Bushra Griffith
Cheese sticks are a fun finger food that can be made in a variety of ways, with different types of cheese and coatings. For example, mozzarella cheese sticks can be coated in breadcrumbs and fried, or pepper jack cheese can be made from scratch and formed into sticks. Alternatively, you can make pepperoni pizza sticks by rolling up pizza dough around pepperoni and cheese sticks, or try cacio e pepe, a pasta dish with black pepper and pecorino Romano cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Mozzarella, Colby jack, cheddar cheese, or pepper jack cheese sticks |
| Coating | Flour, cornstarch, Italian bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs |
| Seasoning | Cilantro, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning |
| Cooking Method | Deep-fried, baked, air fryer |
| Cooking Time | 30 seconds to 1 minute, 9-11 minutes in the oven, 4-6 minutes in an air fryer |
| Serving Suggestions | Salsa, guacamole, marinara sauce, bolognese sauce, BBQ sauce, ranch, aioli, warm pasta sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Cut cheese into sticks
To cut cheese into sticks, start by choosing your cheese. Mozzarella, Colby jack, cheddar, and pepper jack are all good options. If you are using a mozzarella block, cut it widthwise into 15 sticks. You can also use cheese strings, which you can simply peel open and cut in half.
Next, prepare your dredging station. In one bowl, whisk together flour and cornstarch. In a second bowl, beat together eggs and milk. In a third bowl, combine your breadcrumbs, panko, and seasonings. If you are using store-bought Italian breadcrumbs, you can omit the Italian seasoning. However, if you are using plain breadcrumbs, be sure to add Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika to the mixture.
Now that your cheese and dredging station are ready, it's time to assemble your cheese sticks. Start by dredging your cheese sticks in the flour mixture, then dip them into the egg mixture. Finally, roll them in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
Once all your cheese sticks are assembled, place them in the freezer for at least 2 hours or until completely frozen. This step is important to ensure that your cheese doesn't leak out during cooking.
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Prepare the coating
The coating for your pepper jack cheese sticks can be made with a variety of ingredients. The most common method is to use a combination of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the coating:
- Combine flour and cornstarch in a small bowl or shallow dish. Mix them together thoroughly. Set this aside.
- Prepare the breadcrumb mixture by combining plain breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in another shallow dish. You can use Italian breadcrumbs or add your own Italian seasoning to plain breadcrumbs. Give this mixture a good whisk to ensure everything is combined. Set this aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. You can add milk to the eggs and whisk until they are completely incorporated. Alternatively, you can use olive oil instead of milk.
- Prepare three separate shallow bowls or pie plates for the coating process: one with the flour mixture, one with the egg mixture, and one with the breadcrumb mixture.
- (Optional) For an extra crispy coating, you can double-coat the cheese sticks. After coating with the flour and egg mixtures, dip the sticks back into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumbs again.
Once the coating is prepared, you can begin the process of coating the cheese sticks, as outlined in the previous section.
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Coat the cheese
To make cheese sticks, you'll need to coat the cheese in a few different mixtures. First, cut your cheese into sticks. It's important to use cheese strings, as they melt differently from regular cheese. Place the cheese sticks in the freezer for at least 2 hours or until completely frozen.
Next, you'll need to prepare three mixtures: a liquid mixture, a flour mixture, and a crumb coating. For the liquid mixture, beat eggs and milk together in a small bowl and set aside. For the flour mixture, combine flour and cornstarch on a pie plate or in a shallow bowl and set aside. For the crumb coating, combine plain bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika on a pie plate or in a shallow bowl and set aside.
Now you're ready to coat the cheese! Start by dredging the cheese sticks in the egg mixture, then the flour mixture. Dip them back into the egg mixture and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs into each cheese stick to ensure an even coating and prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking. Place the coated cheese sticks in the freezer while you preheat your oil.
You can also add some variety to your coating. For example, you can use Italian breadcrumbs and omit the Italian seasoning, or experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Colby jack, cheddar, or pepper jack. You can also season your sticks with herbs and spices like cilantro, parsley, or garlic powder.
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Fry the cheese sticks
Frying cheese sticks is a quick and easy process. First, prepare the cheese sticks by removing them from their plastic wrappings and cutting them in half or thirds. Next, prepare three separate bowls for dredging: one with beaten egg, another with flour, and the third with breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning. You can also add seasoning to the egg mixture, such as cayenne pepper. Dip the cheese sticks into the egg mixture, then the flour, and then back into the egg before finally coating them in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this process twice for a thicker coating.
Allow the coated cheese sticks to rest for a few minutes while you heat the oil. Use oils with a high smoke point, such as peanut, vegetable, or canola oil. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). You can also use an air fryer, preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now it's time to fry the cheese sticks. Carefully place a few cheese sticks into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 30 seconds to 1 minute, turning them over after 20-30 seconds or when the coating turns golden brown. Watch them carefully to prevent burning or fully melting.
Once they're golden brown, remove the cheese sticks from the oil with tongs and place them on a stack of paper towels to absorb the excess oil. Serve them warm with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing. Enjoy!
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Serve with a dip
If you're looking for a dip to serve alongside your cheese-stuffed pepper sticks, there are plenty of options to choose from. A classic option is a simple cheese dip, which can be made with just cheese and cream cheese, or with additional ingredients like chilli, salsa, or shredded cheese. For a more sophisticated take on the cheese dip, try making a fondue and serving it with steamed broccoli, roasted fingerling potatoes, or bratwurst slices.
If you're looking for something with a bit more kick, a pepper jack queso dip is a great option. This dip is made with pepper jack cheese, which brings a moderate amount of spice, and can be flavoured with ingredients like cumin, garlic, and milk. Another option for a spicy dip is a chilli cheese dip, which can be made with chilli, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and salsa.
For a more unique dip option, try a red pepper and cream cheese dip. This dip is made with roasted red peppers and cream cheese, and can be served with warm toasted flatbreads, vegetables, or hot chips. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, a bacon jam cheese dip or a buffalo chicken dip is sure to be a hit. Serve these dips with pretzel chips, celery sticks, or tortilla chips.
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Frequently asked questions
A pepper jack cheese stick is a snack made with pepper jack cheese, a variation of Monterey Jack that can be made with any kind of pepper. The cheese is cut into sticks, coated with flour, dipped in egg, and rolled in cornflakes or breadcrumbs. It is then fried until golden brown and served with salsa, guacamole, or another dipping sauce.
To make pepper jack cheese sticks, you will need the following ingredients: cheese, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs or cornflakes, milk, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. First, cut the cheese into sticks and freeze them. Next, create a liquid mixture by beating the eggs and milk together. Make a flour mixture by combining flour and cornstarch in a separate bowl. Combine the breadcrumbs or cornflakes with onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in a third bowl. Coat the cheese sticks with the egg mixture, then the flour mixture, then the egg mixture again, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. Fry the cheese sticks in hot oil for about 2 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
There are several variations of pepper jack cheese sticks that you can make. You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Colby jack, or cheddar cheese. You can also try adding different herbs and spices, such as cilantro, parsley, or garlic powder. Instead of vegetable oil, you can use canola oil, peanut oil, or corn oil for frying. You can also bake the cheese sticks in the oven or cook them in an air fryer instead of frying them.
