Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cottage cheese – 1 cup (preferably low-moisture or well-drained)
- Shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar) – 1 cup
- Eggs – 2, beaten
- Bread crumbs – 1 cup (regular or gluten-free)
- Flour or gluten-free alternative – ½ cup
Seasonings
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp
- Paprika – 1 tsp
- Salt – ½ tsp (adjust to taste)
- Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a bowl, thoroughly combine the cottage cheese with shredded mozzarella or cheddar until you get a smooth, creamy mixture that holds together well when shaped.
- Shape the sticks: Using your hands or a spoon, mold the cheese mixture into finger-sized sticks, ensuring consistent sizes for even cooking.
- Set up the coating station: Prepare three shallow dishes—one with flour or gluten-free flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the bread crumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each stick: Roll each shaped stick first in the flour, then fully dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture to create a triple layer crust.
- Chill and cook: Place the coated sticks on a tray and refrigerate for about 20 minutes to firm up. Cook by frying in hot oil for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown or bake at 400°F (205°C) for around 15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
Notes
- Use low-moisture or well-drained cottage cheese to prevent sogginess.
- Chilling sticks before cooking helps maintain their shape and improves the coating’s adhesion.
- Fry or bake in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even crispness.
- Adjust seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture according to your taste preferences.
- Test cook one stick first to fine-tune cooking time and temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (baking) or 3 minutes (frying)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free ingredients are used)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: cottage cheese sticks, cheesy snacks, gluten free appetizer, baked cheese sticks, crispy cheese sticks, kid-friendly snack