Oven-Baked Cheese Sticks: Timing For Golden Perfection

Whether you're making mozzarella sticks or cheese sticks, the cooking time will vary depending on the cooking method. If you're deep-frying your cheese sticks, they should be cooked for about 30 seconds or until golden brown. If you're baking them, they should be cooked for 9-11 minutes or until the crumbs are crisp and the cheese is melted. If you're cooking them in an air fryer, they should be cooked for 4-6 minutes or until the crumbs are crisp and the cheese is melted.

How to prepare cheese sticks for cooking

Ingredients

To make cheese sticks, you will need the following ingredients:

• Cheese strings (mozzarella)
• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned, whole wheat, or regular)
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper
• Marinara sauce or ranch dressing, for serving

Optional Ingredients

• Cayenne pepper
• Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Water
• Garlic salt
• Butter
• Panko breadcrumbs

Step-by-Step Guide

Once you have gathered your ingredients, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese

Start by peeling open the cheese strings and cutting them in half. Place them in the freezer for at least 2 hours or until completely frozen. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dipping Stations

Set up three separate dipping stations. In the first bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs with a little water. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. If you want to get creative, you can also add Italian seasoning and garlic powder to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Step 3: Dredge the Cheese Sticks

Take each frozen cheese stick and coat it in the following order: first, dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it is well coated. Finally, press the cheese stick into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating. For an extra crispy texture, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coatings.

Step 4: Freeze the Coated Cheese Sticks

Place the coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet or plate and freeze them for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. This step is crucial to ensure the cheese doesn't melt before the breadcrumbs turn golden when baked.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to a temperature between 400°F and 415°F. The exact temperature may vary slightly depending on your oven and the recipe you are following.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil. This will prevent the cheese sticks from sticking to the pan.

Step 7: Bake the Cheese Sticks

Arrange the frozen cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each stick. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 9-11 minutes, or until the crumbs are crisp and golden, and the cheese is melted. For best results, turn the cheese sticks halfway through the baking process.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Remove the cheese sticks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them immediately with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

How to cook cheese sticks in the oven

Ingredients

• Mozzarella cheese sticks
• Flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Italian seasoning (optional)

Method

• Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray or olive oil.
• Halve each cheese stick lengthwise.
• Prepare three separate bowls for dredging: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs. For extra flavour, you can add Italian seasoning and garlic powder to the breadcrumbs, as well as salt and pepper.
• Roll the cheese sticks in flour, then dip them in the egg mixture, and finally coat them with the breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coatings for a double layer.
• Place the coated cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to 24 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 400-415°F and bake the cheese sticks for 10-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until heated through, crispy, and golden.
• Serve immediately with a side of marinara or spaghetti sauce for dipping.

Tips

• Keep one hand wet and one hand dry during the dredging process to avoid a mess.
• Freeze the unbaked sticks for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Serve immediately for the ultimate gooey cheese sticks.

How to cook cheese sticks in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Mozzarella cheese sticks
• Breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
• Flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
• Cornstarch
• Eggs
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Method

• Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks in half lengthwise or crosswise.
• Place the flour in a shallow bowl. In a second bowl, beat the eggs with a little water. In a third shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
• For the dredging process, roll the cheese sticks in flour, then dip them into the egg mixture, and finally coat them in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coatings, pressing the breadcrumbs into the cheese stick. There will be 5 coatings in all.
• Place the coated cheese sticks in the freezer for at least 2 hours or overnight. This is important to prevent the cheese from melting before the breadcrumbs turn golden.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Place the cheese sticks in the air fryer in small batches.
• Cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the crumbs are crisp and the cheese is melted.
• Serve immediately with a dipping sauce such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, Sriracha aioli, or BBQ sauce.

Tips

• It is important to use cheese strings rather than regular mozzarella as they melt differently and will help prevent the cheese from leaking out.
• Make sure to freeze the cheese sticks before coating them and again after they are coated, to prevent the cheese from melting during cooking.
• Take care to press the breadcrumbs into each cheese stick to ensure an even coating.
• Do not overcook the cheese sticks, as the cheese will begin to ooze out.
• If you are making a large batch, cook the cheese sticks in small batches to prevent them from sticking together.
• For gluten-free cheese sticks, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

How to store and reheat cheese sticks

If you're making cheese sticks, it's likely you'll want to store some for later—and you'll want to reheat them to perfection. Here's how to do it.

Storing Cheese Sticks

To store cheese sticks, place them in a sealed container in the fridge. They should last for up to five days. If you want to freeze your cheese sticks, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for about four hours. Once they're frozen, transfer the sticks to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating Cheese Sticks

The best way to reheat cheese sticks is in the oven. For refrigerated cheese sticks, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F for about five minutes, or until heated through. For frozen cheese sticks, bake at 450°F for 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat cheese sticks in a toaster oven at 450°F for eight to nine minutes.

If you're short on time, you can use the microwave. Place the cheese sticks on a plate in a wheel shape and microwave for 25 to 45 seconds. Then, flip them over and microwave for another 25 to 45 seconds. If the cheese sticks are still cold in the middle, heat for an additional 15 seconds. For extra crispiness, finish them off in the oven broiler for a couple of minutes.

What to serve with cheese sticks

Cheese sticks are a versatile snack, perfect for parties, game days, or as a side dish. They are often served as an appetizer, but can also be served as a main course when paired with the right dishes. Here are some ideas on what to serve with cheese sticks:

Salads

A fresh, tangy salad can be a great way to balance out the richness of cheese sticks. You can go for a classic Caesar salad, or mix things up with a tomato salad, a garden salad, or a balsamic tomato salad. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own salad with your choice of greens, vegetables, and dressings.

Dipping Sauces

Cheese sticks are often served with a dipping sauce on the side. The classic choice is marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce, but you can also try something different like Sriracha aioli, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or guacamole. Get creative and experiment with different sauces to find your favourite!

Meat

Meat dishes can also be a great pairing with cheese sticks. Try serving them with grilled chicken, chicken wings, or even something more adventurous like barbeque pork chops or ribs. If you're looking for a heartier option, go for meatballs in marinara sauce or steak with a side of vegetables.

Comfort Food

For an ultimate comfort food experience, pair your cheese sticks with mac and cheese, garlic bread, or even fish and chips. The crispy, golden coating of the cheese sticks will complement the crunch of the fish fillets and fries perfectly.

Vegetables

If you're looking for a healthier option, serve your cheese sticks with a variety of crispy, breaded vegetables like green beans, cauliflower, broccoli, or mushroom caps. You can also try a stir-fry with your favourite vegetables and sauce.

Other Snacks

Cheese sticks also go well with other snack foods like pigs in a blanket, spinach balls, or jalapeno poppers. For a more filling option, try serving them with pesto pasta or sheet pan pizza.

So, there you have it! Whether you're serving cheese sticks as an appetizer or a main course, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. Get creative and enjoy experimenting with different combinations!

Frequently asked questions