Carnivore mozzarella sticks

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Freezing Time: 30 minutes (highly recommended)
Total Time: 55 minutes
Recipe Intensity: Easy

Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Carnivore, Keto, Low-Carb

The Last Word on This Recipe

For those committed to a carnivore or keto lifestyle, finding a satisfying, crispy snack that fits the dietary parameters can feel like a quest for a culinary holy grail. These Carnivore Mozzarella Sticks are not just a substitute for the classic appetizer; they are a triumphant celebration of animal-based ingredients. By harnessing the power of pork rinds and Parmesan cheese, this recipe creates an unbelievably crunchy, golden-brown crust that gives way to a spectacularly stretchy and molten mozzarella center. They are incredibly easy to make, require only a handful of ingredients, and deliver a deeply satisfying crunch that will make you forget all about traditional breadcrumbs. This is the definitive recipe for a guilt-free, indulgent-tasting snack that aligns perfectly with your health goals.

Ingredients

• 12 string cheese sticks (low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella works best)

• 1 (2-3 oz) bag pork rinds, finely crushed (about 1 ½ cups of crumbs)

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for a non-strict carnivore version)

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional, for a non-strict carnivore version)

• ½ cup pork dust or more crushed pork rinds (for a stricter carnivore version, omit the optional herbs)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 Avocado oil or tallow, for frying (enough for 1 inch in your pot)

• Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce or another low-carb, sugar-free option for serving (optional, not strictly carnivore)

Instructions

Step 1: The Crucial Freezing Step

Unwrap all 12 string cheese sticks and place them on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This step is non-negotiable for success. A partially frozen cheese stick will hold its shape during the breading and frying process, preventing a disastrous cheese leak into your cooking oil.

Step 2: Create the Carnivore “Breading” Station

While the cheese is freezing, prepare your breading stations. You will need three shallow bowls or plates.

• Bowl 1 (The Pork Dust): Place the ½ cup of plain pork dust or additional crushed pork rinds. This initial layer acts as a primer, helping the egg wash adhere to the slick surface of the cheese.

• Bowl 2 (The Egg Wash): Crack the two large eggs into the second bowl and whisk them vigorously until uniform and frothy.

• Bowl 3 (The Crunchy Coating): In the third bowl, combine the finely crushed pork rinds, grated Parmesan cheese, and your optional herbs and spices (if using). Mix thoroughly with a fork until well incorporated. The Parmesan not only adds flavor but also encourages additional browning and crispiness.

Step 3: The Breading Assembly Line

Remove the cheese sticks from the freezer. Work with one stick at a time to keep them cold.

1. Coat in Pork Dust: Roll the frozen cheese stick in the initial bowl of plain pork dust, ensuring it is completely covered. Shake off any excess.

2. Dip in Egg Wash: Next, dip the dusted cheese stick into the egg wash, turning to coat it entirely. Let any excess egg drip off.

3. Press into Crunchy Coating: Finally, roll the cheese stick in the pork rind and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even, and complete coating. If you desire an extra-thick crust, you can repeat the egg wash and crunchy coating steps for a double layer.

Place the fully breaded cheese stick back onto the parchment-lined plate. Repeat this process with the remaining cheese sticks.

Step 4: The Second Freeze (For Maximum Crispiness)

Once all cheese sticks are breaded, place the entire plate back into the freezer for 10-15 minutes. This second freeze solidifies the coating, ensuring it stays firmly attached to the cheese during frying and results in a shatteringly crisp exterior.

Step 5: Frying to Perfection

1. Heat the Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet, heat about 1 inch of avocado oil or tallow over medium-high heat. The ideal frying temperature is 375°F (190°C). Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer for accuracy. If the oil is not hot enough, the sticks will absorb oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the coating will burn before the cheese melts.

2. Fry in Batches: Carefully lower 3-4 mozzarella sticks into the hot oil using tongs. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will cause the temperature to drop drastically.

3. Cook to Golden Brown: Fry for 45-90 seconds, turning occasionally, until the exterior is a deep, uniform golden brown and crispy.

4. Drain: Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil, allowing excess oil to drip back into the pot. Immediately transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Do not place them on paper towels, as this can trap steam and make the bottom coating soggy.

Step 6: Serving Immediately

Let the mozzarella sticks rest for just a minute or two—they will be molten lava inside! Serve them immediately with a side of low-carb marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

Notes & Tips for Success

• Breading Shortcut: The easiest way to crush pork rinds is to place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs. You can also pulse them in a food processor.

• Baking Alternative: For a slightly lighter option, you can bake these. Arrange the breaded sticks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Spray lightly with avocado oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Note: the crust will not be as uniformly crispy as the fried version.

• Avoiding Burnt Mouths: The cheese inside will be extremely hot. Always let them cool for a minute and take a small, cautious first bite.

• Storage: These are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can freeze the unbreaded, frozen cheese sticks or the fully breaded sticks for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra 30-60 seconds to the cooking time.

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Nutrition Information

(Disclaimer: The following nutritional information is an estimate based on the specific ingredients used and can vary significantly based on brand, exact measurements, and cooking oil absorption.)

Serving Size: 2 mozzarella sticks (calculated with frying, assuming 1 tbsp of oil absorbed)
Calories: 315
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 720mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Total Sugars: 0g
Protein: 24g

Net Carbs: 2g (Note: If using strictly carnivore ingredients without optional herbs, net carbs will be 0g.)

This recipe proves that a restrictive diet doesn’t have to mean a life without delicious, comforting, and crispy snacks. Enjoy the perfect, melty crunch of these carnivore-approved mozzarella sticks!