Mozzarella cheese sticks are a delicious, crispy, and gooey appetizer that is perfect for parties, game days, or a fun snack. Coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture and fried to golden perfection, these cheese sticks offer a delightful crunch on the outside with a molten cheese center. This recipe is simple to follow and ensures that each cheese stick turns out crispy and cheesy every time.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup water
- 1 ½ cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 2 cups oil for frying, or as needed
- 1 (16 ounce) package mozzarella cheese sticks
Making It Step by Step
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the beaten eggs and water. Mix well to combine.
- In another shallow bowl, mix together the Italian seasoned bread crumbs and garlic salt.
- In a third shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch.
- Coat the Cheese Sticks:
- Start by dredging each mozzarella cheese stick in the flour mixture, coating evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip the floured cheese stick into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Roll the cheese stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs well. For extra crispiness, you can double coat the cheese sticks by repeating the egg and breadcrumb coating process.
- Freeze the Cheese Sticks:
- Place the coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Freeze the cheese sticks for at least 1 hour to ensure the cheese remains intact during frying.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 cups of oil over medium heat. The oil is ready when it reaches 350°F (175°C). To test, drop a small piece of bread into the oil; it should sizzle and turn golden.
- Fry the Cheese Sticks:
- Working in batches, carefully place the frozen cheese sticks into the hot oil. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the cheese sticks from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve:
- Serve the mozzarella cheese sticks warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
Cooking Tips
- Frozen Cheese Sticks: Freezing the cheese sticks before frying helps prevent the cheese from melting out during the cooking process.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature to avoid soggy cheese sticks. If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the cheese melts; if it’s too cool, the cheese may leak out.
- Batch Cooking: Fry cheese sticks in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven frying.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked cheese sticks for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen by frying directly from the freezer.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per cheese stick, assuming 12 sticks total)
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, but keep in mind that the melting point and flavor may vary.
- Can I bake these cheese sticks instead of frying? Yes, you can bake them for a lighter version. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the cheese sticks on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- What if I don’t have Italian seasoned bread crumbs? You can use plain bread crumbs and add a mixture of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to flavor them.
Conclusion
Mozzarella cheese sticks are a classic favorite that never fails to impress. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they provide a delightful contrast of textures that makes each bite irresistible. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can easily make these cheese sticks at home for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, party snack, or just a fun treat, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness of homemade mozzarella cheese sticks and savor the delicious crunch with every bite!