Chain Restaurant Mozzarella Sticks Ranked From Worst To Best
Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a late-night snack, mozzarella sticks are a beloved comfort food for many. Although U.S. residents likely assume this dish originated stateside, the earliest iteration of fried cheese actually appeared in a French cookbook during the Medieval era. From there, this concept slowly evolved into the tube-shaped, thickly-breaded mozzarella sticks people know and love today, with part of its staying power coming from its simplicity. As a result, this appetizer has a longstanding loyal following in the U.S. and has seen its popularity reach new heights.
One of the easiest ways for folks to get their fried cheese fix is through chain restaurants, many of which have offered this menu item for decades. Today, consumers can have mozzarella sticks delivered to their table while dining in, or even head to the drive-thru lane of many fast-food establishments. But, of course, not all chain restaurant mozzarella sticks are created equal. Some don't quite live up to their name, while others are worth ordering repeatedly.
14. Red Lobster
Most customers probably wouldn't think of Red Lobster as their first stop for mozzarella sticks, but some fans of this chain swear by them. Like many restaurants, Red Lobster serves its Mozzarella Cheesesticks with a side of basic marinara sauce. This deep-fried treat is one of the few non-seafood appetizers on their menu, and people receive a generous amount of mozzarella sticks in each order. One TripAdvisor reviewer considers Red Lobster their favorite restaurant for mozzarella sticks, primarily because of the lightness of the breading.
Unfortunately, not everyone shares this reviewer's favorable opinion of the appetizer. When the chain created a Facebook post about its mozzarella sticks, people took to the comments section to voice complaints about quality. Some expressed an affinity for this snack, but a majority disliked it. One of the most common gripes is that there isn't enough cheese inside, which leaves patrons eating a hollow tube of fried breadcrumbs. Some users also dislike the accompanying marinara sauce, which is a must-have for many mozzarella stick fans.
13. Burger King
Mozzarella sticks have graced the menu of many national fast-food chains, including Burger King. This restaurant offers its Mozzarella Sticks as a four-piece side, which is standard in the fast food world. Although these mozzarella sticks boast a pleasantly crispy exterior, their flavor has many Burger King fans divided. A YouTube review describes this side dish as decent-looking with a relatively satisfying flavor. However, the reviewer notes that these cheese sticks have zero cheese pull, despite the filling's appealing taste. Comments on the video are far less optimistic, and many explain that this snack is something people should skip.
Reddit features multiple threads in which fast food consumers complain about the quality of these mozzarella sticks, including one thread dedicated to how little cheese is inside them. However, as one user points out, even great mozzarella sticks can look dried and empty if cooked too long. Since Burger King cheese sticks are on the small side, it's likely even easier for them to fall victim to overcooking.
12. Olive Garden
As Olive Garden proves, not all mozzarella sticks are created equal. Rather than the thin cylindrical sticks most are familiar with, this chain restaurant's Fried Mozzarella features a generous block of cheese wrapped in a thick, well-seasoned breading. Although these mozzarella sticks aren't traditional, some patrons love this version. For instance, a reviewer for Eaten considers these some of the best fried cheese they have ever eaten. In their review, they paired the mozzarella sticks with a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce instead of the usual marinara.
However, this classic appetizer has received mixed reviews on other platforms. For example, one YouTube creator enjoyed the seasoning blend added to the breadcrumbs but felt the breading-to-cheese ratio needed to be corrected. Meanwhile, another reviewer on YouTube enjoyed a plate of these with a generous amount of mozzarella inside and a crave-worthy cheese pull. Of course, consistency is vital with any menu item at chain restaurants, which is something Olive Garden could likely improve on with its fried cheese.
11. Culver's
It's no secret that Wisconsinites love their cheese, and one of the state's most adored snacks is fried cheese curds. The Wisconsin-based chain Culver's features this savory side dish in two different sizes on its menu. According to the company website, it exclusively sources its cheddar cheese from La Grander Hillside Dairy, also a Badger State original. A Snitch'd reviewer scored this fried cheese 75/100, explaining that the lightly crunchy exterior complements the cheesy interior. This reviewer suggests enjoying the cheese curds with Culver's ranch dipping sauce.
One YouTube creator also highlighted the deliciousness of this snack's coating and enjoyed the overall flavor. The creator also liked the texture of the cheese curds, which are much firmer than most mozzarella sticks. Viewers left many comments supporting this side dish, including several users from the restaurant chain's home state. However, some diehard cheese curd fans claim that these aren't necessarily the most authentic way to enjoy Wisconsin's signature snack, so some purists may not like them.
10. Chili's
Despite the decades-long history of the famous chain Chili's, mozzarella sticks haven't been a consistent part of the restaurant's menu. Instead, it has fluctuated between offering this item and substituting it for other cheese-based appetizers over the years. However, that hasn't kept some customers from loving the chain's latest iteration of this treat, Fried Mozzarella. These thick, rectangular chunks of cheese are deep-fried in a crunchy coating and come with a generous amount of dipping sauce.
A Reddit user posted a photo to show just how large these cheese sticks are, and the comments section compared them to slabs and pancakes. They are a good option for those who prefer a higher cheese-to-breading ratio than traditional mozzarella sticks. A restaurant employee reviewed this appetizer on TikTok when it first appeared on the menu in 2022. She demonstrated their smooth cheese pull and sampled them with the accompanying dipping sauce. Although employee endorsements can be powerful, most of the comments section didn't love this appetizer enough to not miss the Crispy Cheddar Bites Chili's used to offer instead.
9. Dairy Queen
Since cheese curds have a denser texture than mozzarella sticks, finding some that have a satisfying cheese pull can be challenging. However, Dairy Queen offers fast food enthusiasts the best of both worlds. The chain offers its deep-fried Cheese Curds in two sizes, both of which make a generous snack. In a taste test, one YouTube creator describes the coating as nicely crunchy and demonstrates the cheese pull capabilities of this bite-sized snack. Comments on the video are mostly positive, with most viewers agreeing that these cheese curds are a highlight on the Dairy Queen menu.
Reviewers on ChickAdvisor have collectively awarded these cheese curds 4.6 stars out of 5. Most reviews rave about the crispy texture and savory taste; some recommend enjoying them with ranch dipping sauce. A few people found this snack a little too greasy for their taste, but most would recommend it to a friend. The most common complaint about these cheese curds is that reviewers wish the portions were even bigger so they could enjoy more cheesy goodness. However, anyone who loves their mozzarella sticks on the softer side may not enjoy the texture of this snack.
8. Sonic
The fast food chain Sonic is recognizable for its retro drive-in ordering style, so it's natural that the restaurant offers classic snacks like mozzarella sticks. This restaurant's rendition of fried cheese features a thick, seasoned breadcrumb coating, adding extra flavor. The snack comes in multiple sizes, from a two-pack all the way up to a 16-piece family pack. Like most chains, an order of Sonic cheese sticks comes with a side of marinara sauce. Among the fast food restaurants that offer mozzarella sticks, Sonic has received top marks from many internet food reviewers.
For instance, a Facebook user demonstrated these mozzarella sticks' impressive cheese pull and especially enjoyed the crunchy exterior. The user also found the dipping sauce to be well-seasoned and pleasantly tasty. A review from Brand Eating was also mostly positive, noting that the crispy batter had just the right amount of subtly seasoned flavor. However, this reviewer found the cheese texture less gooey and soft than the Facebook reviewer, suggesting some cooking inconsistencies with this menu item.
7. White Castle
In addition to their famous sliders, the longstanding fast food chain White Castle offers several side items, including french fries, onion rings, and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks. This fried snack comes with marinara dipping sauce and has five cheese sticks in each pack. A TripAdvisor review calls this snack a tasty accompaniment to an order of burger sliders and french fries, and several other reviewers agree. Another TripAdvisor user was impressed with the large amount of cheesy filling inside — a key component in delicious mozzarella sticks.
A YouTube creator reviewed these cheese sticks and enjoyed the flavor of the breading and the gooey interior. He also noted that the thick, seasoned breading on the outside was the best part of this snack because of its crunch. The accompanying sauce, however, tasted more like pizza sauce than traditional marinara and was a little too thin for the reviewer's taste. Nevertheless, the creator rated the mozzarella sticks an 8/10, and a viewer in the comments section called these the best version of this appetizer that money can buy. Unfortunately, this snack gets lost in the shuffle of the chain's expansive, sliders-focused menu, and isn't as popular as it could be.
6. A&W Restaurants
Regarding fast-food cheese curds, it's hard to compete with A&W Restaurants. According to the chain's website, its beloved side order of cheese curds features 100% cheddar cheese from Wisconsin. The restaurant also periodically offers a limited-time twist on its classic snack offering with Sriracha Cheese Curds, which add a spicy kick to the traditional fried cheese (via Chew Boom). However, patrons of this chain still swear by the originals for their crispy batter and melty interior.
A Bachelor On The Cheap review describes these cheese curds as simply heavenly, mainly because of their texture. The review also notes that these deep-fried nuggets taste delicious enough not to need a dipping sauce. One YouTube creator also reviewed this snack and was impressed by the aroma and generous cheese pull. The creator tried the curds with a buttermilk ranch dipping sauce and found the combination delicious. Multiple viewers left positive comments on the video and recommended that cheese curd aficionados try these. Sadly, A&W Restaurants is a relatively small chain, so it's difficult for some cheese lovers to find locations nearby.
5. The Cheesecake Factory
When it comes to giving its diners options, few restaurants have as extensive a menu as The Cheesecake Factory. Although the name pays homage to its signature dessert, the chain offers lunch, dinner, and even brunch dishes that are equally adored by many. The restaurant's Crispy Fried Cheese blends classic mozzarella with fontina in a wide, flat cheese stick. It doesn't resemble the usual mozzarella stick, and adding extra cheese gives it a unique flavor.
In a taste test, a YouTube creator called this fried cheese one of the top three appetizers on the chain's menu, and found it equally tasty with and without the marinara dipping sauce. The creator praised the taste of the filling and the well-seasoned exterior breading, but especially enjoyed the soft texture that the fontina adds to these cheese sticks. A TripAdvisor reviewer also found this appetizer delicious and posted a photo of it as one of the highlights of their review.
4. Checkers
Some fast food chains are famous for one particular aspect of their menu, such as Checkers, which most fans love for its signature fry seasoning blend. This flavor enhancement is also what makes the restaurant's Fry-Seasoned Monsterella Stix such a big hit with its patrons. Although an order of these cheese chicks is relatively small, they are generously sized enough to still be satisfying. A TripAdvisor review describes these unique mozzarella sticks as some of the best around, and diners across multiple social media platforms agree. For example, many Facebook users left comments on a mozzarella stick-themed post expressing their love for this unique cheesy snack.
The side dish is also the subject of multiple video taste tests on YouTube. For instance, one creator tried an order of Monsterella Stix with and without the provided marinara sauce. He described this snack as a refreshingly unusual take on the traditional mozzarella stick and scored it 89 out of 100. Comments on the video indicate that many viewers agree with this score, with some calling these the best fast-food mozzarella sticks available.
3. TGI Friday's
Occasionally, chain restaurant menu items gain enough of a following to generate a line of grocery products. And one example are the mozzarella sticks that are an adored TGI Friday's appetizer, also available in the frozen department of many national food stores. The mozzarella sticks are wider than many restaurants' tube-shaped offerings, both in-house and store-bought, and have an herb-enhanced coating. However, the at-home version can't compare to the tastiness of enjoying this snack at a restaurant.
A Business Insider article highlighted the delicious flavor and smooth cheese pull of this appetizer, calling it the most memorable item on the chain's appetizer menu. In addition, TGI Friday's patrons across social media have also given this appetizer glowing reviews. For example, a TripAdvisor user highlighted this snack's wonderful flavor, even complimenting them in the review's title. Furthermore, a YouTube reviewer praised the quality of the cheesy interior and the crunchiness of the breading, calling this snack a perfect example of mozzarella sticks.
2. Applebee's
Sometimes, one particular appetizer becomes a defining feature of a restaurant's menu. For example, mozzarella sticks are an absolute must-have for many diners making a trip to Applebee's. The mozzarella sticks are gooey on the inside with a near-perfect cheese pull, and the breading has just enough flavor to complement the cheese without being overpowering. This chain has traditional mozzarella sticks, which come in a generous portion with the usual marinara dipping sauce.
However, tradition clearly works in the restaurant's favor, since consumers across the internet consistently rank this appetizer as one of the best mozzarella sticks anywhere. For instance, this snack made it to the top of an Insider list of the most delicious Applebee's appetizers, due to its perfect balance of breading and cheese. In addition, reviewers on social media platforms favor this appetizer, such as one TripAdvisor reviewer who dedicated their whole post to recommending the chain's mozzarella sticks to potential patrons. Ordering extra sauce is recommended for the ultimate dipping experience.
1. Arby's
Although Arby's is best known for its roast beef sandwiches, the chain's mozzarella sticks have been a beloved menu staple for years. They have a thin, crispy exterior and gooey interior, a combination that makes for the perfect cheese pull. Over time, these mozzarella sticks have built an extensive fan base, with many consumers considering them a hidden gem. For instance, a Reddit user devoted a thread to their belief that this famous restaurant makes the best mozzarella sticks of any chain restaurant. Much of the comments section agrees, with one user suggesting they pair equally well with the provided marinara dipping sauce or even ranch.
This Redditor isn't alone – diners across multiple social media platforms have also expressed love for this often underrated snack. For example, one TripAdvisor reviewer described Arby's mozzarella sticks as a must-try menu item. Even an Instagram page devoted to reviewing mozzarella sticks gave the chain's version a perfect score of 10/10. Arby's offers its mozzarella sticks in four and six-packs, so consumers can decide how much cheesy goodness they want to order.