If you’ve ever wished your favorite bar snack could be even more fun, Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks are about to become your new obsession. Think gooey mozzarella, the crunch and tang of your favorite dill pickle chips, and a layer of golden panko for crunch — all wrapped up in one irresistible bite. This dish takes the classic cheese stick to the next level, making it the perfect appetizer for parties, movie nights, or whenever a craving hits.

Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the essentials for Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks couldn’t be easier, and each ingredient works a little magic to achieve that melty, crunchy, and flavorful snack you love. These are the kinds of ingredients you probably have on hand, but together, they create something truly special.

Mozzarella cheese sticks: Go for the classic, full-fat variety for the best stretch and creaminess.
Dill pickle chips: Finely crush them for the ultimate briny crunch that sets these Mozza Sticks apart.
Panko breadcrumbs: Help achieve that signature crispy exterior that everyone fights over.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory edge that ties all the flavors together.
Onion powder: A little sweetness and zing comes through in every bite.
Dried dill: Doubles down on that punchy, pickle flavor.
Black pepper: Brings everything into focus with its gentle heat.
Eggs: They act as the glue, ensuring that delicious crust clings on for dear life.
Milk: Whisked with the eggs to get the perfect custardy dip for breading.
All-purpose flour: The essential first coating so nothing slides off.
Vegetable oil: Go for a neutral oil for frying to keep the flavors clear and clean.
Ranch or marinara sauce: Whether you’re team creamy or tangy, don’t skip the dip.

How to Make Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks

Step 1: Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks

Start by unwrapping your mozzarella sticks and laying them out on a parchment—lined baking sheet. Pop them in the freezer for at least one hour, or until they’re firm to the touch. This step isn’t just a suggestion; it’s absolutely crucial for getting that signature stretch without any cheese explosions in your oil. Freezing locks it all in.

Step 2: Make the Pickle-Panko Coating

Grab a shallow dish and combine your crushed dill pickle chips, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and black pepper. Mix them up so every crumb gets a little bit of seasoning love. The fragrant mixture will get you excited for what’s coming!

Step 3: Prepare Your Breading Station

Set up a three-bowl station for dipping: flour in one, the whisked eggs and milk in another, and your fresh dill pickle-panko mixture in the last. This is the secret to a crisp, flavorful crust that won’t let you down.

Step 4: Bread the Mozza Sticks

Take each frozen cheese stick and roll it in flour first, making sure it’s coated on all sides. Next, dip it fully into the egg-milk bath, then press it gently into the pickle-panko crumbs. For extra crunch (and who doesn’t want that?), go back for a second round in the egg and again in the crumb mixture. When you’re done, put the breaded sticks back onto the baking sheet.

Step 5: Freeze Again

Once all the sticks are breaded, give them a quick return to the freezer for about 30 minutes. This step keeps everything together during frying and guarantees that delightful cheese pull when you take a bite!

Step 6: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Pour about 2 inches of oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot and heat it to 350°F. Carefully add the coated sticks in batches, frying for 1 to 2 minutes until they’re a deep golden brown. Keep an eye on them — a quick fry is all they need! Drain on paper towels to keep everything nice and crisp.

Step 7: Serve Hot with Dipping Sauce

Serve your Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks piping hot, accompanied by ranch or marinara for dunking. The crispy crust, tangy pickle notes, and melty cheese combine for an appetizer that disappears fast!

How to Serve Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks

Garnishes

Add a little fresh flair by sprinkling finely chopped fresh dill or a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top right before serving. For an extra pop of color, thinly sliced green onions make a gorgeous and tasty garnish. Bringing in the extra green hints at all the dill pickle goodness inside!

Side Dishes

Bring out the best in your Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks with sides that contrast or complement. Think zippy coleslaw, a cucumber salad, or even crispy fries. When serving for a party, put out a platter of other snacks like pretzel bites or veggie sticks so there’s a flavor for every mood.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve them upright in a mason jar lined with parchment, or arrange on a platter layered with dill sprigs for extra visual impact. Mini paper cones, tiny cast-iron skillets, or even a classic picnic basket can all add that delightful, Instagram-worthy edge to your Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve somehow managed to resist finishing the whole batch, cool the leftover Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll lose a little crispness but are still totally snackable!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze breaded (but unfried) sticks on a parchment-lined tray until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and keep for up to two months. When cravings strike, fry from frozen (add an extra 30 seconds to the cooking time), or bake if you’re keeping things lighter. Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks are freezer-friendly and perfect for advance prep!

Reheating

To restore maximum crispiness, reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven or in an air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway through. The microwave works in a pinch but the breading will soften. For best results, a hot oven or air fryer revives that irresistible, crunchy exterior.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! You can substitute mozzarella with other firm, melty cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just choose a cheese that holds its shape when fried to get the classic Mozza Stick experience.

Are Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks gluten-free?

As written, this recipe is not gluten-free since it uses panko and all-purpose flour. You can easily swap in your favorite gluten-free panko and flour alternatives to make these sticks gluten-free and just as tasty.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, if you’d prefer a lighter option, you can bake Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks at 425°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They come out crispy, though slightly less golden than their fried cousins — still totally craveable!

How do I crush dill pickle chips?

Place the chips in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a pan to crush them finely. Don’t worry about making it perfectly uniform; some small chunks add even more crunch and flavor to your Mozza Sticks.

What’s the best dip for these mozza sticks?

Ranch and marinara are absolute classics with Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks, but don’t be afraid to try spicy sriracha mayo, homemade aioli, or even a cool tzatziki. The bold pickle flavor pairs with almost any creamy or tangy dip.

Final Thoughts

If you love a snack that delivers on crunch, flavor, and melty cheese factor, you absolutely need to try making Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks. They’re a little playful, a lot delicious, and bound to become your crowd-pleasing go-to for every get-together. Go ahead, treat yourself and let me know how quickly yours disappear!

Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks are a delicious twist on traditional mozzarella sticks, featuring a crispy coating made with crushed dill pickle chips for a tangy flavor. Perfect for snacking or as a fun appetizer, these cheesy sticks are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Mozzarella Sticks:

12 mozzarella cheese sticks

Coating:

1 cup dill pickle chips, finely crushed
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Batter:

2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Other:

Vegetable oil for frying
Ranch or marinara sauce for dipping

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Instructions

Prepare Mozzarella Sticks: Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 1 hour or until firm.
Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish, combine crushed dill pickle chips, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and black pepper.
Prepare Batter: In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Place flour in a third shallow dish.
Coat Sticks: Roll each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and coat in the pickle breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating a second time for extra crunch.
Freeze: Return coated sticks to the freezer for 30 minutes.
Fry: Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F. Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve hot with dipping sauce.

Notes

Freezing the cheese sticks before frying helps prevent cheese from leaking out.
For a lighter version, you can bake at 425°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Prep Time: 20 minutes plus freezing time
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Deep-Frying
Cuisine: American