite as crispy.

Here is an older photo of the original recipe I made of the baked low carb mozzarella sticks without pork rinds (only almond flour):

Low Carb Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe (Crispy!) | Wholesome Yum (8)

Make Ahead & Storage Instructions

Can you make keto mozzarella sticks ahead?

Since they need to be frozen before baking anyway, these low carb fried mozzarella sticks are the perfect appetizer to make ahead. You can prepare them the day before, or even a few days before!

When you’re ready to devour keto mozzarella sticks, simply fry them quickly (preferred) or bake them in the oven for 8 minutes.

How to store keto cheese sticks

Store these keto mozzarella sticks with pork rinds in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or a hot skillet until cheese is hot and melt-y.

Can you freeze low carb mozzarella cheese sticks?

Yes, you can freeze low carb mozzarella cheese sticks! In fact, you need to freeze them before you cook them, so it’s easy to store them in the freezer until you’re ready to bake or fry them.

Low Carb Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe (Crispy!) | Wholesome Yum (9)

More Keto Appetizer Recipes

If you like this keto mozzarella sticks recipe, you might also like some of these other keto appetizer recipes:

  • Zucchini Fries Recipe – These use a simple parmesan breading, but you can also use the same breading from these keto mozz sticks to make the zucchini fries more crispy.
  • Mini Keto Corn Dogs – I may have created these for my kids, but I secretly love them, too!
  • Low Carb Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms – These delicious morsels are secretly packed with veggies.
  • Keto Soft Pretzels – You won’t believe that these are keto! They taste like the real thing.
  • Sausage Balls – Satisfying, protein-rich, and utterly delicious!
  • Keto Stuffed Mushrooms – Tasty and healthy, keto stuffed mushrooms are the perfect snack for those looking to enjoy low-carb delights.

Tools To Make Keto Mozzarella Sticks

Tap the links below to see the items used to make this recipe.

  • Baking Sheet –This anti-warp, nonstick pan is definitely one you should add to your collection. They are my favorite and perfect for keto cheese sticks.
  • Parchment Paper – Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper keeps these keto mozzarella sticks from sticking.
  • Glass Nesting Bowls – These are my go-to bowls to use in the kitchen. Every size you need to make these mozzarella keto sticks is in there!

Low Carb Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe (Crispy!) | Wholesome Yum (10)

This reader favorite recipe is included in The Wholesome Yum Easy Keto Carboholics’ Cookbook! Inside this beautiful hard cover keto recipe book, you’ll find 100 delectable, EASY keto recipes to replace all your favorite carbs: bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, desserts, and more… each with 10 ingredients or less! Plus, a photo, macros, & tips for every recipe.

ORDER NOW

RECIPE SAVED! The recipe was sent to your email. I also sent you your free login info. You can use that to access your saved recipes at My Favorites.

Recipe Card

Low Carb Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe (Crispy!) | Wholesome Yum (12)

4.5 from 20 votes☝️ Click stars to rate or click here to leave a review!

Low Carb Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

A low carb keto mozzarella sticks recipe with a crispy outside and gooey, cheesy inside? YES! Keto cheese sticks need just 6 ingredients – super easy!

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 8 minutes

Total: 18 minutes

Author: Maya Krampf from WholesomeYum.com

Servings: 6 (adjust to scale recipe)

Un-save RecipeSave Recipe Remove Ads

Recipe Video

Like this video? Subscribe to my YouTube cooking channel for healthy recipes!

US CustomaryMetric

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them.

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.

  1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

  2. Place coconut flour in a small bowl. Beat the egg in a second small bowl. Mix the almond flour, pork rinds, and Italian seasoning in a third bowl.

  3. Dredge each piece of mozzarella in coconut flour. Dip it in the egg, shaking off the excess. Roll in the almond flour mixture until well coated, then place on the lined cookie sheet. Repeat with all the mozzarella (don’t let the pieces touch on the cookie sheet).

  4. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for at least one hour, or until ready to bake. (Don’t skip this step! It’s necessary to prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking.)

  5. Frying instructions (recommended):

    Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the mozzarella sticks in a single layer, 1-2 minutes per side. They are done when they are golden brown and soft inside when pressed gently.

    Baking instructions:

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Take the cookie sheet out of the freezer and place in the oven (preferably onto the second rack from the lowest). Bake for 4-5 minutes, until the bottom side is golden. Flip and bake for 3-4 more minutes, until golden on the other side.

Did You Like It?

Leave a rating to help other readers (this also helps me continue to provide free recipes on my site), or get the recipe sent to your inbox.

Rate recipe

Save Recipe

Related Easy Recipes

  • Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

  • Keto French Fries (Rutabaga Fries)

  • Keto Meatballs (Low Carb Meatballs)

  • Low Carb Keto BLT

Recipe Notes

Serving size:4 low carb mozzarella sticks

*You’ll have coconut flour left over. I subtracted this from the nutrition info, but either way it’s not a significant difference.

Nutrition facts do not include oil if you use the frying method.

Recipe from The Easy Keto Carboholics’ Cookbook.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving. Serving size in recipe notes above.

Calories250

Fat18.6g

Protein16.8g

Total Carbs5.9g

Net Carbs3.8g

Fiber2.1g

Sugar0.5g

Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.

Course:Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine:American

Keywords:cheese, gluten-free, keto, low carb, mozzarella, sugar-free, vegetarian

Calories: 250 kcal

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. 🙂

Keto Friendly Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Pin It For Later!

Low Carb Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe (Crispy!) | Wholesome Yum (20)
Low Carb Keto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe (Crispy!) | Wholesome Yum (2024)

FAQs

What is a substitute for flour in mozzarella sticks? ›

Place almond flour, Parmesan cheese, coconut flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt in zipper sandwich bag. Shake bag to blend. Dip each piece of mozzarella into the beaten egg and then coat by shaking in the sandwich bag. Freeze for at least one hour.

Can I eat mozzarella sticks on keto? ›

Similar to my corn dog recipe, these keto mozzarella sticks feels like you are cheating but you're not! Each fried cheese stick is only 0.2 grams of carbs – practically zero carbs. Ready in under 12 minutes, get your ranch and marinara sauce ready for this restaurant favorite appetizer.

What cheese has the lowest amount of carbs? ›

Goat cheese is an excellent choice for someone following the keto diet. It contains 0 carbs, making it a great way to hit your macros — 1 ounce (oz) of goat cheese also offers 103 calories, 8 g of fat, and 6 g of protein, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

What is the best cheese for a keto diet? ›

The best keto cheeses include cheddar, Gouda, goat cheese, and blue cheese, while the worst are cottage cheese and low fat and processed varieties. If you're following the keto diet or know someone who is, be sure to keep these cheeses in mind to promote ketosis and meet dietary goals.

What can you use instead of purpose flour? ›

All-purpose flour is the most common flour called for in recipes, for both cooking and baking. But if you don't have any in the pantry, or can't find any in the store, there are other flours you can use in its place. Bread flour and cake flour—on their own or mixed together—can substitute for all-purpose.

Can you fry mozzarella without breading? ›

While a lot of people have tried to fry mozzarella without breading it, this cheese is known for being ooey-gooey good. That is, it melts quickly. If you're looking for a no-fuss recipe that guarantees you get a delicious fried mozzarella cheese round at the end of cooking, then you'll want to include the breading.

What cheese is not allowed on keto? ›

Processed Cheese (like American singles) for Keto

Definitely avoid processed cheeses because they tend to contain ingredients like added colors, preservatives, whey powders and canola oils which are bad for the keto diet.

Can I eat unlimited cheese on keto? ›

Enjoying cheese is one of the pleasures of the keto diet. But that doesn't mean it's unlimited and unrestricted. Nutritionists say that keto practitioners need to be selective with the cheese varieties they consume while on keto and enjoy them only in moderation to avoid disrupting ketosis and hampering weight loss.

Is dill pickle relish keto-friendly? ›

But what about relish? That chopped up green pickle-based spread typically mixed in with deviled eggs or spread atop hot dogs? I'm happy to report that pickle-based relishes are typically ok for a keto diet.

Is Ranch OK on keto? ›

Since most people following the diet are restricted to between 20 and 50 grams of net carbs per day, and the average ranch dressing is between 2 to 3 grams of net carbs per serving, it can be easily paired with a variety of healthy foods while on a ketogenic diet.

Can I eat peanut butter on keto? ›

Peanut butter can definitely be part of a keto diet, but it's best to stick to plain options that are free of extra flavors and sweeteners. Almond butter is a good choice, too, and it's slightly lower in carbs. Additionally, you should be mindful of your portion size if you're trying to lose weight.

Can I have sour cream on keto? ›

Regular, full fat sour cream is made from cream and contains far more fat than carbs. Therefore, it's considered keto-friendly. However, low fat or nonfat sour cream is not. Full fat sour cream can provide some variety in a keto diet when used as a dip base or incorporated into recipes to boost the fat content.

Can I have pickles on keto? ›

Luckily, pickles are keto friendly, especially those that are of the dill pickle variety, as sugar is low. “Simply put, sweet pickles are made with sugar which will automatically push the carb count up,” says Hultin. “Dill or salt pickles don't have the added sugar and carbs, naturally,” she says.

What crackers are low-carb? ›

9 Best Low Carb Crackers
Best OverallJulian Bakery Primal Thin Crackers
Best Tasting Keto CrackerQuest Cheese Crackers
Best Seed CrackerELLA'S FLATS® Sesame Savory Crisps
Best Vegan CrackerHu Kitchen Paleo Vegan Crackers (Sea Salt)
Best Wheat Based CrackerFiber Gourmet Thinables

What salad dressing is keto friendly? ›

These dressings could include: traditional vinaigrettes. creamy dressings, such as blue cheese, ranch, or thousand island. dressings that the manufacturers have specifically marketed as “keto” or “low carb”

How do you keep mozzarella sticks from falling apart? ›

Use one hand for the egg wash and the other for the breadcrumb mixture to minimize clumping. Freezing Before Frying: Place the breaded mozzarella cheese sticks on a baking sheet and freeze them for 15-20 minutes. This will help the breading adhere to the cheese, reducing the risk of it falling off during frying.

How do you keep mozzarella from sticking together? ›

Use Corn Starch

You can coat your shredded cheese with a thin layer of cornstarch to prevent clumping. Corn starch works by absorbing excess moisture, meaning the cheese will not become sticky. It's also flavorless, so it won't affect the taste. Add 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch per 1 block of shredded cheese.

What can you use instead of plain flour for cheese sauce? ›

Plain is normal but cornflour will work. Cornflour tends to work better if it's added to the warm milk rather than making a roux like you do with plain flour, so heat the milk and then mix up a couple of teaspoons of cornflour with cold milk and then add it to the warm milk and stir... should work...

Why did my mozzarella sticks fall apart? ›

If your mozzarella sticks fell apart it could be because your oil was not hot enough and the breading fell off. Make sure the oil is hot before you place the mozzarella sticks in the pan. Test it by throwing in a touch of water, if it sizzles it's ready.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Otha Schamberger

Last Updated:

Views: 6397

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Otha Schamberger

Birthday: 1999-08-15

Address: Suite 490 606 Hammes Ferry, Carterhaven, IL 62290

Phone: +8557035444877

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: Fishing, Flying, Jewelry making, Digital arts, Sand art, Parkour, tabletop games

Introduction: My name is Otha Schamberger, I am a vast, good, healthy, cheerful, energetic, gorgeous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.