Andy Montoya
Cheese sticks are a delicious snack, starter, or side dish that can be easily made at home. They can be fried, baked, or air-fried, and are typically made using mozzarella cheese, flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. The cheese sticks are coated in a flour and egg mixture before being rolled in breadcrumbs and cooked until golden brown. It is important not to overcook cheese sticks, as this can cause the cheese to leak out. They are best served hot with a marinara or pasta sauce for dipping.
Characteristics and Values of cooking cheese sticks
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking methods | Frying, baking, air-frying |
| Ingredients | Mozzarella, flour, eggs, panko crumbs, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, pepper, salt, breadcrumbs |
| Cooking time | 7-12 minutes |
| Serving size | 1-3 sticks |
| Calories | 77 calories per stick |
| Serving suggestions | Marinara sauce, warm pasta sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cheese
When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your cheese sticks, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to use a type of cheese that melts well and has a good flavour. While you can use string cheese, some people prefer the flavour and texture of block cheese, as it tends to give a better melt and a more authentic texture.
Mozzarella is a popular choice for cheese sticks, as it has a mild flavour and melts well. When using mozzarella, opt for a block of real mozzarella, as this will give you more sticks and a better texture than pre-stringed cheese. Low-moisture mozzarella is a good option, as it will melt without becoming too runny. You can also use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, depending on your preference.
Another thing to consider is the size and shape of the cheese sticks. If using mozzarella, cut the block widthwise into sticks, ensuring they are not too thick or too thin. You want them to be thick enough to hold the coating and cheese without falling apart, but not so thick that they become difficult to eat. Aim for a thickness of around 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch.
Finally, consider the coating and how it will interact with the cheese. A double coating is often recommended to prevent the cheese from leaking out during frying. This involves dipping the cheese sticks in a flour or cornstarch mixture, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. Freezing the cheese sticks after the first coating can help the process, and a second coating is then added before frying. This ensures a crunchy exterior and helps to prevent the cheese from leaking.
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Coating the cheese sticks
To coat the cheese sticks, you will need three shallow bowls and a baking sheet or tray. In the first bowl, pour some all-purpose flour. In the second, beat two eggs with a whisk or a fork. In the third bowl, combine your breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. You can use panko crumbs, which you crush in a Ziploc bag using a rolling pin or mallet until fine, or regular breadcrumbs.
Take your cheese sticks—either cheese strings or, for better flavour and texture, a block of mozzarella cut widthwise into sticks—and dip each one first into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the stick into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Finally, dip the stick into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring the entire surface is coated. Place the coated cheese stick onto a wire rack on a baking sheet. Repeat this process for each cheese stick.
For an extra crunchy coating, you can double-coat your cheese sticks. After the first coating, freeze the sticks for an hour or until frozen solid, then repeat the coating process.
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Cooking methods
Cheese sticks can be cooked in a variety of ways, including frying, baking, and air frying. Here are some detailed instructions for each method:
Frying
First, prepare your cheese sticks by dredging them in a flour and cornstarch mixture, followed by a dip in beaten eggs, and finally coating them with breadcrumbs. This double-coating process ensures a crispy and delicious exterior. It is recommended to freeze the coated cheese sticks for a short period before frying, to ensure the coatings set. When frying, use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, and fry the cheese sticks in batches of one or two at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown, and serve immediately with marinara or pasta sauce.
Baking
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Arrange the cheese sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for around 10 minutes for a half batch or 11-12 minutes for a full batch. Baking is a convenient alternative to frying, producing cheese sticks that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
Air Frying
Air frying is a convenient option for making cheese sticks, as it heats up quickly and cooks the food rapidly. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. It is crucial to prepare the cheese sticks properly before air frying, as improper preparation can lead to a mess. Double-coating the cheese sticks is recommended for the best results. Place the cheese sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for around 8-10 minutes.
Tips for Success
Regardless of the cooking method, it is important to avoid overcooking the cheese sticks, as this can cause the cheese to leak out. Additionally, ensuring that the cheese sticks are at room temperature before coating them will make them easier to work with. Freezing coated cheese sticks is a great option for preparing them ahead of time and storing them for later use.
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Avoiding common issues
The most common issues when making cheese sticks are cheese leakage, dry texture, and the coating sliding off. Here are some tips to avoid these problems:
Firstly, ensure you are using the right type of cheese. Cheese strings are recommended as they don't melt as quickly as regular cheese. If you are using mozzarella, opt for a block of real mozzarella instead of pre-made cheese sticks, as these tend to have a better flavour and texture, and are less likely to leak.
Secondly, don't overcook your cheese sticks. Cooking at too high a temperature or for too long can cause the cheese to leak out. Monitor your oil temperature with a thermometer, and ensure your oil returns to temperature between batches, to avoid greasy sticks.
Thirdly, to avoid a dry texture, ensure your cheese sticks are room temperature before cooking. Cold cheese sticks will absorb more of the coating, resulting in a drier texture.
Finally, to prevent the coating from sliding off, double-coat your cheese sticks. Dip the cheese stick in beaten egg, then flour/breadcrumb mix, then repeat the process to add a second coating. This will ensure all parts of the stick are coated, and will also give an extra crunchy texture.
If you are making your cheese sticks in an air fryer, be aware that this requires careful preparation. The air fryer cooks from the outside in, so if your prep work is not thorough, your cheese sticks may explode and stick to the inside of the fryer. Double-coating your cheese sticks is especially important when using an air fryer, as the coating is more likely to slide off without this extra step.
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Serving suggestions
Mozzarella sticks are a great snack, appetizer, or starter. They can be fried, baked, or air-fried, and are best served warm.
If you're serving them as a snack, they go well with a variety of dips, including marinara sauce, pasta sauce, or even ranch dressing. You could also serve them with a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or peppers, to add some crunch.
If you're serving them as an appetizer or starter, you could plate them with a side of salad, such as a fresh tomato and basil salad, or a heartier option like a Caesar salad. You could also serve them with a side of garlic bread or crusty bread to mop up any extra sauce.
For a heartier meal, serve mozzarella sticks with a main course that complements the cheese, such as a meaty lasagne or a vegetable-based pasta dish. They would also go well with a tomato-based soup, providing a cheesy, crunchy element to the dish.
Finally, mozzarella sticks can be a great addition to a party platter. Serve them alongside other finger foods such as chicken tenders, vegetable spring rolls, or mini quiches. Provide a variety of dips and sauces for guests to choose from, and consider adding some fresh herbs or spices to the platter for extra flavour.
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