The Long History of the Mozzarella Stick

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.