Frying Cheese Sticks: Timing For The Perfect Crunch

Mozzarella cheese sticks are a popular snack and appetizer. They are made by coating sticks of mozzarella cheese in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before deep-frying them until golden brown. The cheese sticks can also be frozen before frying, and they can be served with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, Sriracha aioli, or BBQ sauce. When frying, it is important to ensure that the oil is hot enough (around 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit) and to cook the cheese sticks in small batches to prevent them from sticking together.

Oil temperature for frying cheese sticks

Frying cheese sticks is a delicate process that requires careful temperature control. The ideal temperature range for frying cheese sticks is between 350°F and 375°F (177°C and 190°C). This temperature range allows for the perfect balance of a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a gooey, melted cheese interior.

When frying cheese sticks, it is essential to use a neutral-flavoured, high-heat oil such as peanut, corn, canola, or vegetable oil. The oil should be heated to the desired temperature in a heavy-bottomed saucepan or pot, ensuring that there is enough oil to fully submerge the cheese sticks.

Once the oil has reached the desired temperature, it is important to fry the cheese sticks in small batches. Adding too many cheese sticks at once will cause the oil temperature to drop, so it is recommended to fry 3 to 6 cheese sticks at a time, depending on the size of your pot or pan. Allow the oil to come back up to temperature between batches.

Additionally, a leave-in probe thermometer or a deep-fry thermometer is highly recommended for accurate temperature control. This ensures that the oil temperature remains consistent throughout the frying process, resulting in perfectly fried cheese sticks every time.

By following these temperature guidelines and using the appropriate equipment, you can achieve the ideal oil temperature for frying cheese sticks, resulting in a delicious, crispy, and gooey treat.

How to prepare cheese sticks for frying

Ingredients

To prepare cheese sticks for frying, you will need the following ingredients:

• Cheese sticks (mozzarella or string cheese)
• Breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
• Eggs
• Flour (all-purpose or plain)
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, corn, peanut, or soybean oil)
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Spices (optional)

Preparation

• Cut the cheese into sticks or halves, depending on the type of cheese you are using. If using block mozzarella, cut it into sticks about 1/2" thick. If using string cheese, remove the plastic wrappings and cut the strings in half crosswise.
• Set up a standard breading station by pouring flour into one bowl, eggs into a second bowl, and breadcrumbs into a third bowl. You can also add spices like garlic salt, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, or other seasonings of your choice to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
• Dredge the cheese sticks in the flour first, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the egg, coating well and allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Finally, toss them into the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are completely coated.
• Place the breaded cheese sticks on a plate or wire rack and let them rest for a few minutes. You can also repeat the breading process for a thicker coating.
• Freeze the breaded cheese sticks for at least 1-2 hours. This step is crucial to ensure the cheese doesn't melt too quickly when fried.
• Heat oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy saucepan to 350-375 degrees F (175-185 degrees C). Use enough oil to completely cover the cheese sticks when frying.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully lower a few cheese sticks into the hot oil at a time. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy, which should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Remove the fried cheese sticks from the oil and drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
• Serve the cheese sticks hot and enjoy! You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing.

How long to fry cheese sticks

Mozzarella cheese sticks are a popular snack and appetizer, and they are easy to make at home. The time it takes to fry cheese sticks depends on the method used, but generally, they only need to be fried for a short time, around 30 seconds to a minute, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Preparation

Before frying, the cheese sticks need to be prepared. This involves coating the cheese with flour, then dipping it in egg, and finally rolling it in breadcrumbs. Some recipes suggest double-coating the cheese sticks by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps. It is also recommended to freeze the cheese sticks for a few hours or overnight before frying, to help the coating stick and prevent the cheese from leaking out during frying.

Frying Methods

There are several ways to fry cheese sticks:

• Deep frying: Heat oil to 365–375°F (185–190°C) in a large, heavy saucepan. Carefully place 3–4 cheese sticks in the hot oil and fry for about 30 seconds, or until golden brown.
• Skillet frying: Heat oil in a skillet and cook the cheese sticks for about 1 minute on each side, or until golden and before the cheese starts to leak.
• Air frying: Preheat the air fryer to 360°F and arrange the cheese sticks in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 6–7 minutes.
• Home/commercial fryer: Preheat the oil to 350°F and arrange the cheese sticks in a single layer in the basket. Fry for 2 minutes and 15 seconds for a home fryer, or 2 minutes and 30 seconds for a commercial fryer.

How to defrost frozen cheese sticks

Cheese sticks are a great snack, but what happens when you have too many and need to freeze some? Well, you're in luck! Freezing cheese sticks is a simple process and can help to prolong their shelf life. However, when you're ready to enjoy them, you'll need to defrost them properly to ensure the best flavour and texture. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to defrost frozen cheese sticks:

Step 1: Plan Ahead

Before you begin defrosting your cheese sticks, it's important to plan ahead. Only defrost the number of cheese sticks you intend to eat. Once they are defrosted, they should not be refrozen, as this will affect their taste and texture.

Step 2: Overnight Defrosting

The recommended method for defrosting cheese sticks is to let them thaw slowly in the refrigerator. This gradual process helps maintain the cheese's texture and flavour. Place the cheese sticks in the refrigerator, still wrapped in their original packaging, and let them defrost overnight or for at least 24 hours. This slow thawing process will help prevent the cheese from becoming too soft or soggy.

Step 3: Check the Package

Before cooking or consuming your cheese sticks, carefully inspect the packaging. Ensure that the cheese sticks have not developed an unusual odour, colour, or taste, which may indicate spoilage. If the cheese sticks appear damaged or have been stored for too long, it is best to discard them.

Step 4: Enjoy Your Cheese Sticks!

Once your cheese sticks are fully defrosted, you can enjoy them as a snack or use them in various dishes. You can bake or fry them until crispy, or melt them and use them as a topping on rice or pasta. Cheese sticks also go well with sauces, chutneys, or marinara sauce for dipping.

Remember, freezing and defrosting cheese sticks may slightly affect their quality, so they may not be as good as freshly made ones. However, with proper defrosting and preparation, you can still enjoy your cheese sticks safely and deliciously!

How to store cheese sticks

Cheese sticks are delicious snacks, but they can be tricky to store! Here are some tips to ensure your cheese sticks stay fresh and safe to eat:

Refrigerate or Freeze

It is best to refrigerate or freeze cheese sticks to prevent them from spoiling. Unopened cheese sticks will last until their expiry date when refrigerated. Once opened, refrigerate any excess and use within a week.

Store in an Airtight Container

To store cheese sticks for longer, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay good for up to five days. Line the container with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Freeze Individual Cheese Sticks

If you have more cheese sticks than you can use, you can freeze them. Wrap each cheese stick individually in aluminium foil or plastic wrap to protect it from moisture. Place the wrapped cheese sticks in an airtight freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to eight months.

Thawing Frozen Cheese Sticks

The best way to thaw frozen cheese sticks is slowly in the fridge. However, if you are in a hurry, you can thaw them on the counter, submerge them in lukewarm water, or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Remember, cheese sticks are perishable and can spoil quickly, so always follow food safety guidelines and consume them within recommended time frames.

Frequently asked questions