Description
These Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate cheesy, crunchy, and spicy snack! The flaming hot Cheetos coating gives them an irresistible kick, while the gooey mozzarella inside is the perfect contrast. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing appetizer or party treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bag (8.5 ounces / 6 cups) Flaming Hot Cheetos, crushed (about 3 cups)
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- ½ cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
Instructions
- Crush the Flaming Hot Cheetos into small pieces using a food processor or by placing them in a ziplock bag and using a rolling pin. Set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, and garlic powder.
- In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs and coat it with the crushed Hot Cheetos, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes to help the coating set.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the mozzarella sticks in batches, about 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and drain on paper towels. Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying is crucial to ensure the cheese doesn’t melt out during frying.
- For an extra spicy kick, you can add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can pan-fry the mozzarella sticks in a deep skillet with enough oil to submerge the sticks halfway.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes to freeze)
- Cook Time: 2-3 minutes (frying)
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks, Fried Cheese Sticks, Spicy Mozzarella, Appetizer, Party Snacks, Cheese Sticks