The Long History of the Mozzarella Stick (2024)

Gooey cheese contained within fried golden breading – who could have dreamed up such a thing of beauty? Actually, we wondered that very question about the beloved mozzarella stick and went on a hunt to find out.

Many foodies may know that the popular app is not a traditional Italian dish – neither is marinara sauce – but when you discover its country of origin you might be surprised. Learn more about the history of the mozzarella stick below:

1393: The first documented practice of breading thin slices of cheese and frying it appears in a Medieval French cookbook, “Le Ménagier de Paris.”

1976: According to some sources, the concept of string cheese came to life in the mid-1970s when Frank Baker, a Wisconsin cheesemaker, dreamed up the idea of snack-size pieces of mozzarella.

1980s: Casual restaurant chains like T.G.I. Fridays, Bennigan’s and Applebee’s explode in popularity along with their large selection of appetizers.

2012: Huffington Post staff evaluate the best and worst mozzarella sticks at some of America’s most popular restaurants.

2015: McDonald’s announces mozzarella sticks will pop onto menus across the country in January.

Today people enjoy mozzarella sticks with tomato or marinara sauce, plum sauce, jalapeno jelly, barbecue sauce, honey mustard sauce, ranch dressing and more. In fact, New York’s Capital District opts for mozzarella sticks with raspberry sauce!

Does all of this mozz stick talk have you craving some? Here’s a simple recipe to make them at home. Or, if you really can’t wait, check to see if they’re on the menu of your favorite drive-thru.

The Long History of the Mozzarella Stick (2024)

FAQs

The Long History of the Mozzarella Stick? ›

The earliest iteration of the mozzarella stick is traditionally believed to date back to 15th-century France. Sacre bleu! The text in question is called Le Ménagier de Paris (author unknown), a "women's guide" to everything from maintaining a youthful glow to cooking delicious appetizers.

What is the history of the mozzarella stick? ›

1976: According to some sources, the concept of string cheese came to life in the mid-1970s when Frank Baker, a Wisconsin cheesemaker, dreamed up the idea of snack-size pieces of mozzarella.

What is a interesting fact about mozzarella sticks? ›

The history of frying cheese in a batter dates back to at least 1393 in medieval France, when a recipe for fried cheese sticks appeared in Le Ménagier de Paris. However, food historians believe that medieval French fried cheeses had little in common with the preparation and development of modern mozzarella sticks.

What is the origin of mozzarella cheese? ›

Mozzarella was first made in Italy near Naples from the rich milk of water buffalos. Because it was not made from pasteurized milk and because there was little or no refrigeration the cheese had a very short shelf-life and seldom left the southern region of Italy near Naples where it was made.

What is the meaning of mozzarella stick? ›

/mɒzəɹɛlə stɪk/ /mɑːzɚɹɛlə stɪk/ Mozzarella stick. 1. a deep-fried appetizer made from breaded and fried sticks of mozzarella cheese.

Who created the mozzarella stick? ›

It began in Wisconsin

The man behind the stringy mozzarella stick–before it's fried–was a Wisconsinite. Frank Baker was the proud dairymaker who finally combined the standard Wisconsin aspiration to perpetually snack on cheese with a little business sense.

Who invented mozzarella? ›

Origin of mozzarella

The term 'mozzarella' first appeared in Italy in 1570 in a cookery book by Bartolomeo Scappi, chef to the papal court. However, cheese-making with buffalo milk was first recorded in the 12th century.

Why are mozzarella sticks so addictive? ›

"Study Reveals that Cheese Triggers the Same Part of the Brain as Many Drugs" New research argues that cheese is addictive in a way similar to drugs because of a chemical called casein, which is found in dairy products and can trigger the brain's opioid receptors.

What do Italians call mozzarella sticks? ›

Most American restaurants use frozen food which lacks the flavor and complexity of real Italian cuisine, and mozzarella sticks are based on a luscious Neapolitian dish called mozzarella en corrazza which is transcendent.

Why is mozzarella so popular? ›

Why is Mozzarella So Popular? Naturally, that has a lot to do with our enormous appetite for consuming pizza. But Mozzarella has considerably more strings to its bow. Rich in protein and calcium, Mozzarella is equally at home in countless pasta bakes.

When were mozzarella sticks invented? ›

The earliest iteration of the mozzarella stick is traditionally believed to date back to 15th-century France. Sacre bleu! The text in question is called Le Ménagier de Paris (author unknown), a "women's guide" to everything from maintaining a youthful glow to cooking delicious appetizers.

What is real mozzarella called? ›

Fior di Latte Mozzarella

In the United States, it's known simply as “fresh mozzarella.” It's soft like mozzarella di bufala, but with a milder, more neutral flavor and a somewhat more elastic texture.

When was the term mozzarella first mentioned? ›

The term was first mentioned in 1570, cited in a cookbook by Bartolomeo Scappi (chef to the papal court), reading (translated) "milk cream, fresh butter, ricotta cheese, fresh mozzarella and milk".

Why is it called mozzarella? ›

Mozzarella, derived from the southern Italian dialects spoken in Apulia, Calabria, Campania, Abruzzo, Molise, Basilicata, Lazio, and Marche, is the diminutive form of mozza ("cut"), or mozzare ("to cut off"), derived from the method of working.

Are mozzarella sticks healthy? ›

While nearly all mozzarella cheese sticks are made with part-skim cheese and are relatively low in fat, the calories and fat add up once fried with cooking oil. For a healthier option, you can try our Air-Fryer Mozzarella Sticks over the traditional frying method.

What does mozzarella mean in Italy? ›

The name mozzarella comes from the Italian mozzare, "to cut off." Definitions of mozzarella. mild white Italian cheese. type of: cheese.

How did mozzarella get to America? ›

Mozzarella is an Italian cheese made from the milk of the water buffalo. In the United States, what we call mozzarella, made from the milk of cows, is better known as fior di latte in Italy. Our love affair with cow's milk mozzarella began more than a century ago with the arrival of Italian immigrants.

Do they eat mozzarella sticks in Italy? ›

Ahh, the mozzarella stick – a breaded, fried bite of stringy, melty, gooey cheese, dipped in tangy, sweet tomato sauce. A staple of fast food and chain restaurants in the US, you won't find mozzarella sticks here in Italy.

When was mozzarella found? ›

90 years ago - 1928

Paul Galvin and his brother, Joseph, incorporated Motorola's founding company — Galvin Manufacturing Corporation — in Chicago on September 25, 1928.

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