Microwaving Cheese Sticks: The Perfect Timing Guide

Mozzarella sticks are a delicious snack, but cooking them can be a hassle. The traditional method involves deep-frying, but this can be messy and time-consuming. Some people opt to use an oven, but what if you're short on time or don't have access to one? This is where the microwave comes in. Microwaving mozzarella sticks is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this snack without the fuss of hot oil or the need for an oven. However, getting the timing right can be tricky, as too much time in the microwave can leave you with a plate of soggy, cheese-filled sadness. So, how long should you cook cheese sticks in the microwave?

How to cook cheese sticks in the microwave

Ingredients

• 6 mozzarella sticks (frozen or homemade)
• 1/2 cup of bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 cup of marinara sauce or your favourite dipping sauce

Method

• Ensure your mozzarella sticks are frozen. This will help them hold their shape and prevent excessive melting in the microwave.
• In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well.
• Take each mozzarella stick and roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, coating it thoroughly. Place the coated sticks on a microwave-safe plate.
• Cover the plate with a microwave-safe cover or a paper towel to contain splatters and ensure even cooking.
• Microwave on high power for approximately 1 minute. Keep a close eye on the sticks to prevent them from becoming too soft or exploding.
• If needed, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until the mozzarella sticks are golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the plate from the microwave and let the mozzarella sticks cool for a minute or two. This will allow the cheese to set.
• Serve your homemade mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce or your preferred dipping sauce.

Tips

• Microwaves may vary in power, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Always exercise caution when handling hot dishes or appliances.
• To prevent mozzarella sticks from becoming soggy, avoid overcooking and follow the recommended cooking time.
• When cooking multiple sticks, space them out on the plate to allow proper airflow.
• Frozen mozzarella sticks can be cooked in the microwave but may take slightly longer.
• Microwaved cheese sticks may not be as crispy as oven-baked ones, but they still offer a tasty melted cheese centre.

Reheating cheese sticks in a toaster oven

While the microwave is the quickest and easiest way to reheat cheese sticks, toaster ovens are also a great option. They are better for reheating cheese sticks than microwaves as they can make the cheese sticks crispy again.

To reheat cheese sticks in a toaster oven, place them on the toaster oven rack. Set the toaster oven to 375°F and toast for 4-5 minutes, until hot and the cheese is melted. Check on them frequently and remove them once the cheese is fully melted.

If you are reheating frozen cheese sticks, you will need to cook them for longer. Heat the toaster oven to around 450°F and bake the cheese sticks for 8-15 minutes. Check on them after 8 minutes and, if they are not done, continue to cook them in 30-second intervals until they are ready.

Other Ways to Reheat Cheese Sticks

As well as toaster ovens and microwaves, you can also reheat cheese sticks in an oven, air fryer, skillet, or deep fryer.

Cooking instructions for different brands of cheese sticks

The cooking instructions for cheese sticks vary depending on the brand and the method of cooking. Here is a detailed guide on how to cook cheese sticks in a microwave, as well as some brand-specific instructions:

Microwave Instructions:

• Place the frozen cheese sticks on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring they are spread out and not touching.
• Microwave the cheese sticks on high power for 30 seconds.
• Turn the cheese sticks over and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
• Repeat this process until the cheese sticks are cooked to your desired level.
• Note that the crust may not get very crispy, and the goal is to melt the cheese without making it soggy.
• Be careful when handling the cooked cheese sticks as they can be dangerously hot.

Brand-specific Instructions:

• TGI Fridays Mozzarella Sticks: These should be cooked in the oven, according to the package instructions, and should not be microwaved.
• Snapps Mozzarella Sticks: Refer to the package instructions for details on whether they can be microwaved and for how long.
• Farm Rich Mozzarella Sticks: These can be cooked in the oven or toaster oven. Preheat the oven to 350oF and place the sticks on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until heated through.
• Kroger Mozzarella String Cheese: These are best for biting into rather than peeling into strings. They have a good nutritional profile with 80 calories, 6 grams of protein, 6 grams of fat, and 200 milligrams of sodium per stick.
• Good & Gather String Cheese (Target brand): This cheese is ideal for kids as it shreds easily and has a mild, creamy flavour.
• Frigo Cheese Heads String Cheese: This is a good option for making homemade mozzarella sticks or stuffed-crust pizza as it has a slightly firmer texture.
• Whole Foods 365 Organic String Cheese: These cheese sticks are nutritionally similar to Kroger's but are also organic. However, they tend to be tough to peel into strings and are considered too salty by some.
• Trader Joe's String Cheese: While these cheese sticks have a good nutritional profile, they lack flavour and are difficult to peel into strings.

How to prevent cheese sticks from becoming soggy in the microwave

Cooking cheese sticks in the microwave can be a quick and convenient option, but it's important to take steps to prevent them from becoming soggy. Here are some tips to help you achieve crispy, delicious cheese sticks without the sogginess:

Use the Right Cooking Method

The best way to cook cheese sticks is in the oven, as it provides the perfect combination of melted cheese and a crispy crust. Microwaving cheese sticks may lead to sogginess, but if you're short on time or don't have an oven, there are some tricks to improve your results.

Choose the Right Container

Always use a microwave-safe container or plate when cooking cheese sticks. Avoid using plastic containers, as many of them are not microwave-safe and may melt. Paper, glass, and ceramic containers are generally safe options.

Avoid Covering the Cheese Sticks

Don't cover the cheese sticks while microwaving, as this can trap moisture and lead to sogginess. Instead, leave them uncovered to allow excess moisture to escape.

Space Them Out

Arrange the cheese sticks in a single layer on the plate or container, making sure they are not touching each other. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the cheese sticks from becoming soggy due to steam buildup.

Use Parchment Paper

Parchment paper can help keep your cheese sticks crispy in the microwave. Place it underneath the cheese sticks or wrap them in it. While it won't give you the same level of crispness as a standard oven, it can make a noticeable difference.

Adjust Microwave Settings

If your microwave has adjustable power settings, try lowering the power level to around 60%. This gentler approach can help prevent overcooking and sogginess.

Check for Hot Spots

Microwaves often have hot spots that can lead to uneven cooking. To identify these hot spots, place a plate of marshmallows in your microwave and observe which areas puff up and melt the marshmallows. Once you know the hot spots, adjust the placement of your cheese sticks accordingly.

Defrost and Reheat Settings

Avoid using the defrost or reheat settings on your microwave, as these can quickly ruin your cheese sticks by making them soggy. Instead, use the standard microwave function and monitor the cooking process closely.

Check for Doneness

To avoid overcooking, keep a close eye on your cheese sticks and check them regularly during the cooking process. The goal is to melt the cheese while keeping the outer crust crispy. Cut open one of the cheese sticks to ensure the cheese in the center is melted.

How to cook frozen cheese sticks in the microwave

Mozzarella sticks are a great snack to have in the freezer for when you're craving something cheesy and crispy. While the oven is the best way to cook them, you can also use a microwave if you're short on time. Here's how to cook frozen cheese sticks in the microwave in a few simple steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks

Start by checking that your mozzarella sticks are frozen. This is important as it helps them hold their shape and prevents excessive melting in the microwave. If you're making your own mozzarella sticks, coat them with breadcrumbs and your choice of seasoning before freezing them. This will give them a delicious, crispy texture.

Step 2: Arrange on a Microwave-Safe Plate

Take the frozen mozzarella sticks out of the freezer and packaging. Place them on a microwave-safe plate, making sure they are spread out and not touching. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent sogginess. Do not cover the plate, as this will cause the mozzarella sticks to steam and lose their crispness.

Step 3: Microwave in Short Intervals

Place the plate of mozzarella sticks in the microwave and cook on high power. Start with 30-second intervals, turning the sticks over after each one. Repeat this process until the mozzarella sticks are cooked to your liking. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can make them soggy. The total cooking time will depend on your microwave's power and the number of sticks you are cooking.

Step 4: Check Doneness and Serve

To check if the mozzarella sticks are done, carefully cut into one of them. The cheese in the centre should be completely melted. Be cautious as it may be very hot. Serve the mozzarella sticks hot with your choice of dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or spicy sriracha.

Tips:

• Always follow the instructions on the packaging of your mozzarella sticks, as cooking times may vary depending on the brand and your microwave's power.
• Microwaved mozzarella sticks may not achieve the same level of crispness as oven-baked ones, but they are a quick and convenient alternative.
• Be careful when handling hot dishes and appliances to avoid accidents.

Frequently asked questions