Just thinking about mozzarella sticks makes me drool. As we love this best appetizer, we tend to buy or make more than we need in one go, because we can always reheat the sticks to enjoy them later. So, if you also always end up with leftover mozzarella sticks, we welcome you to our team.
Now the thing is, there are many ways to reheat this best appetizer, but do you know which one will yield the best result? If not, this article is for you. Here I will be sharing 4 of my most favorite to least favorite tricks for reheating mozzarella sticks.
Let’s get started.
The Best Ways to Store Mozzarella Sticks
Storing mozzarella sticks correctly is crucial if you want to reheat them later. So, before getting into a detailed discussion on reheating techniques, let me tell you the proper way to store your leftover mozzarella sticks in the fridge or freezer. But in case, you want to know how to make mozzarella sticks in the first place, we have covered an article on that one as well.
Storing in the Fridge: If you want to store your leftover sticks in the fridge, remember to check their quality. And toss away your sticks if they have been sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent food poisoning resulting from food spoilage and food bacteria. Also, it is safe not to eat mozzarella sticks that were left out overnight.
To refrigerate leftover but fresh mozzarella sticks, place them in an airtight container and put them in the fridge.
Storing in the Freeze:
- On a dish or baking sheet, arrange the fresh, remaining mozzarella sticks in a single layer, spaced apart from one another.
- Place the dish or baking sheet in a flat spot in the freezer.
- When the mozzarella sticks are completely frozen (after three hours or overnight), move them to a freezer bag or divide them into several servings, pressing as much air out of the bag(s) as you can. Immediately put the bag(s) back in the freezer.
| Tips for Reheating Frozen Mozzarella Sticks |
|---|
| 1. Avoid defrosting the sticks, as they will lose their flavor and texture. 2. Reheat them only once, as repeated temperature fluctuations can make food rubbery, tough, or chewy. That’s why it’s better to store them in small portions. |
How to Reheat Mozzarella Sticks
These cheesy sticks can be warmed up in a regular oven, toaster oven, air fryer, or microwave. However, keep in mind that while reheating mozzarella sticks, the effectiveness of your chosen reheating technique will determine the quality of the result.
Depending on your preferences and available resources, you can use any of the following techniques.
1. How to Reheat Mozzarella Sticks in an Air Fryer
Using an air fryer to reheat your leftover mozzarella sticks is possibly your best bet. Using this sleek appliance to warm finger foods yields an excellent result, nearly as good as freshly cooked, with a crisp, crispy, and melty inside.
So, if you have an air fryer at home, follow the below steps to reheat your leftover mozzarella sticks.
- Prepare your air fryer at 400℉.
- Place the leftover mozzarella sticks into the air fryer basket.
- If your basket is full of mozzarella sticks, then heat them for 4 minutes, turn them using tongs, and heat them for another 3 minutes. And if you are reheating 3 to 4 sticks at a time, heat them for 2 minutes, turn them, and heat them for another 2 minutes.
2. How to Reheat Mozzarella Sticks in the Oven
Though using an oven takes time, the end result tastes like you’re eating freshly made mozzarella sticks. This is my second favorite method.
Steps to rewarm refrigerated mozzarella sticks in an oven:
- Prepare the oven at 350℉
- Lay the mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet. Make sure to leave enough space among the sticks.
- Place the sticks in the oven and bake them for about 5 to 10 minutes. And you are done. Serve and enjoy.
Steps to rewarm frozen mozzarella sticks in an oven:
- Set the oven’s temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Put the mozzarella sticks on a baking pan. Do not crowd it.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake the sticks for around 8 to 15 minutes. Once they are done and warm enough, you are ready to enjoy your cheese sticks.
3. How to Reheat Mozzarella Sticks in the Toaster Oven
The toaster oven approach is another excellent way to reheat your mozzarella sticks. Read this article to know the side-dish ideas with mozzarella sticks. If you don’t want to use a traditional oven to heat your home, this is a wonderful substitute.
Follow the below steps:
- Set the toaster oven’s temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake the sticks for about 7–8 minutes.
- Check if your mozzarella sticks are warm enough. When the cheese on your mozzarella sticks begins to melt, it’s time to remove them from the toaster. Then use a spatula or tongs to remove the sticks from the toaster and serve.
4. How to Reheat Mozzarella Sticks in the Microwave
You should use this reheating method only when you are in a hurry. You can follow the below steps to warm up these cheesy sticks in the microwave.
- Arrange the mozzarella sticks on a microwave-safe dish in a single layer.
- Heat a dish in the microwave for 25 seconds for one to four sticks.
- Microwave the sticks in 10-second intervals until they are warmed properly. Be sure not to overheat.
- To check the cheese, cut one stick in half. Heat them for an additional 15 seconds if they aren’t still hot enough. And now you can enjoy your cheesy sticks.
Which is the Best and Not-so-good Reheating Method?
I will either go for the air fryer or oven method. Both methods give the mozzarella sticks a fresh golden brown look and heavenly crispiness as if they’re just freshly made.
On the contrary, I don’t recommend the microwave method unless you’re super hungry and also in a rush. This is because if you microwave mozzarella sticks incorrectly, the chances of ending up with rubbery and soggy mozzarella sticks are higher.
Final Words
Now that you know some of the best methods for reheating mozzarella sticks, I hope you will never have to throw those leftovers away in the bin ever again.
However, for safer consumption, make sure you check the quality of the leftovers before you try reheating these delicious, crispy appetizers in an air fryer, oven, toaster, or microwave.
Monica Nash is the seniormost writer at www.limitlesscooking.com. She is excellent at designing the content, and she understands how the audience will receive each piece of work. And yes, she cooks very well! Her 3-year of experience and dedication make the whole team energized.