Easy Homemade Cheese Sticks

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Easy Homemade Cheese Sticks

Crispy, Golden Perfection with Melty Cheese Inside

These homemade cheese sticks are everything you crave from your favorite restaurant appetizer—gooey, melty cheese inside a perfectly crisp golden shell. Best of all? They’re incredibly easy to make at home using simple ingredients and a few clever techniques. Whether you’re prepping a party snack, a movie night treat, or an indulgent side, this recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients:

For the Cheese Sticks:

  • 10–12 mozzarella sticks (or block mozzarella cut into 3–4 inch sticks, ½ inch thick)

For Breading:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (regular or panko for extra crunch)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Frying:

  • Vegetable oil (for deep frying, enough to fill 1–2 inches in a deep pan)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cheese:

Start with chilled mozzarella sticks or slice a block of mozzarella into uniform pieces about 3–4 inches long and ½ inch thick. Arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 30–60 minutes. This step is crucial—freezing helps the cheese keep its shape during frying and prevents it from melting too quickly.

2. Set Up Your Breading Station:

Prepare three shallow bowls:

  • Bowl 1: Add the flour.
  • Bowl 2: Whisk together eggs and milk until smooth.
  • Bowl 3: Mix breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

This triple-station setup ensures a thick, flavorful, and crunchy coating.

3. Bread the Cheese Sticks:

Take the frozen cheese sticks out of the freezer and bread them as follows:

  • Dredge in flour, shaking off the excess.
  • Dip into the egg mixture until fully coated.
  • Roll in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to help them adhere.

Optional but recommended: For extra crispiness, repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb coating one more time. This double coating forms a thick crust that locks in the melty cheese.

Place the breaded sticks back on the tray and freeze again for another 30–60 minutes. This second freeze ensures the coating stays intact during frying.

4. Fry the Cheese Sticks:

In a heavy-bottomed pan or deep fryer, pour vegetable oil until it’s about 1–2 inches deep. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if possible—temperature control is key!

Carefully fry the cheese sticks in batches, 4–5 at a time, turning occasionally. Fry until golden brown and crisp—about 1–2 minutes per batch.

Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your homemade cheese sticks hot, fresh from the fryer, with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce. They’re crisp on the outside, deliciously gooey inside, and guaranteed to disappear fast!

Tips for Success:

  • Don’t skip the freezing steps! They’re essential for keeping the cheese from leaking out.
  • Panko breadcrumbs offer a crispier texture than traditional breadcrumbs.
  • Experiment with flavor: Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for extra kick.

This easy, homemade version of a classic appetizer brings restaurant-style flavor right into your kitchen. Once you try these golden cheese sticks, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!

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