Applebee’s Mozzarella Sticks Price, Calories & Nutrition (Updated 2026)
Mozzarella Sticks
You’re craving something cheesy, hot, and crispy, but you want to know the price, calorie count, and what you’re actually getting before you order. That’s exactly why this guide exists.
Applebee’s Mozzarella Sticks are one of the chain’s most-ordered appetizers, and for good reason. They deliver a shatteringly crispy golden crust with a gooey, stretchy mozzarella center every single time — a combination that’s hard to beat at this price point. At $9.99 and 860 calories per serving, they sit squarely in the “worth it for sharing” category.
In this guide, you’ll find the current price, full nutrition facts, complete ingredient breakdown, allergen details, available dipping sauces, money-saving tips including Happy Hour deals, honest taste review, and a head-to-head comparison with competitors.
Quick Overview
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 (approx., varies by location) |
| Calories | 860 cal per serving |
| Category | Appetizer |
| Included Sauce | Marinara (free) |
| Extra Sauce Options | 11 additional sauces available |
| Best For | Sharing, Happy Hour, 2 for $25 deals |
| Portion Size | ~8 sticks per order |
| Dietary Note | Vegetarian-friendly; NOT gluten-free or vegan |
What Are Applebee’s Mozzarella Sticks?
Applebee’s Mozzarella Sticks are a classic bar-style appetizer that has been a menu staple for years. Each stick is made from thick-cut part-skim mozzarella string cheese, real cheese, not a processed substitute, encased in a seasoned breadcrumb coating and fried until golden.
What makes them so consistently popular is predictability in the best possible sense. Whether you’re at an Applebee’s in Texas or Tennessee, the Mozzarella Sticks taste the same. That reliability, combined with a shareable portion and a reasonable price, keeps them as a go-to starter for groups, date nights, and late-night Happy Hour visits alike.
Ingredients
Applebee’s keeps the ingredient list focused and familiar. Here’s what goes into each order:
Core Ingredients:
- Part-skim mozzarella string cheese (the primary filling)
- Seasoned wheat flour breading (bleached wheat flour, wheat gluten)
- Breadcrumb coating
- Seasonings and spices
Included Sauce:
Included Sauce:
- Marinara sauce — made from tomato puree, diced tomatoes, spices, and dehydrated onion
The marinara is included with every standard order at no extra charge and subtracts 50 calories from the total if you skip it (leaving you at ~810 calories for the sticks alone).
Customization Options
Extra Dipping Sauce
| Dipping Sauce | Price | Additional Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Bleu Cheese | $0.59 | adds 410 Cal |
| Classic Buffalo | $0.59 | Adds 210 Cal |
| Cocktail | $0.49 | Adds 100 Cal |
| Extra Hot Buffalo | $0.79 | Adds 220 Cal |
| Honey BBQ | $0.59 | Adds 200 Cal |
| Honey Mustard | $0.59 | Adds 400 Cal |
| Hot Honey Glaze | $0.99 | Adds 300 Cal |
| House-Made Ranch | 0.59 | Adds 330 Cal |
| Marinara | $0.59 | Adds 50 Cal |
| Mexi-Ranch | $0.59 | Adds 280 Cal |
| Sweet Asian Chile | $0.99 | Adds 260 Cal |
| Tartar | $0.79 | Adds 370 Cal |
Best sauce pairings
- Classic: Marinara the intended pairing, light and bright
- For heat lovers: Extra Hot Buffalo — bold, tangy, and genuinely spicy
- For something different: Sweet Asian Chile, a popular alternative that adds sweetness with a gentle kick
- Crowd favorite: House-Made Ranch, creamy, cool, and universally liked
Nutritional Information Applebee’s Mozzarella Sticks
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 860 | – |
| Total Fat | 44g | 56% |
| Saturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | – |
| Cholesterol | 60mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 2240mg | 106% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 76g | 28% |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g | 25% |
| Sugars | 12g | – |
| Protein | 41g | – |
Nutrition Summary
Calories
860
Fat
44g
Carbs
76g
Protein
41g
Calorie Burn Time
A person weighing 150 lbs would need to engage in following specific exercises to burn off 860 calories from one serving of Mozzarella Sticks from Applebee’s.
Allergens
- Gluten/Wheat
- Dairy/Milk
- Eggs
- Soy
Best Side Dishes to Pair
Applebee’s Mozzarella Sticks work best as part of a larger spread. Consider pairing with:
- Applebee’s Boneless Wings — different texture, different flavor profile; a classic combination
- Spinach & Artichoke Dip — warm, creamy, and lighter in feel; balances the mozzarella sticks well
- Chicken Wonton Tacos — adds an Asian-inspired contrast and is a perennial crowd favorite
- Classic Fries or Onion Rings — available as add-ons or sides with entrees
- Applebee’s Brew Pub Pretzels — another popular bar-style starter that pairs well for group sharing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Generous ~8-stick portion; highly shareable | Redeemable for free via Club Applebee’s Rewards (100 points) |
| Consistent quality across locations | Not suitable for gluten-free, vegan, or keto diets |
| Real mozzarella cheese with excellent melt and pull | Quality drops quickly if not eaten immediately |
| 11 dipping sauce options for variety | Happy Hour availability and timing vary by franchise location |
| 50% off during Happy Hour at most locations | Saturated fat (18g) is 90% of the daily recommended value |
| Available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery | |
| Strong protein content (41g) for an appetizer | |
| Redeemable for free via Club Applebee’s Rewards (100 points) |
Final Verdict
Applebee’s Mozzarella Sticks are a dependable, crowd-pleasing appetizer that earns their spot on the menu. The combination of real mozzarella, crispy seasoned breading, and warm marinara is executed well, and the portion size makes them genuinely shareable for groups.
For the best experience: order during Happy Hour (50% off, down to ~$5.29), pair with House-Made Ranch or Sweet Asian Chile alongside the included marinara, and eat them the moment they arrive. If you’re building a 2 for $25 deal, including Mozzarella Sticks as your shareable appetizer is one of the smartest value moves on the menu.
Those watching sodium or following a gluten-free diet should look elsewhere — but for everyone else, these are a reliable, satisfying choice that consistently deliver on their promise.