Description
These Crispy Cheddar Mozzarella Sticks are a perfect appetizer or snack. With gooey, melted cheese inside and a golden, crunchy exterior, these cheese sticks are irresistible! Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear in no time.
Ingredients
- 12 Mozzarella sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 large Eggs, beaten
- 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Grated cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
-
Prepare the cheese sticks:
Unwrap the mozzarella string cheese and cut each stick in half if desired to make shorter sticks. -
Coat the cheese sticks:
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the grated cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. -
Bread the cheese sticks:
Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour, ensuring it’s coated evenly. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the panko breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well. For extra crispy cheese sticks, repeat the process to double-coat them. -
Freeze the cheese sticks:
Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This step helps prevent the cheese from melting out during frying. -
Fry the cheese sticks:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the cheese sticks in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Be careful not to overcrowd the fryer. -
Drain and serve:
Remove the fried cheese sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a healthier version, you can bake the mozzarella sticks at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Make sure the cheese sticks are fully frozen before frying to prevent the cheese from oozing out.
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with Parmesan or any other cheese of your choice for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus freezing time)
- Cook Time: 4-5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mozzarella sticks, crispy cheese sticks, homemade mozzarella sticks, fried cheese, cheddar mozzarella sticks, party appetizer, snack recipe