Most would attest that mozzarella sticks are delicious. But why are mozzarella sticks so expensive? If you’ve often asked yourself this question, pull up a seat. There are many factors that increase the cost of fried cheese sticks, and I’m ready to expose them.
Table of Contents
- Why Are Mozzarella Sticks Popular?
- Why Are Fried Mozzarella Sticks So Expensive?
- Is It Cheaper To Buy or Make Mozzarella Sticks?
- Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe
- Why Are Mozzarella Sticks So Expensive? The Reasons Are Many!
- FAQs
Why Are Mozzarella Sticks Popular?
Mozzarella is one of the most popular cheeses in the world. As such, forming this cheese into a stick and selling it is near brilliant. Doing so allows the people to consume the cheese in a convenient and practical way, without having to use the cheese “on” something to eat it.
Although your typical string cheese mozzarella stick is insanely popular, fried cheese sticks are even more so. Fried mozzarella sticks are filled with delicious cheese and coated with a yummy breadcrumb exterior. All of this is then deep fried and dipped in marinara.
What’s not to love?
Having said all this, frying cheese in a batter isn’t a come-by-lately idea. In fact, the origins of cheese fried in a batter can be traced all the way back to the 1300s. However, fried mozzarella sticks didn’t really become popular as a delicious snack until the late 1970s or early 80s.
Why Are Fried Mozzarella Sticks So Expensive?
It’s now time to tackle the big question. Exactly why are cheese sticks expensive? The answer? Production costs! But believe it or not, there’s even more to it than that. The following are some of the most common reasons you’ll find fried mozzarella cheese sticks sold at a higher price point than other fried snacks.
Mozzarella Is an Expensive Cheese: Mozzarella cheese can get expensive. Not only are they insanely popular, but some mozzarella cheeses can also come from water buffalo which can heighten the price. Extensive manufacturing and a limited shelf life further complicate matters. Because of all of this, the main cost of mozzarella sticks are higher than food items that contain other cheeses. It makes sense!
Mozzarella Is a Sought-After Cheese
As mentioned, mozzarella is a very popular cheese. It is actually one of the most sought-after cheeses in the world. Mozzarella cheese isn’t only used for cheese sticks, but it is also the star of the show on your standard pizza, lasagna, sandwiches, and other food entrees. Consequently, as the demand for the cheese increases, so does the price.
Of course, you can save money by making your own mozzarella sticks and pizza recipes at home, but because many like the convenience of buying these items already made, the demand for them continues to increase.
Mozzarella Is a Delicate and Soft Cheese
Aside from mozzarella cheese being wildly popular and expensive to make, comes the idea of mozzarella having a low shelf life. Indeed, true fresh mozzarella has a low shelf life, mostly because the cheese doesn’t undergo the same aging process that many other cheeses do.
As a result, mozzarella cheese is delicate and must be kept fresh in order to be enjoyed by avid fans. The result is increased costs as cheesemakers attempt to keep this popular dairy product fresh so that it tastes just as customers expect.
Mozzarella Requires Additional Processing
Last but not least, mozzarella cheese can often require additional processing. In order to get mozzarella into stick form, it needs a lower moisture content. To make this happen, mozzarella has to undergo a process in which is it drained of much of its moisture so that it can be shaped into cheese sticks.
This extra processing translates into higher labor costs, and even the potential for a smaller portion size when ordering off of a menu. Still, because mozzarella cheese is the main ingredient in cheese sticks, manufacturers have no other option but to continue to produce the cheese to meet its immense demand.
All of these factors attribute to the expensive price tag on mozzarella cheese. But do you have to pay that much to be able to enjoy cheese sticks at home? Read on to find out!
Is It Cheaper To Buy or Make Mozzarella Sticks?
It is cheaper to make mozzarella sticks at home. By doing so, you’ll increase your portion size and can enjoy the freshness of what homecooked mozzarella sticks taste like.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for fast convenience, you may need to skip making mozzarella sticks at home. It really just comes down to what you’d prefer and what ingredients you already have on hand.
Ready to take the plunge but are in need of a good mozzarella stick recipe? If so stay tuned. I’ve got an awesome mozzarella stick recipe detailed below!
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 lb mozzarella cheese, cut into one 1×1 inch strips (or you can use string cheese – just be sure to cut each in half)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce (or pizza sauce)
Directions
- Whisk together the eggs and the milk.
- Take your sliced mozzarella sticks and coat them first with flour, then with egg, and finally with breadcrumbs.
- dip one more time in egg and breadcrumbs.
- Freeze you mozzarella sticks for at least 6 hours before frying them up.
- heat vegetable oil (or any oil with a high smoke point) in a skillet.
- Cook your mozzarella sticks for about 1 minute on each side or until yor sticks begin to leak and are golden brown.
- Drain the sticks on paper towels.
- Serve with pizza or marinara sauce as dip.
- Enjoy!
Why Are Mozzarella Sticks So Expensive? The Reasons Are Many!
There are many reasons mozzarella sticks are expensive, and most of them are perfectly justifiable. Labor intensity, popularity, and production costs all play a significant role in why mozzarella sticks can cost a bit more than most other cheeses.
I hope this helps demystify why you often see a higher price tag on mozzarella sticks. See you next time!
FAQs
Why is cheese so expensive?
There are many reasons that cheese can be expensive. From cheese type to manufacturing costs, there are many factors that influence the price tag you see on cheese.
Why mozzarella cheese is expensive?
As mentioned, mozzarella cheese can get expensive because of its popularity, manufacturing costs, and short shelf life. For many, however, this cheese is well worth the added cost!
Why are cheese sticks expensive?
Mozzarella cheese sticks undergo additional processing that can make prices soar. Pair this with the fact that they’re wildly popular and it isn’t difficult to see why there’s a higher price tag on these deliciously filling treats.
Is it cheaper to buy or make mozzarella?
It is cheaper to make mozzarella at home rather than to buy it. But like most things that take time, many people won’t want to expend the effort that making, storing, and keeping mozzarella fresh. Despite this fact, mozzarella cheese is actually much easier to make than other cheese types. Give it a try one day and see what you think!
