These homemade vegan mozzarella sticks are even better than the non-vegan classic version, except they are 100% dairy-free and oil-free.

These homemade vegan mozzarella sticks are even better than the non-vegan classic version, except they are 100% dairy-free and oil-free. 

After many requests for vegan mozzarella sticks, we were finally able to perfect the perfect batch. Mozzarella sticks were a staple when I was growing up. 

They make the perfect appetizer or party snack, and the flavor is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters! 

Plus, this vegan mozzarella stick recipe skips the store-bought vegan cheese and teaches you how to make your own cheesy center. 

I can’t wait for you all to try these recipes. Don’t forget to let me know what you think by leaving a comment below or tagging me on Instagram.

Why You’ll Love This Mozzarella Sticks

  • It’s Versatile: You can either make your own mozzarella or use store bought vegan cheese as the center if you’re short on time. 
  • They are Healthy: This recipe skips the deep oil frying and uses either an air fryer or an oven. And by making your own cheese, you are avoiding processed preservatives.
  • Kid-Friendly: Mozzarella sticks never disappoint. These vegan mozzarella sticks will make your kids happy and have you feeling good about it all. 
  • Super Easy: Impress your family, friends, and yourself with your cooking skills. With only 10 ingredients, these sticks are easy to make and require minimal cooking skills.

Tips To Make This Recipes Even Betters 

  • Add a pizza flavor: Add some Italian seasonings to the breading mixture to give it more of a pizza flavor. 
  • Amp up the spice: Add chili powder or cayenne to the breading mixture to give it some zing. 
  • Make It Smoky: Add a dash of liquid smoke in the plant-milk mixture to give it a smoky taste.
  • Nut-Free Option: You can make this vegan cheese nut-free, see how to below here. 

How To Make This Vegan Mozzarella Cheese Stretchy and Stringy

To get that extra stringy and stretchy mozzarella cheese center if you are making your own cheese, you can add Psyllium Husk Powder or Tapioca Starch (use sparingly) to the initial cheese mixture to thicken the cheese and make it stick together. 

Another way to get that gooey center is using a store-bought vegan mozzarella stick. You can find my recommended brands below. 

Store-Bought Vegan Mozzarella Options

How To Make This Vegan Cheese Nut-Free

If you are one of my nut-free friends, you can make this cheesy mozzarella nut-free using tofu or sunflower seeds instead of cashews.

How To Make This Recipe

First, preheat your oven to 400F. 

To make the vegan cheese center, add the cashews, coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, apple cider vinegar, and garlic to a high-speed blender. Combine the ingredients until they form a smooth consistency. 

After blending, add the cashew mixture to a saucepan on medium heat. Whisk the mixture vigorously until it firms up. 

Once it firms up, transfer it to a separate dish and place in the freezer for 30 minutes. 

While your ‘cheese’ is firming, set up your breading station with three bowls:

  • #1: 1/2 cup of flour of choice. 

  • #2: 1/2 cup of plant milk whisked with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. 

  • #3: Panko.

Then, line a small pan with foil or parchment paper.

Once the mozzarella has been in the freezer for 30 minutes, take it out and roll 1 inch long cylinders in your palms, then dip in the flour, then the milk mixture, and finally the panko until covered evenly. 

If you want to avoid making a mess, trying using different forks for each step. 

It should make approximately 10 mozzarella sticks.

Once the mozzarella is coated, place in an air fryer for 20 minutes, or bake for 20 minutes in the oven. 

Enjoy with marinara sauce.

Dips To Enjoy With Vegan Mozzarella Sticks 

Equipment We Used

This is my favorite Air Fryer: affiliate link included*

Other Recipes You’ll Love

The Recipe: Homemade Vegan Mozzarella Sticks

These cheesy mozzarella sticks are crispy and 100% vegan!
4.95 from 20 ratings
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Servings: 8 sticks
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Cashews , (soaked if possible)
  • ⅓ cup Coconut milk
  • 4 tbsp Cornstarch, (divided)
  • 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • ¾ tsp Salt
  • 3 tbsp Cornstarch 
  • ½ cup Almond milk
  • 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
  • ½ cup Flour

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Instructions 

  • Add the cashews, coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, apple cider vinegar and garlic to a high speed blender. Combine until smooth.
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk the cashew mixture vigorously until it firms up. Then transfer to a separate dish and place in the freezer for 30 minutes.
  • While your ‘cheese’ is firming, set up your breading station with three bowls. Bowl #1 will have 1/2 cup of flour of choice. Bowl number 2 1/2 cup of plant milk whisked with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Bowl number 3 Panko. Line a small pan with foil or parchment.
  • Once the mozzarella has been in the freezer for 30 minutes, take it out and roll 1 inch long cylinders in your palms, then dip in the flour, then the milk mixture, and finally the panko until covered evenly. It should lend approximately 10 mozzarella sticks.
  • Place in an air fryer for 20 minutes, or bake for 20 minutes until a 400F oven. Enjoy with marinara sauce.
Cuisine: American
Course: Appetizer, dinner, lunch, Snack
Author: carleigh