Crab Rangoon Mozzarella Sticks

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Crab Rangoon Mozzarella Sticks

Let me tell you about the recipe that’s been stealing hearts (and disappearing from plates) in my house lately—Crab Rangoon Mozzarella Sticks. I originally whipped these up on a whim one Friday night when I was craving something fun, cheesy, and just a little bit indulgent. Think of it as what happens when two party food icons—classic crab rangoon and gooey mozzarella sticks—get married and make the most delicious baby ever.

As a stay-at-home mom, I’m always juggling a million things, so I need recipes that feel exciting but don’t leave my kitchen looking like a disaster zone. These come together surprisingly quickly, especially if you prep the filling ahead. The crispy coating, that luscious, creamy crab filling, and the stretch of melted cheese… it’s magic. My husband couldn’t stop raving, and even my picky youngest, who’s not usually into seafood, devoured two without blinking. We now refer to these as “Friday Night Gold.”

What makes this recipe really special is the balance. You get the richness of the cream cheese, the sweet and savory crab, and that mozzarella pull that turns any snack into an experience. Whether it’s game night, a casual get-together, or a snacky dinner (yes, that happens around here!), these are always a win. There’s something about them that just feels right. They taste like effort—but really, they’re secretly so simple.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use imitation crab instead of real crab?
Yes! I often do—it’s more affordable and still gives that sweet crab flavor we love.

What’s the best way to prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the edges tightly with a bit of water and don’t overfill. Also, freezing them for 15 minutes before frying helps!

Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can, but they won’t be quite as crispy. For baking, brush them with oil and bake at 425°F for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

Do they freeze well?
Absolutely. Just assemble, freeze on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag. Fry straight from frozen when ready.

What dipping sauce goes best?
Sweet chili sauce is our go-to, but sriracha mayo or even marinara works great too!

What You Need to Make Crab Rangoon Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients:

8 mozzarella cheese sticks (cut in half)

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup crab meat (real or imitation), finely chopped

1 green onion, finely chopped

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp soy sauce

1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

16 egg roll wrappers

1 egg, beaten (for sealing)

1 cup flour

2 eggs, beaten (for dredging)

1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

Oil, for deep frying

Equipment:

Mixing bowl

Frying pan or deep fryer

Tongs

Paper towels

Baking sheet (for freezing, optional)

How to Make Crab Rangoon Mozzarella Sticks

Make the filling: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, crab, green onion, garlic powder, soy sauce, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Assemble: Lay out an egg roll wrapper diagonally like a diamond. Spread 1 tsp of crab filling in the center, add a half mozzarella stick, and fold like a burrito—bottom point up, sides in, then roll. Seal the edge with beaten egg. Repeat for all 16.

Chill: Place rolled sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for 15–20 minutes. This helps them hold their shape and keeps the cheese from escaping.

Bread: Dredge each stick in flour, then dip into beaten eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.

Fry: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry in small batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Making the Best Crab Rangoon Mozzarella Sticks

Don’t skip the chill time—freezing helps everything stay sealed while frying.

Use string cheese—it holds up better when fried and gives that perfect cheese pull.

Make a double batch and freeze half. They’re great for last-minute snacks or unexpected guests.

Switch up the filling—add a dash of sriracha or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Air fryer option: Cook at 390°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These were the hit of our party! Everyone kept asking where I bought them—couldn’t believe they were homemade!” – Jen P.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for our Friday movie night. My kids LOVED them and asked for seconds. Thanks for the easy instructions!” – Melissa R.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Delicious, but I think I’ll add a little more crab next time. Loved the crispy coating though!” – Dave T.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“Such a fun twist on mozzarella sticks. I made these for a girls’ night and they disappeared in minutes!” – Kim A.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Tried baking instead of frying. Still tasty, but definitely not as crispy—will try the air fryer next time.” – Sarah L.

Printable Recipe

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If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook

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