This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through those links (at no extra cost to you).
It only takes 3 ingredients to make these easy, cheesy Pizza Sticks! Wrap cheese and mini pepperonis in wonton wrappers, then fry to crispy golden perfect. So great with marinara sauce, ranch, or nacho cheese dipping sauces!
Meggan’s notes
I never met a deep-fried snack that I didn’t love, but making them at home is always more satisfying. As a classically-trained chef, I’m well-versed in what makes a good snack, and I’ve got all the tips and tricks to make sure you succeed when you make pizza sticks at home.
To ensure maximum pepperoni flavor, I tuck mini pepperonis both inside of and next to a mozzarella cheese stick. Seal the wonton wrapper edges with water before carefully folding and rolling the pizza sticks into perfect little parcels.
350 degrees is the ideal frying temperature here, and just be sure you don’t overcrowd the fryer. Every time you add a stick, the temperature will drop, so keep an eye on that. With these tips and a fool-proof recipe, you’re guaranteed Pizza Stick Success every single time!
Table of Contents
Recipe ingredients
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
Ingredient notes
- Cheese: Any string cheese works. If I’m snacking with adults, sometimes I grab smoked string cheese.
- Mini pepperoni: Or substitute full-size pepperoni and cut the pieces in half or in quarters.
- Egg roll wrappers: These are often sold in the refrigerated section of the produce aisle.
Step-by-step instructions
- Slice the string cheese sticks lengthwise about 75% of the way through to make a crevice. Fill each crevice with 4 slices of mini pepperoni.
- Working with one egg roll wrapper at a time, lay a wrapper on a cutting board or other flat surface and brush the edges with water. Arrange a filled cheese stick on one side. Add 4 more mini pepperoni on the wrapper next to the cheese stick.
- Starting at the end of the wrapper with the cheese stick, roll the wrapper tightly around the cheese stick and the pepperoni. When the cheese stick is about 75% rolled, fold in the sides like a burrito and continue rolling.
- Seal the edges of the egg roll wrapper on itself. Set aside on a plate covered with a damp paper towel and repeat with remaining wrappers, cheese, and pepperoni.
- Heat oil in a sauce pan, stock pot, or electric deep fryer to 350 degrees. Working in batches, deep-fry 3 to 4 pizza sticks at a time until the egg roll wrapper is golden brown on all sides, about 3 minutes.
- Remove to a plate lined with paper towels and repeat with remaining pizza sticks.
- Serve pizza sticks warm with the marinara dipping sauce on the side.
Recipe tips and variations
- Yield: This recipe makes 12 Pizza Sticks.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer.
- Make ahead: Wrap the cheese and pepperoni in the wonton wrappers up to one day in advance. Store covered, wrapped in damp paper towels, in the refrigerator. You don’t want the wrappers to dry out.
- Favorite dipping sauces for pizza sticks: Try Marinara Dipping Sauce, cool and creamy Ranch Dressing, or even Homemade Cheese Sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
A pizza stick is any kind of appetizer filled with pizza toppings such as sauce, cheese, pepperoni, or vegetables. They could be wrapped in bread dough, in a batter, or in a wonton wrapper.
I love classic tomato-based marinara, but ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, nacho cheese sauce, or any sort of garlic butter dip could be delicious as well. Need more inspiration? See what your favorite pizza chains are serving for dipping sauces.
You can use water or a mixture of egg and water depending on your recipe.
More party appetizers
Appetizer Recipes
Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce
Appetizer Recipes
2-Ingredient Little Smokies Recipe
Appetizer Recipes
Mexican Tortilla Roll Ups
Appetizer Recipes
Cowboy Caviar
Join Us
Pizza Sticks
IngredientsÂ
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (see note 1)
- 1 package mini pepperoni (see note 2)
- 12 egg roll wrappers (see note 3)
- 2 quarts vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
- marinara sauce for serving
InstructionsÂ
- Slice the string cheese sticks lengthwise about 75% of the way through to make a crevice. Fill each crevice with 4 slices of mini pepperoni.
- Working with one egg roll wrapper at a time, lay a wrapper on a cutting board or other flat surface and brush the edges with water. Arrange a filled cheese stick on one side. Add 4 more mini pepperoni on the wrapper next to the cheese stick.
- Starting at the end of the wrapper with the cheese stick, roll the wrapper tightly around the cheese stick and the pepperoni. When the cheese stick is about 75% rolled, fold in the sides like a burrito and continue rolling.
- Seal the edges of the egg roll wrapper on itself. Set aside on a plate covered with a damp paper towel and repeat with remaining wrappers, cheese, and pepperoni.
- Heat oil in a sauce pan, stock pot, or electric deep fryer to 350 degrees. Working in batches, deep-fry 3 to 4 pizza sticks at a time until the egg roll wrapper is golden brown on all sides, about 3 minutes.
- Remove to a plate lined with paper towels and repeat with remaining pizza sticks. Serve pizza sticks warm with the marinara dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
- Cheese: Any string cheese works. If I’m snacking with adults, sometimes I grab smoked string cheese.
- Mini pepperoni: Or substitute full-size pepperoni and cut the pieces in half or in quarters.
- Egg roll wrappers: These are often sold in the refrigerated section of the produce aisle.
- Yield: This recipe makes 12 Pizza Sticks.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer.
Whole lot of awesome here Meggan! Pinned and sharing on FB today!
Thank you for sharing to Facebook, Trish! I appreciate it! I also appreciate the pin. These were definitely a hit in my household!
Those pizza sticks are so yummy! And I didn’t expect there’s mini pepperoni inside! Cute and delicious! It’s interesting idea to cook with whole garlic cloves and then discard them. This version of marinara sauce looks so simple, definitely keeping this one!
Thank you so much, Maggie. 🙂 The mini pepperonis are so adorable and great for photography. I am very happy with and proud of the marinara sauce too, so thank you. 🙂
Oh now I know what I’m going to make for our next game day gathering! These are totally going on the list of foods to make for that gathering!
Thank you Julie, my husband and son just gobbled them up!
This looks like some seriously awesome comfort food!
Thank you Medha, I could eat the every day! 🙂
These are totally adorable! I love the little pepperoni slices in there, and that dipping sauce really does sound perfect! My kids would go nuts for this snack 😉
Thank you Allie, these are such a hit in my house. 🙂 I do love the tiny pepperonis, they make it all very fun!
I’ve never seen mini pepperoni! They’re so cute – and the perfect size for these delicious little bundles! So glad you worked on that marinara sauce until it was just right – those are always such wonderful kitchen moments! 🙂
Thank you, Kathleen! The mini pepperonis are truly adorable. I had seen them at the store but never bought them, but now I see that they are great for photos too!
These are so cute Meggan! My favorite simple pizza ingredients! Pinning for when I’m in a pizza mood 🙂
Thank you, Mira! I find that I’m usually in a pizza mood. 🙂
HOLD MOLY. I have just died and gone to snack food heaven! I know I should be excited about the sauce too (because that is really clever the way you flavour it!) but those cheese sticks….those cheese sticks…..oh help me, it’s 8am here and I want to make them for breakfast!!!
As you know, YOU inspired this recipe, so thank you. 🙂 And yes, I have eaten them for breakfast. It is a perfectly normal thing to do, right?!
But of course. I eat cookies, lasagna and all sorts of other inappropriate things for brekki so why not these??!
I definitely have a feeling you’ve studied this recipe scientifically, Meggan … lol! But of course this means you’ve made it extra delicious for us! I especially love the marinara sauce tips. 🙂
You are so funny, Helen! 🙂 They are pretty good, and personally I am thrilled with the results.
What perfect little cheesy packages. I Love these. I’m a big fan of the flavoring of the olive oil too because I don’t like eating chunks of garlic.
Thank you Janette! Cheesy packages of love. 🙂