Bushra Griffith
There are several ways to cook frozen cheese sticks in the oven, and they all result in a crispy, golden exterior with a gooey, melted cheese interior. The most popular method is to use an air fryer, which is faster than a regular oven. You can also use a toaster oven or a regular oven. Broil the cheese sticks for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. If reheating refrigerated cheese sticks, place them in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes. If reheating frozen cheese sticks, place them in an oven preheated to 450 degrees F for 10-15 minutes.
How to cook frozen cheese sticks in the oven
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 350 degrees F |
| Oven setting | Broil |
| Baking sheet preparation | Sprayed with cooking spray |
| Cooking time | 4-5 minutes or until golden brown |
| Cheese type | Whole milk mozzarella |
| Coating | Breadcrumbs, flour, eggs |
| Dipping sauce | Marinara sauce |
| Freezing | Freeze unbaked coated sticks in a zip-top bag for several months |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the oven to 450°F
To cook frozen cheese sticks in the oven, start by preheating your oven to 450°F. This is a crucial step as it ensures the cheese sticks cook evenly and efficiently. It is important to give the oven ample time to reach the desired temperature before putting the cheese sticks inside. Most ovens will have a preheat setting, so you can simply turn on the oven, set it to 450°F, and wait for it to heat up. Depending on your oven, this process can take anywhere from a few minutes to about 15 minutes. You can also invest in an oven thermometer to help you accurately monitor the temperature.
While the oven is preheating, you can prepare your baking sheet or tray. Line it with parchment paper or aluminium foil to ensure easy cleanup after cooking. You can also spray the baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
Once the oven has preheated to the set temperature of 450°F, you can carefully place the frozen cheese sticks onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each cheese stick to allow for even cooking and browning on all sides.
The high temperature of 450°F is ideal for achieving that desired golden brown exterior and a gooey, melted interior. This temperature strikes a balance between cooking the cheese sticks thoroughly and ensuring the cheese melts perfectly.
Remember, every oven is slightly different, so adjust the temperature slightly if needed to achieve the best results with your particular oven.
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Use a toaster oven
Using a toaster oven
Toaster ovens are a great alternative to regular ovens or air fryers for cooking frozen cheese sticks. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a toaster oven to cook frozen cheese sticks:
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sticks
Start by preparing the cheese sticks. It is recommended to use whole milk mozzarella cheese cut into sticks, but string cheese can also be used. Bread the cheese sticks by dredging them in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. This process creates a crispy coating. Arrange the breaded cheese sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid.
Step 2: Preheat the Toaster Oven
Preheat your toaster oven to a high temperature, usually between 350 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The toaster oven should be set to the broil setting to ensure the cheese sticks get crispy.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Sheet
While the toaster oven is preheating, prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray. This will prevent the cheese sticks from sticking to the sheet and make cleanup easier.
Step 4: Place Cheese Sticks in the Toaster Oven
Once the toaster oven is preheated, carefully place the frozen cheese sticks onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out and not touching to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Broil the Cheese Sticks
Place the baking sheet with the cheese sticks in the toaster oven and broil for 4 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don't burn. The cheese sticks are ready when they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the cheese sticks from the toaster oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing. Enjoy the stretchy, gooey, and delicious cheese sticks!
Using a toaster oven is a convenient and efficient way to cook frozen cheese sticks, providing a crispy and golden exterior with a melted interior.
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Coat cheese sticks in flour, egg, and panko
To coat cheese sticks in flour, egg, and panko, start by placing flour in a small dish. In a separate bowl, mix together the eggs and milk. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning. You can also add salt to enhance the flavour.
Next, work with one cheese stick at a time. Dip the stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, dip the cheese stick into the panko crumb mixture, ensuring it is entirely coated.
Some recipes suggest double-coating the cheese sticks for added crispiness. After coating the cheese sticks in flour, egg, and panko once, you can dip them back into the egg mixture and then again into the panko breadcrumbs.
Place the coated cheese sticks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Once all the sticks are coated, transfer them to the freezer for at least 30 minutes to chill. This step is crucial, as it helps the breading stay intact during frying.
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Freeze cheese sticks for an hour
Freezing cheese sticks for an hour is an important step in the process of making homemade mozzarella sticks. This step helps to ensure the cheese sticks hold their shape and the breading adheres properly during frying or baking.
To freeze cheese sticks for an hour, first prepare the cheese sticks by dredging them in flour, egg, and a breadcrumb mixture. This breading process creates a crispy coating that complements the gooey, melted cheese inside. After breading, place the cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer for about 60 minutes.
During this freezing time, the breading will set, creating a protective layer around the cheese. This step is crucial because it helps prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking. It also ensures that the breading stays intact, resulting in a crispy exterior.
Freezing the cheese sticks for an hour is a delicate balance. Any less time might not be sufficient for the breading to set properly, while freezing them for too long can affect the texture and taste of the final product. Therefore, it is important to stick to the recommended freezing time for optimal results.
Once the cheese sticks have been in the freezer for an hour, they are ready for the next step in the cooking process. They can be fried, baked, or air-fried, depending on your preference and the recipe you are following. This initial freezing step ensures that your cheese sticks have a better chance of maintaining their shape and texture during the subsequent cooking stages.
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Bake from frozen
To cook frozen cheese sticks in the oven, you can follow these steps:
First, prepare the cheese sticks by slicing each piece of cheese in half crosswise. This will give you shorter pieces that are easier to work with and create a higher yield. Arrange the cheese in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate and place them in the freezer until they are completely frozen, which should take about an hour.
Next, prepare three shallow bowls for dredging. In the first bowl, place some flour. In the second bowl, whisk an egg, egg white, and a tablespoon of water until well combined. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs with your choice of seasonings. You can use Italian seasoning and garlic powder, or experiment with other seasonings like salt, paprika, or dried herbs. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
Now, it's time to dredge the cheese sticks. Take 2-3 frozen cheese sticks at a time and coat them with flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure they are completely coated. Return the coated cheese sticks to the baking sheet and repeat this process until all your cheese sticks are dredged. Place the baking sheet with the coated cheese sticks in the freezer for another hour. This step is important to ensure the cheese sticks hold their shape during cooking.
Finally, it's time to bake! Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Place the frozen cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other. Broil the cheese sticks for 4-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them as they can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
Serve your baked cheese sticks with your favorite dipping sauce. Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but you can also try ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, garlic aioli, or any other sauce you prefer. Enjoy your crispy and gooey homemade snack!
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and cook for 5-10 minutes.
350 degrees F is best for reheating frozen cheese sticks.
It should take 5-10 minutes to heat frozen cheese sticks in the oven.
Deep-frying is the most popular way to cook cheese sticks, but baking or air frying are healthier alternatives.
Yes, you can cook frozen cheese sticks in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer and cook at 360-390°F for 6-10 minutes.
