Kamil Perry
String cheese is a delicious, healthy snack that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It is a convenient snack option for school or office lunches and is extremely nutritious, with a low amount of fat and high protein content. While string cheese is readily available in supermarkets, it can be expensive. However, making it at home is a simple process that only takes 10-15 minutes. String cheese can be used in various recipes, including mozzarella sticks, meatball sliders, pizza bombs, and manicotti. It can also be added to pizza crust to create a stuffed crust or used as a substitute for ricotta cheese. When cooking with string cheese, it is important to note that it can be baked, fried, or air-fried, depending on the desired recipe and texture.
How to cook string cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Appetizer, finger food |
| Ingredients | String cheese, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, black pepper, garlic powder, Panko, salt, Doritos, prosciutto |
| Equipment | Deep skillet, slotted spoon, paper towels, air fryer, oven, cast iron fryer |
| Cooking method | Deep frying, baking, air frying |
| Cooking temperature | 365°F, 450°F |
| Cooking time | 5-8 minutes |
| Preparation | Cut string cheese into sticks, coat in breadcrumbs, freeze, deep fry, bake or air fry |
| Serving suggestion | Serve with favourite dipping sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Making mozzarella sticks
Once the sticks are coated, they are ready to be fried. Fill a tall-sided heavy skillet with a couple of inches of oil and heat it to 365 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the mozzarella sticks in the oil and fry them until golden brown. If you see the gooey cheese oozing out, they are overcooking and should be removed immediately with a slotted spoon.
If you don't want to deep fry the mozzarella sticks, you can bake them in the oven or use an air fryer. To bake them, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a rimmed baking sheet to prevent any dripping. Bake until the cheese threatens to ooze out. Freezing the cheese before baking can help prevent it from melting too quickly. Alternatively, you can place the breaded mozzarella sticks in an air fryer basket, spray them with vegetable oil or non-stick spray, and air fry for 5-8 minutes, turning once, until the outside is crispy and golden brown.
Before frying, baking, or air frying, it is a good idea to do a test batch with a single stick to get a sense of the cooking time and prevent overcooking. Once cooked, place the mozzarella sticks on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to soak up any excess grease, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
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Breading and frying
Then, dip the cheese sticks first into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, before coating them in the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process to form a thick coating. Place the breaded cheese sticks on a wire rack and allow them to set at room temperature for about 5 minutes, before transferring them to the freezer for at least 1 hour.
When you are ready to fry, heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Deep fry the cheese sticks in small batches, a few at a time, until the coating is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese is soft. This should take around 5 to 8 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the cheese sticks, as the cheese will start to melt and ooze out. Serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch.
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Baking in the oven
Mozzarella sticks can be made by baking string cheese in the oven. This can be done by coating the string cheese in a breadcrumb mixture and baking it in the oven. However, this method is not recommended by some sources, as there is a higher risk of the cheese melting and losing its shape. To avoid this, it is suggested that the cheese is frozen prior to breading and baking. Bake the cheese sticks in a 450-degree oven until golden brown and the cheese begins to ooze out. Use a rimmed baking sheet to prevent any cheese from dripping to the bottom of the oven.
String cheese can also be added to pizza by tearing the cheese into strips and placing them on the pizza. It is better to cut the cheese into small blocks with a knife, as cutting it into strips may not allow the cheese to melt as well as shredded mozzarella.
Other recipes that involve baking string cheese in the oven include meatball sliders, pizza bombs, and bagel bites.
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Making a pizza stuffed crust
A pizza with a stuffed crust is a great way to make pizza night more exciting. You can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own from scratch. If you're short on time, a packet of bread mix or a pre-made pizza crust can be a good alternative. For the cheese, full-fat mozzarella string cheese is a popular choice, but you can also use shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Pizza Stuffed Crust:
Step 1: Prepare the oven and dough
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Grease a 12-inch pizza pan with shortening, cooking spray, or cooking oil. If using store-bought dough, roll it out on a floured surface until it is thin and about 1 inch larger than your pizza pan. Place the dough in the pan and press it out to the edges, allowing it to extend over the sides.
Step 2: Create the stuffed crust
Place your chosen cheese around the inside edge of the crust. Fold the extended edge of the dough over the cheese and pinch it firmly to seal it closed. You can brush the edge of the crust with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with garlic salt.
Step 3: Add toppings
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a gap around the edge for the stuffed crust. Sprinkle shredded cheese and your chosen toppings over the sauce. Popular choices include pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, or jalapenos and chorizo for a spicy kick.
Step 4: Bake and serve
Bake the pizza for 12 to 22 minutes, depending on your oven and the thickness of the crust. The pizza is ready when the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese in the centre is melted. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Tips:
- For a crispy base, preheat your pizza stone or baking tray before placing the pizza on it.
- To prevent cheese from leaking out, seal the dough edges tightly and consider freezing the cheese sticks before wrapping them in the dough.
- For the richest flavour and best melt, choose full-fat cheese varieties.
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Homemade vs. store-bought
String cheese is a tasty, fun snack that is perfect for kids and adults alike. While store-bought string cheese is convenient, making it at home is a rewarding and cost-effective alternative. Here is a detailed comparison of the two options:
Homemade String Cheese
Homemade string cheese is an easy and enjoyable DIY project. It is made by stretching mozzarella cheese into long, thin ropes or strings. The trick to achieving the perfect stringy texture is in the stretching and folding technique. By making it yourself, you can avoid fillers and preservatives commonly found in store-bought varieties. Additionally, homemade string cheese allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier snack for you and your family. It is a great activity to do with kids, who will love the interactive process and the satisfaction of enjoying their handmade treat.
Store-Bought String Cheese
Store-bought string cheese is a convenient option for those who don't have the time or inclination to make it at home. It is widely available in supermarkets and comes in individual servings, making it a quick and portable snack. While it may contain additives and preservatives, it is still a healthier choice compared to many other store-bought snacks. Store-bought string cheese is consistent in texture and taste, and you can find various flavours, such as salted and unsalted varieties.
Storage Considerations
When it comes to storage, homemade string cheese can be stored in metal or glass containers and wrapped in beeswax wrap for portability. Store-bought string cheese typically comes in plastic packaging, which may be more convenient for on-the-go snacking. However, homemade options allow you to reduce plastic waste and choose more environmentally friendly storage methods.
Taste and Cost Comparison
The taste of homemade string cheese can be tailored to your preference, and many people find it superior to store-bought varieties. Homemade versions allow you to control the salt content and experiment with different flavours, such as dill. Making string cheese at home is also significantly more cost-effective than purchasing it, as mozzarella curd is relatively inexpensive, and the process requires minimal additional ingredients.
In conclusion, both homemade and store-bought string cheese have their advantages. Homemade string cheese offers a fun, hands-on activity, a reduced environmental impact, and control over ingredients and taste. On the other hand, store-bought string cheese provides convenience and portability, making it a quick and easy snack option. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your personal preferences, time constraints, and priorities.
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Frequently asked questions
String cheese can be used in a variety of recipes, including mozzarella sticks, manicotti, pizza, and meatball sliders.
To make mozzarella sticks, coat the string cheese in breadcrumbs or crushed Doritos, then fry in oil. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven, but freezing the cheese before baking is recommended to prevent over-melting.
The trick to making string cheese at home is in the stretching. After making mozzarella cheese, stretch the curd into a long loop, then keep stretching and folding until you have a long mass of thin ropes or strings.
If you're on a keto diet, you can make mozzarella sticks by wrapping string cheese in prosciutto instead of breading and frying.
To prevent leaking, freeze the mozzarella sticks before frying, and ensure there aren't any holes in the coating.
