Kamil Perry
Frying cheese is a great way to make a quick and easy snack. Parmesan cheese sticks can be made in a variety of ways, including frying, baking, or microwaving. Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese that tends to be less greasy when cooked, making it a great option for frying. The process of frying Parmesan cheese sticks involves creating a non-sticky dough, cutting it into strips, and then frying the strips in hot oil until they are evenly browned. The sticks can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, and can be paired with various dips or toppings.
Frying Parmesan Cheese like Cheese Sticks
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Parmesan, Mozzarella, or a blend |
| Breading | Breadcrumbs (Italian, regular, or panko), flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning |
| Egg Wash | Whisked eggs, milk |
| Frying Method | Deep-fry, non-stick pan, or oven |
| Frying Time | 30 seconds to 1 minute |
| Frying Temperature | 350°F to 375°F |
| Oil | Coconut oil, olive oil, or oil released from cheese |
| Dipping Sauce | Marinara, pizza sauce, Alfredo sauce, ranch dressing, salsa |
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What You'll Learn
Breading the cheese sticks
Firstly, set up your breading station. You will need three shallow dishes. In the first dish, whisk some eggs. You can also add a little milk to the eggs, if desired. The second dish should contain your dry ingredients for coating. This can be a combination of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and/or a mixture of powdered parmesan and Italian seasoning. You can use regular, Italian, or panko breadcrumbs, depending on your preference. The third dish will be for the coated cheese sticks, ready for frying.
Next, take your cheese sticks and coat them with flour, tapping off any excess. This step is optional but helps the egg coating adhere better. Then, dip the cheese stick into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well-coated. Use one hand for the egg wash to minimize clumping. After that, roll the stick in the dry ingredient mixture, making sure it is evenly coated. For extra crispness and to ensure no cheese leakage, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process a second time.
Finally, place the breaded cheese sticks on a plate and put them in the fridge until you are ready to fry them. You can also choose to freeze the breaded cheese sticks for 15-20 minutes to help the breading adhere better and reduce the risk of it falling off during frying.
Now your cheese sticks are ready for frying! Remember to use a thermometer to maintain an oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for the best results.
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Freezing before frying
While frying cheese sticks, freezing them before frying can be a great option to ensure the breading adheres to the cheese and reduces the risk of it falling off during frying. Here is a detailed guide on how to go about the process:
Preparation
Firstly, prepare the cheese sticks by slicing the block of cheese into the desired shape and size. For mozzarella cheese sticks, cut a 16-ounce block of low-moisture mozzarella cheese into 11 slices, and then cut each slice into three sticks. For Parmesan cheese sticks, you can cut the cheese into similar-sized sticks or slices.
Breading
Set up a breading station with two separate shallow dishes. In one dish, whisk some eggs, and in the other, prepare a mixture of bread crumbs, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add Italian seasoning or other spices of your choice to the bread crumb mixture. Dip the cheese sticks first in the egg wash and then in the bread crumb mixture. Use one hand for the egg wash and the other for the breading to minimize clumping. Make sure to double-bread the cheese sticks to ensure a thick coating, which will prevent cheese leakage during frying.
Freezing
After breading, place the cheese sticks on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. You can also freeze them for longer, even up to an hour, if you plan to store them for later use. Freezing the cheese sticks will help the breading adhere firmly to the cheese, reducing the chances of it falling off during frying.
Frying
Once the cheese sticks are frozen, you can fry them. Heat oil in a frying pan or a deep fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 375°F. Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature within this range. Carefully place the frozen cheese sticks into the hot oil and fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until they turn a delicious golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly. Once done, transfer the fried cheese sticks to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Tips
If you plan to freeze the cheese sticks for extended storage, you may need to increase the frying time slightly. Frozen solid cheese sticks will take longer to fry. Additionally, always use a double coating of breadcrumbs to prevent cheese leakage and achieve a super crispy coating.
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Frying methods
Pan-frying
You can fry cheese sticks in a non-stick pan with or without oil. If you choose to use oil, pour about 1 inch of oil into the bottom of a heavy-bottomed skillet and heat the oil to 350°F–375°F. If you don't want to use oil, simply heat up a non-stick pan and put the cheese in. The cheese will melt, bubble, and then start to crisp up.
Deep-frying
You can also deep-fry cheese sticks. First, dredge the cheese in a breading such as crushed pork rinds and powdered parmesan, then deep-fry it in oil at 350°F–375°F.
Oven-frying
You can oven-fry cheese sticks at 350°F for 6–7 minutes. Grease a parchment sheet with butter or cooking spray, then place the cheese sticks on the sheet and put them in the oven.
Breading
Before frying, you can bread the cheese sticks by coating them in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. Repeat this process to ensure the cheese doesn't leak during frying.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for fried parmesan cheese sticks depends on the method of cooking. If you are using a deep fryer, you should aim for an oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F. The cheese sticks will take 30 seconds to 1 minute to cook to a delicious golden brown. If you are using a non-stick frying pan, you should cook the cheese sticks over medium heat until they are safely turned over and cooked on the other side. Be careful not to burn them. If you are using an oven, grease a parchment sheet with butter or cooking spray and cook the cheese sticks at 350 degrees for about 6-7 minutes, watching carefully so they don't burn.
If you are cooking frozen cheese sticks, you may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the frying time. If they are frozen solid, they will take longer to cook. It is important to note that commercial mozz sticks are made to go straight from the freezer into the fryer, and should not be put in the oven.
When frying cheese sticks, it is important to use a thermometer to maintain the proper oil temperature. This will help ensure that the cheese sticks are cooked evenly and prevent them from burning. Additionally, it is recommended to fry one cheese stick at a time to ensure even cooking.
For best results, it is recommended to double-dip the cheese sticks in the breading before frying. This will help hold the cheese in while frying and create a super crispy coating.
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Dipping sauce ideas
Frying cheese sticks is a fun and delicious way to enjoy cheese. While mozzarella is a popular choice for cheese sticks, other types of cheese, such as cheddar, halloumi, queso, or parmesan, can also be used.
Now, onto the dipping sauces! Here are some ideas for dipping sauces that will perfectly complement your fried parmesan cheese sticks:
Marinara Sauce
A classic choice for a reason, marinara sauce is a tasty and simple option for dipping your fried cheese sticks. Its tangy and slightly sweet flavour will pair well with the rich, nutty taste of parmesan.
Pizza Sauce
Another sauce that will remind you of your favourite pizza night! Pizza sauce tends to be a bit thicker and sweeter than marinara, so it can be a nice change if you're looking for something a bit more indulgent.
Alfredo Sauce
If you're an Alfredo sauce fan, this is a must-try. Its creamy texture and mild flavour will be a great match for the fried cheese, adding a touch of extra indulgence to your snack.
Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is a versatile and tasty option for dipping. Its herby, creamy flavour will be a nice contrast to the fried cheese, and its tanginess will help balance the richness of the parmesan.
Salsa
For something a little different, why not try salsa? A good salsa will have a nice kick of spice and a fresh, tangy flavour that can help cut through the richness of the fried cheese.
Garlic Parmesan Cream Cheese Dip
This dip is a cheese lover's dream! It's a creamy, garlicky dip with a sharp parmesan kick. It's an excellent choice for dipping fried cheese sticks, as the cream cheese base will complement the fried cheese, and the garlic and parmesan will enhance the overall savoury experience.
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
If you're looking for something a little lighter, this sauce is a great option. It's a fragrant and buttery sauce with a sharp, nutty taste from the parmesan. It's versatile and can be made thicker for dipping or thinner for drizzling, so you can adjust it to your preference.
So, there you have it! A variety of dipping sauce options to choose from to elevate your fried parmesan cheese sticks into an even more delicious treat.
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Frequently asked questions
To fry Parmesan cheese sticks, you will need to bread the cheese first. Set up a breading station with whisked eggs in one bowl and a mix of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese in another bowl. Bread the cheese sticks twice to ensure a thick enough coating to prevent cheese from leaking during frying. Freeze the breaded cheese sticks for 15-20 minutes to help the breading adhere to the cheese. Use a thermometer to maintain an oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F when frying. Fry the cheese sticks for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until they are a golden brown. Transfer the fried cheese sticks to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
For the perfect cheese sticks, with the right ratio of cheese to breading, use a 16-ounce block of low-moisture mozzarella cheese. You can also use string cheese or block cheese.
Use one hand for the egg wash and the other for the breadcrumb mixture to minimize clumping.
Fry one cheese stick at a time. Use two forks to fry the stick, rolling it around in the oil until lightly golden brown on all sides.
