Vegan Mozzarella Sticks Recipe That Melts Perfectly

If you’re craving a crispy, gooey snack that’s completely plant-based, these vegan mozzarella sticks are exactly what you need! They capture all the charm of traditional mozzarella sticks without any dairy, making them perfect for vegans, lactose-intolerant friends, or anyone looking to indulge in a healthier, cruelty-free treat.

Using a blend of plant-based cheeses and a crispy seasoned breadcrumb coating, these sticks fry up golden and irresistibly crunchy on the outside, while melting beautifully on the inside.

Whether you’re planning a game day snack, a party appetizer, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is straightforward and fun to make. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping into marinara sauce, vegan ranch, or your favorite spicy condiment.

Ready to wow your taste buds? Let’s dive into how to make these delicious vegan mozzarella sticks from scratch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan mozzarella sticks recipe is a game changer for anyone who misses cheesy fried snacks but wants to keep things plant-based. The recipe features:

• Melty, stretchy vegan cheese: made from cashews and tapioca starch for that authentic mozzarella texture.
• Crispy golden crust: perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices to add an extra flavor punch.
• Easy to customize: swap out herbs or add a spicy kick to suit your taste.
• Great for parties: these sticks are as crowd-pleasing as their traditional counterparts, but without the dairy.
• Simple ingredients: mostly pantry staples and wholesome plant-based items.

This recipe also pairs beautifully with other vegan favorites like Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners if you want to create a full Italian-inspired meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 15 minutes)
• 1/4 cup tapioca starch (for stretchiness)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, soy, or oat)
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)

Equipment

• High-speed blender or food processor
• Mixing bowls
• Baking tray lined with parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Deep frying pan or deep fryer
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Wire rack or paper towels for draining

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegan cheese base: Drain the soaked cashews and add them to your blender along with the tapioca starch, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, lemon juice, and plant milk. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be thick but pourable.
2. Cook the cheese mixture: Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously with a spatula for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll notice it thickening and becoming stretchy — this is the tapioca starch working its magic. Once it forms a gooey, stretchy consistency, remove it from heat.
3. Set the cheese: Pour the hot cheese mixture into a parchment-lined baking tray or a shallow container. Spread it evenly to about 1/2 inch thickness. Place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours or until firm enough to cut into sticks.
4. Prepare the breading stations: In one bowl, add the flour. In a second bowl, pour the plant milk. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the dried Italian herbs and smoked paprika.
5. Cut the set cheese: Remove the firm cheese slab from the fridge and cut it into 3-inch sticks, similar to traditional mozzarella sticks.
6. Bread the sticks: Working with one stick at a time, dredge it in flour, dip it into the plant milk, and then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crispy crust, repeat the milk and breadcrumb step for a double coating.
7. Freeze the sticks: Lay the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
8. Fry the mozzarella sticks: Heat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Serve immediately: Enjoy your vegan mozzarella sticks hot with marinara sauce, vegan ranch, or your favorite dip.

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, use raw cashews that have been soaked properly to ensure smooth blending. If you want to speed up the process, use hot water for soaking.

Try baking the mozzarella sticks at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes as a healthier alternative to frying, flipping halfway through.

Experiment with spices in the breadcrumb coating—add chili powder for heat or nutritional yeast for extra cheesiness.

If you prefer soy-free, choose soy-free plant milk options like oat or almond milk.

For a fun twist, serve with a side of Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite or try pairing with Vegetable Crackers Recipe for Healthy Homemade Snacking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan mozzarella sticks are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Try them with:

• Classic marinara sauce for an Italian flair.
• Vegan ranch dressing or garlic aioli for creamy indulgence.
• A spicy sriracha mayo or chipotle dip for a kick.
• Alongside a fresh green salad or Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals to balance the richness.

For a party platter, combine them with other finger foods like Croquettes Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Ideas or Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to impress your guests.

Conclusion

Making vegan mozzarella sticks at home is easier than you might think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. This recipe delivers that perfect balance of melty, stretchy cheese and a crispy, flavorful crust, all while being completely plant-based.

Whether you’re catering to vegan friends or just experimenting with dairy-free options, these sticks are sure to become a favorite snack or appetizer.

They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual movie nights to festive gatherings, and are a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food in a healthier, ethical way. Don’t forget to check out other delicious vegan recipes on our site like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert or the Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas to plan your next hearty meal.

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