Cheese Sticks

Cheese sticks are a beloved snack that combines crispy, golden-brown exteriors with melty, gooey cheese inside. Perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in, they are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for a delightful treat that will have everyone coming back for more!

Ingredients

• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 5-7 minutes.

Nutritional Value

One serving (3-4 sticks) contains approximately 250 calories, 15g fat, 20g carbohydrates, and 12g protein. This is based on one person.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Prepare the cheese sticks by cutting mozzarella into 3-inch pieces.
2. Set up a breading station with flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning in a third bowl.
3. Coat each cheese stick in flour, shaking off excess.
4. Dip the floured cheese stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
5. Roll the egg-coated stick in the breadcrumb mixture until fully covered.
6. Repeat for all cheese sticks, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes.
7. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
8. Fry the cheese sticks in batches until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
9. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
10. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Alternative Ingredients

You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Additionally, gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour can be used for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Serving and Pairings

Cheese sticks pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy aioli. They make an excellent appetizer or snack alongside a fresh salad or vegetable platter.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover cheese sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. They can also be frozen before frying for future use.

Cooking Mistakes

• Not freezing the cheese sticks before frying can lead to cheese oozing out.
• Using too much oil can cause the sticks to become greasy.
• Frying at too low a temperature results in soggy sticks.
• Skipping the seasoning in the breadcrumbs can make them bland.
• Overcrowding the frying pan can lower the oil temperature.

Helpful Tips

• Try adding herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
• Ensure the cheese is well-coated to prevent leaks during frying.
• Use a thermometer to check oil temperature for optimal frying.
• Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination.

FAQs

Can I bake cheese sticks instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake cheese sticks! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.

What dipping sauces are best for cheese sticks?

Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, and spicy aioli are popular choices. You can also try honey mustard or barbecue sauce for a twist.

Can I make cheese sticks ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and freeze them before frying, then cook them when ready to serve.

What type of cheese is best for cheese sticks?

Mozzarella is the classic choice for cheese sticks due to its excellent melting properties, but cheddar and pepper jack can also be delicious alternatives.

How do I know when the cheese sticks are done frying?

Cheese sticks are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Be careful not to overcook them to avoid burnt cheese inside.

Conclusion

Cheese sticks are a delightful snack that brings comfort and joy to any occasion. With their crispy exterior and gooey cheese center, they are sure to be a hit. Following this simple recipe, you can create a delicious treat that everyone will love, perfect for sharing or indulging on your own.

Cheese Sticks

These cheese sticks are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, making them a perfect snack for any occasion.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cheese sticks, appetizers, fried snacks, comfort food

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 250kcal

Ingredients

• 8 oz mozzarella cheese cut into sticks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions

• Prepare the cheese sticks by cutting the mozzarella into 3-inch pieces.
• Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
• Coat each cheese stick in flour, shaking off the excess.
• Dip the floured cheese stick into the beaten eggs.
• Roll the egg-coated stick in the breadcrumb mixture until fully covered.
• Repeat for all cheese sticks, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for 30 minutes.
• Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
• Fry the cheese sticks in batches until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
• Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
• Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 15g