Melting Cheese Sticks: Optimal Heating Time

There are few things more delicious than a crispy, gooey cheese stick—but how long do you need to heat them up for? It depends on your method. If you're using an oven or toaster oven, five to 10 minutes should do the trick, but keep a close eye on them! If they're frozen, you'll need to cook them for eight to 15 minutes at 450°F. You can also use an air fryer or a microwave, but be warned: the latter can leave your cheese sticks a little soggy.

Reheating cheese sticks in an oven

Oven-baked cheese sticks are a great snack and a healthier alternative to frying. Reheating them is easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best results.

Preparation

The first step is to prepare your cheese sticks. If you have store-bought frozen cheese sticks, check the packaging for any specific instructions. If you are preparing them yourself, cut your cheese into sticks—a good size is about 4-5 inches long and 0.5 inches thick. You can use string cheese, or a block of mozzarella, but make sure it is low moisture and whole milk. Fresh mozzarella is too wet and won't give you the desired cheese pull.

Next, set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. For the breadcrumbs, you can use plain or whole wheat, and season them with salt, pepper, parsley, and/or garlic powder. Now you are ready to dredge your cheese sticks.

Roll the cheese in flour, making sure it is fully coated, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process twice for a stronger crust. Place the coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for at least two hours or overnight.

Reheating

When you are ready to reheat your cheese sticks, preheat your oven to between 350°F and 450°F. The higher temperature is for frozen cheese sticks. Place your cheese sticks on a wire rack or a baking tray—if you use a tray, you will need to turn them halfway through to avoid them becoming soggy. Lightly coat the cheese sticks with oil if you wish, then place them in the oven for 5-10 minutes, or 10-20 minutes if they are frozen.

Your cheese sticks are now ready to serve! Enjoy them while they're hot, with your choice of dipping sauce.

Reheating cheese sticks in a toaster oven

A toaster oven is a great option for reheating a small portion of cheese sticks. It's quick, easy, and will give you hot and crispy cheese sticks. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Toaster Oven

Set your toaster oven to around 350-450°F. It's important to note that the higher the temperature, the faster your cheese sticks will cook, so adjust according to how quickly you want them ready.

Step 2: Place the Cheese Sticks

Place the cheese sticks on the toaster oven rack. Make sure they are in a single layer with some space between each stick. This will ensure even heating and allow the hot air to circulate, crisping up your cheese sticks nicely.

Step 3: Reheat

Reheat your cheese sticks for about 4-10 minutes. The exact time will depend on the number of cheese sticks you're reheating and the temperature of your toaster oven. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from perfectly melted to overcooked in a matter of seconds!

Step 4: Check and Serve

Once your cheese sticks are hot and the cheese is melted, it's time to take them out. Be careful, as the cheese can get extremely hot. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving to achieve the optimal temperature and texture.

Tips for the Best Results:

• If your cheese sticks are frozen, consider increasing the temperature to around 450°F and cooking for 8-15 minutes.
• For extra crispiness, place your cheese sticks on a wire rack in the toaster oven, which allows air to circulate all around them.
• Always reheat refrigerated or frozen cheese sticks. Room-temperature cheese sticks will become soggy.
• If you're reheating a larger batch, consider using a regular oven instead, as it's better suited for even heating of larger quantities.

Reheating cheese sticks in a microwave

If you're short on time and need to quickly reheat your cheese sticks, using a microwave is an option, although it's worth noting that this method can make the cheese sticks soggy.

To reheat cheese sticks in the microwave, place them on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring they are spread out and not touching. Covering the cheese sticks will cause them to steam in their own moisture, making them soggy.

Microwave the cheese sticks on high power for 30 seconds, then turn them over and cook for another 30 seconds. Repeat this cycle until the cheese sticks are cooked. You can also heat the cheese sticks in 15-second intervals, increasing the time depending on how many you are reheating.

To check if the cheese sticks are done, cut one open. The cheese in the middle should be melted, but be careful as it may be very hot.

While the microwave is a convenient option, it may not deliver the same level of crispiness that other reheating methods, such as using an oven, air fryer, or skillet, can provide.

Storing cheese sticks

Wrapping

Opaque cheese paper is ideal for wrapping cheese sticks. For sustainability and economy, you can use reusable and compostable cheese papers. If you don't want to buy cheese paper, you can wrap the cheese sticks in parchment or wax paper and then place them in a loosely sealed container or plastic bag. Reusable beeswax wraps are also an effective option.

Storing Location

The cheese and produce drawers in your fridge are best for keeping cheese sticks humid and cool. However, it is important to avoid storing different types of cheese together, as they can contaminate each other with mould.

Freezing

Freezing cheese sticks is a great option if you want to store them for longer periods. You can freeze cheese sticks for up to 2 months, either fried or unfried. Soft, unripened cheeses like mozzarella can be successfully frozen for a few months. Grated cheeses and harder varieties with less moisture, such as low-moisture mozzarella, will also withstand freezing better.

Reheating

If you are storing your cheese sticks in the fridge, you can reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until they are hot and crisp.

Freezing cheese sticks

Mozzarella cheese sticks, cheese sticks, and string cheese are the same product in the US. You can freeze string cheese, and in most cases, it freezes well. If you have bought individually packaged string cheese, you can simply place the sticks in the freezer. If they are not individually wrapped, you can wrap each stick in plastic wrap, aluminium foil, or a freezer bag, ensuring that the wrapping is moisture-proof and airtight. Alternatively, you can place multiple sticks together in a single freezer bag, placing each one separately and rolling the bag after each one so that they do not touch.

When freezing cheese sticks, it is important to note that only hard cheeses like parmesan or processed ones like American cheese freeze better than mozzarella. This is due to their low water content. Therefore, it is recommended to freeze mozzarella sticks for no longer than two months to ensure the best quality. However, they can be safely consumed beyond this period, although the texture and taste may be affected.

To defrost cheese sticks, it is best to thaw them slowly in the refrigerator, which helps retain moisture and maintain quality. This usually takes around one to two hours for a single stick. If you are in a hurry, you can submerge the wrapped stick in lukewarm water for 15 to 20 minutes, or use the defrost setting on your microwave for short intervals, checking the cheese after each burst.

Finally, it is possible to refreeze string cheese that has been thawed in the refrigerator. However, it is important to note that refreezing may result in a loss of quality, as with most frozen and thawed foods.

Frequently asked questions