Deep-Frying Frozen Cheese Sticks: How Long Should You Fry?

Deep-fried cheese sticks are a popular snack, and for good reason. They're crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, and they're easy to make at home. But how long should you deep fry frozen cheese sticks for the perfect texture? The answer depends on a few factors, such as the type of oil used, the temperature of the oil, and the size of the cheese sticks.

In general, deep-frying frozen cheese sticks takes around 3 to 5 minutes. The key to success is maintaining the right oil temperature, which should be between 350°F and 375°F (175°C to 190°C). This ensures that the cheese sticks cook evenly, achieving the desired crispy exterior without burning. It's also important to fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and affect cooking.

Additionally, the preparation of the cheese sticks themselves plays a crucial role. Coating the cheese with a double or triple layer of breadcrumbs helps prevent cheese leakage during frying and creates a crispier texture. Freezing the breaded cheese sticks before frying is also recommended, as it ensures the cheese maintains its shape and prevents excess moisture, resulting in a gooey centre and crispy shell.

Oil temperature: 350°F-375°F (175°C-190°C) for 3-5 minutes

To make the perfect fried cheese sticks, the oil temperature is crucial. The ideal temperature range for frying cheese sticks is between 350°F and 375°F (175°C-190°C). This ensures that the exterior of the cheese sticks cooks quickly, resulting in a crispy crust, while the cheese inside remains molten and gooey.

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sticks

Cut the cheese into sticks with a thickness of about 1/2 inch. You can use mozzarella or any other semi-hard cheese, such as Cheddar, Gruyere, or Gouda. Freezing the cheese sticks before frying helps the cheese maintain its shape and prevents leakage during frying, so it is recommended to freeze the prepared cheese sticks for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Breading

Set up a breading station with three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs and garlic salt or other seasonings. You can also add a second layer of coating by repeating the process. This double breading helps prevent cheese leakage and creates a crispier texture.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Use a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to heat the oil to the desired temperature range of 350°F-375°F (175°C-190°C). Use a cooking thermometer to monitor the temperature closely.

Step 4: Fry the Cheese Sticks

Once the oil has reached the correct temperature, carefully place a small batch of cheese sticks into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as it can lower the oil temperature and affect the cooking. Fry the cheese sticks for about 3-5 minutes, depending on the exact temperature of your oil. Keep a close eye on them, and look for a golden-brown color.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Once the cheese sticks have reached the desired color, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil. Serve the fried cheese sticks immediately, paired with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or buffalo sauce.

By following these steps and maintaining the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F (175°C-190°C), you will achieve crispy, golden cheese sticks with a molten, gooey cheese center.

Cheese types: mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, gruyere

When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your fried cheese sticks, you have a variety of options beyond mozzarella. Here are some popular choices:

Mozzarella:

Mozzarella is a classic choice for fried cheese sticks, known for its stretchy, gooey texture when melted. It is a semi-soft cheese, which makes it ideal for frying as it melts evenly without becoming too runny. Fresh mozzarella is best for achieving that perfect, creamy texture in the finished product.

Cheddar:

Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese with a sharper flavour than mozzarella. It melts well, making it a suitable option for fried cheese sticks. Cheddar cheese sticks will have a more distinct, savoury taste compared to mozzarella.

Gouda:

Gouda is another semi-hard cheese that works well for frying. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a creamy texture when melted. Gouda cheese sticks will offer a unique, subtle taste that can be enhanced with the right dipping sauce.

Gruyere:

Gruyere is a Swiss cheese with a distinct, slightly nutty flavour. It is a great melting cheese, so it is perfect for achieving that gooey, creamy centre in your fried cheese sticks. Gruyere pairs particularly well with fruit-based dipping sauces like berry jams or applesauce.

When frying cheese sticks, it is important to note that the cheese should be semi-hard and sliceable. Very soft cheeses, like brie, will melt too much and potentially separate, while very hard cheeses, like Parmigiano Reggiano, won't melt properly and will be overly salty.

The key to success is in the breading and frying process. Double-breading the cheese sticks is essential to prevent the cheese from leaking out into the oil and creating a mess. Fry the cheese sticks in batches, maintaining a consistent oil temperature of around 350°F (177°C) to achieve a golden-brown exterior with a perfectly melted centre.

Dipping sauces: marinara, ranch, buffalo sauce, garlic aioli

While frozen cheese sticks are easy to make, the right dipping sauce can make them even better. Here are some dipping sauce options to try:

Marinara

A popular choice for mozzarella sticks, marinara sauce is easy to make and can be prepared in a food processor. Simply blend two 14.5-ounce cans of stewed tomatoes, one 6-ounce can of tomato paste, 4 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, one clove of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/3 cup of finely diced onion. Heat 6 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet, add the onion, and cook until slightly softened. Stir in the blended tomato mixture and simmer for about 30 minutes until thickened.

Ranch

This creamy, tangy dressing is perfect for those who like their sauce on the thicker side. It's easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients: 1/2 cup each of mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk or regular milk; 3/4 to 1 teaspoon of dried dill weed; 1/2 teaspoon each of dried parsley and dried chives; 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt; 1/8 teaspoon of finely cracked pepper; and freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste (about 1-3 teaspoons). Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth, and your ranch dressing is ready to serve!

Buffalo Sauce

If you're a fan of spicy food, buffalo sauce is a great option. This rich, tangy, and spicy sauce originates from Buffalo, New York, and is typically made with cayenne pepper hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot) and butter. For a more complex flavor, you can add honey, garlic powder, and paprika. Simply melt the butter, combine it with the other ingredients, and stir. It's as easy as that!

Garlic Aioli

This creamy, savory sauce is a versatile condiment that goes well with anything from French fries to seafood. It's simple to make and only requires a few common ingredients: mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients together, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, and your garlic aioli is ready to enjoy.

Frying methods: deep fryer, heavy-bottomed pot

You can use either a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to fry your cheese sticks. The former is more convenient, as it typically has a temperature control setting that helps maintain the optimal frying temperature. This consistency is essential for achieving evenly cooked and crispy cheese sticks.

However, frying in a heavy-bottomed pot can also yield excellent results. Just be sure to follow these key steps:

• Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent hot spots and ensure even heating.
• Monitor the oil temperature with a thermometer.
• Ensure there is enough oil to fully submerge the cheese sticks for even cooking.
• Heat the oil to the desired temperature before adding the cheese sticks.
• Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the cheese sticks from the oil and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Tips for Optimal Frying:

• Always fry frozen cheese sticks straight from the freezer. This helps maintain the cheese's structure and prevents leaking during frying.
• Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, peanut, or vegetable oil.
• The ideal oil temperature for frying cheese sticks is between 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C).
• Fry the cheese sticks for about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the oil temperature and depth.
• Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure even cooking and maintain oil temperature.
• Serve the cheese sticks hot with your favourite dipping sauce!

Breading: double or triple coat, use flour, egg, breadcrumbs

Breading is a crucial step in achieving the perfect fried cheese stick. It not only enhances the flavour and texture but also helps prevent the cheese from leaking during frying. Here's a detailed guide on how to create a delicious and crispy breading for your frozen cheese sticks:

Double or Triple Coat:

It is recommended to double-coat your cheese sticks to ensure a thick and protective layer of breading. This extra layer acts as a barrier, preventing the cheese from melting and leaking out into the hot oil. However, if you prefer an even crispier texture, you can go for a triple coating. This triple layer coating provides a supremely robust crunch that takes your fried cheese sticks to the next level.

Using Flour, Egg, and Breadcrumbs:

The standard breading procedure involves a three-bowl process with flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. Firstly, dredge the cheese sticks in flour to create a dry base layer. Then, dip them in the egg wash, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, coat them generously in breadcrumbs. For an extra crispy texture, you can repeat this process, dipping the cheese sticks back into the egg wash and then into the breadcrumbs again. This double or triple coating ensures a crunchy exterior and helps maintain the shape of the cheese sticks during frying.

Tips for Better Breading:

To minimize clumping during the breading process, use separate hands for the dry and wet ingredients. For example, use one hand exclusively for the flour and breadcrumbs, and the other hand for the egg wash. Additionally, when freezing the breaded cheese sticks, ensure they are placed in a single layer on a tray or baking sheet. This helps the breading adhere firmly to the cheese, reducing the risk of it falling off during frying.

Frequently asked questions