Indulge in a crunchy, cheesy snack that tastes just like the classic restaurant appetizer without all the carbs!
I used to love bar food. I’d go to my neighborhood watering hole after work on a Friday, order a beer and a platter of deep-fried appetizers, and bliss out on the greasy carbo-load. But my partner and I have committed to a lower-carb lifestyle, so those high-carb treats are no longer on the menu for me. Sigh.
Luckily, I found this keto mozzarella cheese sticks recipe! It delivers a flavor profile that’s nearly identical to the app you’d get in a restaurant with a fraction of the carbs. I thought using pork rinds in a home-cooked dish was a little weird—it seems like something a creative chef might use in a cooking show to impress the judges. They smell really strong while you’re pulsing them in the food processor which made me worry. But I just can’t deny the result! These cheese sticks are crispy on the outside, ooey-gooey on the inside, and totally delicious throughout. They taste salty, savory, and deeply satisfying.
We made them for a family get-together a few weeks ago, and they were a huge hit! My uncle thought we had bought them at a takeout place, and my super-picky teenage nephew went back for seconds and thirds. He would’ve gone for fourths but they were all gone by then!
What are pork rinds?
Also known as chicharrones, pork rinds are simply pieces of pork skin that have been cooked until puffed and crispy. Traditionally, the pork skin is rendered to remove most of the fat, then deep-fried to achieve an airy, crunchy texture. The result is a surprisingly light yet satisfyingly crisp snack that’s naturally zero-carb, making it a staple ingredient for those following a ketogenic lifestyle.
In this recipe, crushed pork rinds replace the classic breadcrumb coating to provide a golden exterior that mimics the texture and appearance of traditional mozzarella sticks. Their savory, slightly salty flavor combines perfectly with Parmesan and Italian seasonings to create a breading that’s delicious and unmistakably crunchy. This ingenious swap delivers a familiar taste and satisfying bite, so you don’t miss out on the look or mouthfeel of higher-carb versions. Beyond mozzarella sticks, chefs and home cooks use pork rinds as a gluten-free coating for fried chicken and fish, or even as a topping for casseroles. With their unique ability to stay crisp and pack maximum flavor without carbs, pork rinds prove that sometimes the oddest ingredients yield the most delicious—and diet-friendly—results.
How do I store leftovers?
Let your mozzarella sticks cool completely before storing them in a single layer in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. The best freezing method is to arrange the sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them for a few hours until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. From the fridge, reheat them in a skillet with a little oil or in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, turning halfway for even crispness. From the freezer, reheat in a 450°F oven for 10-20 minutes or in an air fryer at 400°F for 5-8 minutes. I don’t recommend microwaving this snack, as it’ll make the coating soggy.
Similar recipes to try
Looking for other appetizers to satisfy your cravings? Try this Delicious Fried Calamari Recipe, this Keto Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe, and this super-easy Keto Charcuterie Board Recipe. Want to use your pork rinds to make a low-carb entrée? Check out this recipe for Baked Keto Pork Chops with a savory breading.
Keto Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 2 cups pork rinds
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Slice the mozzarella string cheese sticks in half. Place them in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes.
- Place the pork rinds in a food processor, along with the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Pulse a few times until the mixture looks like coarse panko breading. Transfer the mixture to a shallow bowl or plate.
- Whisk the egg in a separate bowl. Place that bowl next to the breading mixture.
- When the cheese sticks are done chilling, pour oil about a half-inch deep in a frying pan and place it over medium heat.
- When the oil is hot, dip each cheese stick in the egg mixture, then roll it in the breading, and carefully place it in the oil. Work in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Cook each mozzarella stick until the outside is golden brown and the inside is a bit melty, about 1-2 minutes per side. Enjoy right away with your favorite low-carb dipping sauce.
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