How To Make Best Rice Paper Mozzarella Sticks

Q: 5. What can I serve them with?

Try them with a mix of cozy dips like artichoke dip or cranberry cream cheese dip they balance the salty crunch with creamy flavor.

I still remember the first time I tried rolling mozzarella cheese in rice paper. I’d run out of breadcrumbs but was craving that golden, stretchy bite that reminds me of Chili’s mozzarella sticks. The result? A crisp, glassy shell that shattered perfectly with every pull of gooey cheese.

Crispy golden mozzarella sticks made with rice paper, one pulled apart with gooey cheese oozing out. — Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside these rice paper mozzarella sticks are snack goals!

These Rice Paper Mozzarella Sticks have become one of my favorite quick snacks light, crunchy, and just a little unexpected. They taste amazing on their own, but I love serving them with a spread of cozy appetizers like mini caprese skewers or sausage cheese balls when friends stop by.

It’s everything you love about homemade mozzarella sticks, just simpler and crispier and honestly, even more fun to make.

Recipe Card

Rice Paper Mozzarella Sticks Ingredients

These simple ingredients come together for that crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside magic.

Main Ingredients

Bowls of shredded cheese, dipping sauce, rice paper sheets, and frozen mozzarella sticks arranged on a kitchen counter. — Everything you need to make the crispiest rice paper mozzarella sticks aid out and ready to roll!

8 mozzarella sticks (or string cheese)
8 sheets rice paper (round or square)
Warm water, for soaking the rice paper
Vegetable oil, for frying (or spray oil if air-frying)

Optional Add-ins & Coatings

Crushed Hot Cheetos for a spicy hot cheeto mozzarella stick version
Garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor
Shredded parmesan for a saltier bite
Marinara or ranch dressing for dipping
Chili flakes for a kick that reminds me of Chili’s mozzarella sticks

These few ingredients make it easy to whip up a crispy snack that tastes indulgent but feels lighter. For a fun mix, I sometimes serve them next to puff pastry appetizers or wonton cup appetizers the textures together are so satisfying.

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Soften the Rice Paper

Dry rice paper sheets softening on a wooden board, ready to be rolled. — Step 1: Soften that rice paper + flexible wraps = flawless rolls.

Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one sheet of rice paper for about 10–15 seconds, just until it softens and becomes flexible. Lay it flat on a damp cutting board.

Step 2: Wrap the Cheese

Softened rice paper tightly wrapped around a stick of cheese, ready for coating or frying. — Step 2: Tuck that mozzarella in tight wrap = no leaks, just cheese pulls.

Place a mozzarella stick near the center of the softened rice paper. Fold the bottom over the cheese, then tuck in both sides and roll tightly just like wrapping a spring roll. If you want extra crunch, double-wrap it with a second sheet.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Non-stick skillet filled with hot oil, ready for frying, surrounded by bottles and spices. — Step 3: Heat things up because crispy dreams start with hot oil.

In a medium skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Mozzarella sticks frying in hot oil inside a skillet until golden brown and crispy. — Step 4: Fry ‘til golden because that crunch is non-negotiable.

Gently place the wrapped sticks into the oil, turning often until golden and crisp (about 1–2 minutes per side). If using an air fryer, lightly spray the rolls with oil and cook at 400°F for 6–7 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Melty

Crispy mozzarella sticks served on parchment with marinara sauce on top and on the side. — Step 5: Serve ‘em hot because nothing beats that melty moment with a dunk of sauce.

Transfer to a paper towel to drain. Serve immediately with warm marinara or your favorite dip I love pairing them with artichoke dip or spinach artichoke dip for a cozy snack board.

Variations & Customization Ideas

What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak a few small changes and you’ve got something totally new.

Spicy Hot Cheeto Version: Roll the wrapped mozzarella sticks in crushed Hot Cheetos before frying for a fiery, crunchy coating that’s impossible to resist.
Garlic Butter Lovers: Brush each roll with melted butter and a sprinkle of garlic powder before air-frying for a flavor that tastes straight out of Chili’s mozzarella sticks.
Baked & Lighter: For a lighter option, brush with oil and bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Cheesy Variety: Try swapping mozzarella with pepper jack or cheddar for extra flavor and a fun cheese pull.
Dipping Fun: Pair with sauces like cranberry cream cheese dip or pepper jelly for a sweet-and-savory twist.

These variations keep things exciting you can make a different version every time and never get bored.

Storage & Reheating Tips

These crispy bites are best eaten fresh that’s when the cheese is perfectly stretchy and the rice paper still has that glassy crunch. But if you’ve got leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasty:

Store: Let them cool completely, then place in an airtight container with parchment between layers. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Reheat (Air Fryer): Pop them into the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes until hot and crisp again.
Reheat (Oven): Bake at 400°F for 6–8 minutes. Avoid microwaving it’ll make the rice paper chewy instead of crisp.
Freeze (Optional): You can freeze wrapped but unfried rolls in a single layer. Cook straight from frozen; just add 2–3 minutes to the frying or air-frying time.

They reheat beautifully next to easy make-ahead favorites like bisquick sausage balls or cranberry cream cheese crescent bites for a quick snack spread.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I bake rice paper mozzarella sticks instead of frying?

Yes! Brush them lightly with oil and bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as bubbly as the fried version but still crisp and delicious.

2. Why is my rice paper too sticky?

If your rice paper sticks to the board or your fingers, it was soaked too long. Dip it briefly in warm water just until it starts to soften then lay it on a damp surface to roll.

3. What type of cheese works best?

Low-moisture mozzarella or string cheese melts perfectly without leaking too much. Fresh mozzarella is too soft and tends to ooze out.

4. Can I make them ahead?

Yes! You can wrap them up to a day ahead and store in the fridge. Fry or air fry just before serving for the best texture.

5. What can I serve them with?

Try them with a mix of cozy dips like artichoke dip or cranberry cream cheese dip they balance the salty crunch with creamy flavor.

From My Kitchen to Yours

Crispy on the outside, melty inside these Rice Paper Mozzarella Sticks are my new favorite way to enjoy a cheesy snack. They’re easy, fun, and endlessly customizable. Try the spicy version, pair it with spinach artichoke dip, and you’ve got the perfect bite.

Save this recipe on Pinterest or share it on Facebook I can’t wait to see how you make them your own!