Frying Wonton Cheese Sticks: How Long Should You Fry?

Wonton cheese sticks are a delicious snack that can be made in no time. They are crispy, crunchy, and cheesy and can be served with a variety of sauces. The best part? They are incredibly easy to make! All you need are wonton or egg roll wrappers, string cheese, and oil for frying. Some recipes also include a coating of breadcrumbs and parmesan for that extra crunch. The sticks are then fried for about 30-60 seconds on each side until golden brown. So, if you're looking for a quick and easy snack that will impress both kids and adults, wonton cheese sticks are the way to go!

Frying time and temperature

Frying wonton cheese sticks is a relatively quick process, but it's important to get the temperature and timing just right to ensure the cheese is melted and the wonton wrapper is crispy without being burnt.

Most recipes recommend heating the oil to around 350-375°F before adding the wonton cheese sticks. This temperature range is above the smoke point of most oils, ensuring a crispy texture without burning.

Once the oil has reached the desired temperature, carefully add the wonton cheese sticks. Depending on the size of your pan or fryer, you may need to cook the sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the sticks for 30-60 seconds on each side, or up to 2-3 minutes if your sticks are larger or you're using a coating. The sticks are done when they turn a golden brown colour.

Remove the fried wontons from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara, pizza sauce, or ranch.

Oil type and amount

The amount of oil you will need for frying wonton cheese sticks depends on the type of pan or pot you are using. For a deep-sided skillet, you will need enough oil to come about 2 inches up the sides of the pan. If you are using a deep cast-iron or electric skillet, you will need about 1/2 inch of oil. For a heavy-bottomed deep pan, 3-4 inches of oil is sufficient.

As for the type of oil, you can use vegetable, peanut, or corn oil. These oils have a high smoke point, which is important for frying. Vegetable oil is a good option as it is readily available and inexpensive.

When heating the oil, use a candy thermometer or an instant-read thermometer to monitor the temperature. For frying wonton cheese sticks, you want the oil to be between 325°F and 375°F.

Wonton wrapper type

Wonton wrappers are typically square in shape and are much thinner and more delicate than dumpling wrappers. They are also similar to egg roll wrappers, but the major differences are the size and shape. Egg roll wrappers are usually larger than wonton wrappers, making it easier to cover the whole cheese stick.

Wonton wrappers can be purchased pre-made from the freezer aisle near frozen breads or Asian foods. They can also be made at home with simple ingredients such as flour, water, egg, and salt. The dough is then cut into squares, and the wrappers are ready to be filled and fried.

When making wonton cheese sticks, it is important to note that wonton wrappers are thicker than egg roll wrappers, so they may take slightly longer to fry. Additionally, the wrappers should be kept covered with a damp paper towel until they are ready to be used to prevent them from drying out.

For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free wonton wrappers can be found in the freezer section of some grocery stores, or they can be made from scratch using gluten-free flour. Dairy-free cream cheese can also be used as a filling for those who are dairy-free or vegan.

Overall, wonton wrappers are a versatile and convenient ingredient that can be used to create a variety of delicious snacks and appetizers, such as wonton cheese sticks.

Filling type

The type of filling you use for your wonton cheese sticks will depend on your personal preference and dietary requirements. Here are some options:

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

This is the most common filling for wonton cheese sticks. You can use either whole or halved string cheese sticks, depending on the size of your wonton wrappers. The cheese sticks are wrapped in the wonton wrappers and then fried until golden brown.

Cream Cheese

For a dairy-free option, you can use full-fat cream cheese. This gives the wontons a creamy texture and tangy flavour. You can also add diced shallots and sugar to the cream cheese mixture to enhance the flavour.

Pepperoni and Mozzarella

For a heartier snack, you can add pepperoni to your wonton cheese sticks. Simply place two slices of pepperoni on a wonton wrapper, top with a piece of mozzarella cheese, and then wrap and fry as usual.

Other Fillings

You can also get creative and experiment with other fillings such as:

• Crab meat
• Spices like red pepper flakes
• Different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or herbed cheese

Dipping sauces

Wonton cheese sticks pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas and tips to elevate your wonton cheese stick experience:

Marinara or Pizza Sauce:

A classic pairing for mozzarella cheese sticks, marinara or pizza sauce provides a tangy and savoury complement to the crispy, cheesy wontons. The slight sweetness of the tomato-based sauce also balances the savouriness of the fried wonton.

Soy Sauce:

For an umami-packed dip, soy sauce is a great option. Its salty, savoury flavour enhances the cheese and adds a unique twist to the dish. You can also add a little kick to your soy sauce by mixing in some red pepper flakes or Chinese hot mustard.

Sweet and Sour Sauce:

A sweet and tangy dipping sauce can be a delightful contrast to the savoury, fried cheese. To make a simple sweet and sour sauce, you can boil some sugar, water, ketchup, and rice or white vinegar. You can also add in some pineapple juice for extra sweetness and tang.

Spicy Dipping Sauces:

If you prefer some heat with your cheese sticks, there are several options to explore. You can add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or other hot sauces to your favourite sauce. Alternatively, you can dip your wontons in Chinese hot mustard or a spicy chili garlic sauce.

Creamy Dips:

For a creamy, cool contrast to the crispy, hot cheese sticks, consider serving them with a side of ranch dressing or a simple mayonnaise dip. You can even mix in some icing (confectioner's) sugar with the mayonnaise for an extra sweet kick.

Asian-Inspired Sauces:

Wonton cheese sticks can also be paired with a variety of Asian-inspired sauces. You can make a simple sauce by whisking together soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce. For added texture and flavour, toss in some scallions, toasted sesame seeds, ginger, or garlic.

Customizable Dipping Sauces:

The beauty of wonton cheese sticks is that they can be enjoyed with a wide array of sauces. You can even set up a DIY sauce bar and let your guests experiment with different combinations. Provide bowls of soy sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, scallions, ginger, garlic, and chilli flakes, and let everyone create their own perfect dip.

So, there you have it! Wonton cheese sticks are a versatile snack that can be enjoyed with a multitude of dipping sauces. Get creative, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy!

Frequently asked questions