Ingredients
Cheeses
- Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (12 sticks, about 1 lb)
- Cheddar Cheese (6 oz, sliced into thin strips)
Breading and Seasonings
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup)
- Eggs (2 large, lightly beaten)
- Breadcrumbs (1 1/2 cups; preferably panko for extra crispiness)
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp)
- Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp)
- Salt (1/2 tsp)
- Black Pepper (1/4 tsp)
For Frying
- Vegetable Oil (for deep frying, about 4 cups)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese: Cut mozzarella into sticks if not pre-cut and slice cheddar into thin strips to place or wrap inside the mozzarella for a melty cheese fusion.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: Arrange three bowls: one with flour, one with lightly beaten eggs, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Cheese Sticks: Lightly dust each cheese stick with flour, dip in egg, then roll through the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a double layer to enhance crunch and sealing.
- Freeze to Set: Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour. This firms up the coating and helps prevent cheese leakage during frying.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the sticks in small batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack to remove excess oil.
- Serve Warm and Crispy: Serve immediately with dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo for the perfect contrast of crunchy and gooey.
Notes
- Freeze the breaded sticks before frying to prevent cheese from leaking out.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier crust.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) to avoid greasy or soggy sticks.
- Double breading helps the coating hold during frying and increases crunchiness.
- Drain excess oil by placing sticks on paper towels or a wire rack after frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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