Olive Garden Fried Mozzarella

Olive Garden’s Fried Mozzarella is a classic appetizer featuring golden-brown breaded mozzarella with gooey, melted cheese inside, served with warm marinara sauce for dipping. It’s arguably the most universally loved appetizer on the menu — everyone knows what mozzarella sticks are, everyone loves them, and Olive Garden’s version is a cut above average thanks to their Italian-seasoned breading and quality marinara.

At $12.29, it’s priced in the middle of the appetizer menu and is the safest choice for groups, families, or anyone who doesn’t want to take a risk on an unfamiliar starter. If you’ve never ordered appetizers at Olive Garden before, this is the no-brainer pick.

Price & Nutrition

• Price: $12.29
• Calories: 720
• Pieces: Typically 5-6 per order

At 720 calories for the whole order, each piece is roughly 120-145 calories. If you’re sharing with 2-3 people, the calorie impact is very manageable. Keep in mind this is before your entree, unlimited breadsticks, and soup or salad.

What Makes Olive Garden’s Version Good?

• Italian herb breading: Unlike generic mozzarella sticks, Olive Garden’s have a seasoned coating with Italian herbs that adds flavor to the crust
• Quality mozzarella: The cheese is genuine and melts to a proper stretchy, gooey consistency — not the rubbery texture you get at lesser restaurants
• Marinara dipping sauce: The same house marinara used on entrees — not a generic dipping sauce out of a packet
• Proper frying: Golden brown exterior with no greasiness — they’re fried to the right temperature

How It Compares to Other Appetizers

• vs. Stuffed Ziti Fritta ($12.79): Both are cheesy and fried, but the Ziti Fritta has a more complex five-cheese filling. Choose Fried Mozzarella for the classic experience, Ziti Fritta for something unique.
• vs. Classic Shrimp Scampi Fritta ($13.79): The shrimp version is lighter (580 cal vs. 720) and has garlic butter flavor. Choose the shrimp for a more premium appetizer.
• vs. Spinach Artichoke Dip ($11.79): The dip is $0.50 cheaper and better for larger groups. Choose it if you’re sharing with 3+ people.

Free Appetizer Hack

Sign up for the Olive Garden eClub (it’s completely free) and you’ll receive a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert with any adult entree purchase. This means you can get the Fried Mozzarella completely free on your first eClub visit. Combine this with Darden Rewards points for maximum savings. There’s literally no reason not to sign up — it takes 30 seconds and saves you $12.29 immediately.

Find It Near You

Available at all Olive Garden locations for dine-in, to-go, and delivery. Find your nearest restaurant on our map. For all appetizer options, see our complete appetizers guide.