Cheese Sticks: Quick, Easy, And Delicious Frozen Treats

Frozen cheese sticks are a quick and easy snack to make, especially if you're using an air fryer. They can be cooked in a conventional oven, but reviews suggest that an air fryer is the best way to get that crispy, crunchy outside and melty inside. The cooking time varies depending on the quantity of cheese sticks and the type of air fryer you're using, but generally, they'll be ready in under 10 minutes.

Air fryer cooking times and temperatures

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen cheese sticks. They cook much quicker than in a conventional oven and deliver a crispy exterior and a gooey interior.

The cooking time will depend on the brand of air fryer you are using, the brand of cheese sticks, and how crispy you like them. As a general rule, frozen cheese sticks will take between 4 and 8 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

• For a Cosori 5.8qt air fryer, cook at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes.
• For a Ninja Foodi, preheat to 400 degrees for 5 minutes, then cook for 6 minutes.
• For a 3.7 to 6 qt. air fryer, cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes.
• For an Instant Pot air fryer, 6-8 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended.

It is important to note that you should not overlap the cheese sticks in the air fryer. They should be arranged in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Additionally, there is no need to defrost the cheese sticks before cooking. Cooking them straight from frozen will result in a crispier exterior.

When it comes to dipping sauces, the options are endless. Popular choices include marinara sauce, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, blue cheese dip, and honey mustard.

Conventional oven cooking instructions

Pre-Cooking Preparation:

Before you cook your frozen cheese sticks, there are a few important steps to follow. Firstly, cut your string cheese into halves or 4-inch by 1/2-inch sticks to create 24 pieces. Place these cheese pieces on a baking sheet and freeze for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until frozen solid.

Coating the Cheese Sticks:

Now, it's time to prepare the coating. Set up a dredging station with three separate shallow bowls or dishes. In the first bowl, place some flour (you can use all-purpose or gluten-free flour). In the second bowl, whisk an egg with a little water (some recipes suggest using two eggs, or even adding an egg white for a thicker coating). In the third bowl, mix breadcrumbs with seasonings. For the breadcrumbs, you can use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or a combination of both. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, Italian herb blend, or salt to taste.

Dredging and Freezing:

Take each frozen cheese piece and dip it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the cheese stick entirely with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to coat the ends as well. Repeat this process for all the cheese pieces. Place the coated cheese sticks on a wax paper-lined or parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours, or even overnight. This step is crucial to ensure the cheese doesn't melt before the coating turns golden.

Baking the Cheese Sticks:

Preheat your conventional oven to 400-450°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with oil or non-stick cooking spray. Place the frozen cheese sticks on the baking sheet in a single layer, leaving some space between each stick. Spray or lightly coat the tops of the cheese sticks with oil.

Bake the cheese sticks for 5-10 minutes, depending on the number of sticks and your oven's performance. For a full box (48 oz), bake for 10-11 minutes. For a half box (22 oz), bake for 9-10 minutes. For a larger quantity (66 oz), bake for 10-11 minutes for half a bag and 11-12 minutes for a full bag. Keep a close eye on the cheese sticks during the final minutes of baking, as they can quickly go from golden to melted.

Remove the cheese sticks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, with your favorite dipping sauce.

Storage and Reheating:

Mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the refrigerated cheese sticks in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until heated through.

For long-term storage, you can freeze the unbaked coated sticks in a zip-top bag for several months. When ready to serve, bake them directly from frozen, following the same instructions as above.

Why you shouldn't microwave frozen cheese sticks

While it is possible to microwave frozen cheese sticks, it is not recommended. Here are several reasons why you shouldn't microwave frozen cheese sticks:

Soggy Texture

Microwaving frozen cheese sticks can make them soggy, especially if they are covered or not cooked properly. The objective of cooking cheese sticks is to melt the cheese while crisping the exterior layer, which is more easily achieved through other cooking methods.

Inconsistent Results

The results of microwaving frozen cheese sticks can vary depending on the brand and the specific microwave oven being used. Some brands may provide instructions for microwaving, but even then, the results may not be consistent with those intended.

Potential Safety Hazards

Microwaving frozen cheese sticks can be a safety hazard if not done properly. It is important to follow the instructions on the packaging and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. Overcooking or using the wrong settings can lead to an unevenly cooked product or even a safety hazard.

Inefficient Cooking

While microwaving may seem like a quick option, it may not be the most efficient method for cooking frozen cheese sticks. Other methods, such as air frying or oven baking, can produce more consistent and desirable results with less risk of sogginess or uneven cooking.

Lack of Crispness

Cheese sticks are typically desired for their crispy exterior and melted cheese interior. However, microwaving may not produce the same level of crispness as other cooking methods, such as baking in an oven or frying. The crust may not get as crispy as it would using other cooking techniques.

Product Variation

Different brands of frozen cheese sticks may have varying instructions and compatibility with microwaving. It is important to always check the packaging and follow the manufacturer's instructions. If microwaving is advised against, it is best to avoid it and opt for an alternative cooking method to ensure the best results and food safety.

How to store and reheat cheese sticks

How to Store Cheese Sticks

Cheese sticks need to be kept cold and refrigerated. If you have leftover cheese sticks that you plan to eat within a day or two, place them inside a plastic storage bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. You can also use an airtight container. Store them at room temperature.

If you want to store opened cheese sticks for longer, drain them on paper towels, place them on a plate in a single layer, and leave them to freeze. Once they're frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-lock bag and store them in the freezer for no more than eight months.

Unopened cheese sticks can be safely kept out of the fridge for a few days if stored in an airtight box and if the temperature is 70 °F or lower. Frozen cheese sticks will stay good for eight months.

How to Reheat Cheese Sticks

There are several ways to reheat cheese sticks, including using an oven, toaster oven, microwave, air fryer, or stove. Here are some instructions for each method:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 °F. Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil coated with cooking spray or a few drops of olive oil. Place the cheese sticks on the baking sheet, ensuring they don't touch. Bake for about 10 minutes or until crispy.
• Toaster Oven: Preheat your toaster oven to 450 °F. Place the cheese sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-9 minutes.
• Microwave: Place the cheese sticks on a plate, arranging them like the spokes on a wheel. Microwave for 25 to 45 seconds, then flip and microwave for another 25 to 45 seconds. If they're still cold, heat for an additional 15 seconds.
• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360 °F. Place the frozen cheese sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, gently flipping them halfway through.
• Stove: Using a large saucepan, heat oil to 365 °F. Carefully place the cheese sticks in the hot oil and fry for about 30 seconds, turning them if needed to cook evenly. Remove from the heat and drain on paper towels.

What sauces to serve with cheese sticks

Frozen cheese sticks are a quick and easy snack that can be cooked in an air fryer, oven, or toaster oven. While they are often served with a marinara dipping sauce, there are many other sauces that can be served with cheese sticks. Here are some ideas:

Pesto

Pesto is a great option for those who want something different from the traditional marinara sauce. It can be purchased from Costco, or made at home with basil, spinach, cashews, and parmesan.

Honey Mustard

A combination of honey and mustard creates a harmonious sweet and tangy sauce that pairs well with the cheese sticks.

Ranch

Ranch dressing is a cool and creamy option that complements the warm mozzarella sticks. It adds a refreshing element to the indulgent snack.

Barbecue Sauce

A tangy barbecue sauce adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavour to the cheese sticks, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese.

Blue Cheese

The distinct flavour of blue cheese provides a unique and indulgent dipping experience.

Garlic Sauce

A creamy garlic sauce made with butter, garlic, and cream is a rich and savory option that pairs well with the cheese sticks.

Buffalo Sauce

Fans of buffalo wings will enjoy this tangy and spicy sauce made with hot sauce, melted butter, and a touch of vinegar.

Diavolo Sauce

Diavolo sauce, meaning "devil" in Italian, is a spicy tomato-based sauce that adds a kick to the mild and creamy cheese sticks.

Salsa

Salsa provides a tartness that goes well with the richness of the cheese.

Tzatziki

Tzatziki and other yoghurt dips are herby, fresh, and slightly acidic. They offer a temperature contrast to the warm cheese sticks.

Cocktail Sauce

While it may seem like an unusual pairing, some people enjoy the combination of cocktail sauce with cheese sticks.

Other Ideas

Other sauces that can be served with cheese sticks include chipotle sauce, red wine sauce, pesto mayo, balsamic glaze, and honey infused with chilli pepper flakes.

Frequently asked questions