Crunchy Cheese Sticks: Perfect Pairing Ideas For You

Fried cheese sticks are a delicious snack, but what goes well with them? The most popular dipping sauce to pair with fried cheese sticks is marinara sauce, but there are several other options, including bolognese, ranch, pesto, and aioli. Fried cheese sticks also go well with other pub grub foods like loaded nachos, chicken wings, and potato skins. They can be served as an appetizer or side dish and are a great make-ahead dish, as they freeze well and can be reheated in the oven.

Dipping sauces: Marinara, bolognese, ranch, pesto, Sriracha aioli, BBQ sauce, and more

Dipping Sauces for Fried Cheese Sticks

Fried cheese sticks are a delicious snack, but what takes them to the next level is the dipping sauce. While there are many sauces that can be used, here are some of the most popular options:

Marinara Sauce

This classic Italian tomato-based sauce is a perfect pairing for fried cheese sticks. Its slightly sweet and tangy flavour complements the salty, crispy cheese sticks. The sauce is also relatively easy to make, with crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs like basil and oregano being the main ingredients.

Bolognese Sauce

For a heartier option, bolognese sauce is a meat-based sauce that adds a savoury and robust flavour to the cheese sticks. It typically includes ground beef or pork, tomatoes, and herbs, creating a rich and satisfying dipping experience.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing offers a creamy and tangy contrast to the fried cheese. It is a popular choice for those who want a cool and refreshing dip to balance the richness of the fried cheese. It is often made with buttermilk, mayonnaise, and herbs like chives and parsley.

Pesto Sauce

Pesto provides a bright and herbal flavour to the cheese sticks. Made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil, pesto offers a more sophisticated and intense flavour profile. It is a great option for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their fried cheese sticks.

Sriracha Aioli

For those who like a little kick, sriracha aioli is a spicy and creamy sauce that elevates the cheese sticks. The combination of garlic, chilli peppers, and mayonnaise in the aioli creates a unique and flavourful experience that complements the cheese.

BBQ Sauce

A classic BBQ sauce, with its sweet, smoky, and tangy flavours, is a versatile dip for fried cheese sticks. It adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice, making it a popular choice for those who want a more robust flavour.

Other Options

In addition to the sauces mentioned above, there are endless possibilities for dipping sauces. Some other options include a southwest dipping sauce, comeback sauce, garlic aioli, nacho cheese sauce, or even a simple combination of mayonnaise and ground horseradish.

When it comes to fried cheese sticks, the dipping sauce can make all the difference. Whether you prefer a classic marinara, a spicy kick, or something creamy and cool, there is a sauce to suit every taste. So, get creative, experiment with different flavours, and enjoy the ultimate fried cheese stick experience!

Freezing before frying: Freeze cheese sticks for at least an hour or two before frying to prevent cheese from melting and leaking out

Freezing Cheese Sticks Before Frying

Freezing cheese sticks before frying is a crucial step in the cooking process. It may seem counterintuitive to freeze something that you're about to fry, but this step ensures that your cheese sticks turn out perfectly. Here's why freezing your cheese sticks beforehand is so important:

Preventing Cheese from Melting and Leaking

The key reason for freezing cheese sticks before frying is to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out of the breading. Cheese is a delicate ingredient that needs to be handled carefully when heated. By freezing the cheese sticks, you give them time to firm up, ensuring that they retain their form even when exposed to high temperatures during frying. This way, you end up with crispy, golden cheese sticks with gooey, melted cheese inside instead of a messy cheese puddle in your fryer.

Ensuring Even Cooking

Freezing the cheese sticks also helps to ensure even cooking. When you freeze the breaded cheese sticks for at least an hour or two hours, you super-cool the cheese, giving the outer shell time to properly brown and crisp up before the cheese gets overcooked. This results in a cheese stick that is cooked evenly throughout, with a crunchy exterior and a deliciously gooey interior.

Make-Ahead Convenience

Freezing cheese sticks before frying also offers a make-ahead convenience. Once you've breaded and frozen your cheese sticks, you can store them in the freezer for up to two months. This means you can prepare a large batch in advance and simply fry them whenever the craving strikes. It's an excellent option for entertaining, as you can have a delicious snack ready to go in just a few minutes.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze cheese sticks before frying, follow these steps:

• Prepare your cheese sticks by breading them with your chosen coating, such as flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
• Place the breaded cheese sticks on a baking sheet or tray in a single layer.
• Freeze the cheese sticks for at least one hour, but preferably two hours, to ensure they are completely frozen.
• Once frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to two months.

Remember, freezing your cheese sticks before frying is an essential step to achieving the perfect fried cheese sticks. Don't skip this step, or you might end up with a melty, cheesy mess!

Frying oils: Vegetable oil, canola oil, and tallow are recommended for their high smoke points and neutral flavours

When frying cheese sticks, it is important to choose an oil with a high smoke point. This is because oils with a high smoke point can withstand high temperatures without breaking down and releasing chemicals that can affect the flavour of your food.

Vegetable oil, canola oil, and tallow are recommended for frying cheese sticks because they have high smoke points and neutral flavours.

Vegetable oil is a blend of plant-extracted oils and has a smoke point of approximately 400°F (204°C). It is a popular choice for frying because it has a neutral flavour and a high smoke point.

Canola oil is refined and has a smoke point between 400°F and 475°F (204°C and 246°C). It is also a popular choice for frying because it has a mild flavour and is affordable.

Tallow is a rendered form of beef or mutton fat, and while I couldn't find a definitive smoke point, it is often used for frying because of its high smoke point and ability to create a crispy exterior on fried foods.

Other oils with high smoke points that you could use for frying cheese sticks include:

• Refined avocado oil (smoke point: 480-520°F / 249-271°C)
• Grapeseed oil (smoke point: 420°F / 216°C)
• Refined peanut oil (smoke point: 450°F / 232°C)
• Refined sesame oil (smoke point: 410°F / 210°C)

Reheating: Place frozen cheese sticks in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to reheat

Reheating fried cheese sticks is a delicate process. You want to ensure that the cheese is hot and gooey, and the outside is crispy, not soggy. If you're reheating frozen cheese sticks, this can be even more challenging. But don't worry, it is possible to do so successfully.

The best method is to use an oven or toaster oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place your frozen cheese sticks on a baking sheet. If they are frozen solid, you may need to cook them at a higher temperature of 450°F. Leave them in the oven for 8 to 15 minutes, checking regularly to ensure they don't burn. If you're using a toaster oven, heat to around 450°F and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, keeping a close eye on them.

If you're short on time, you can use a microwave. Place the cheese sticks on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 25 to 45 seconds. Then, flip them over and microwave for the same duration. Check if they're warm in the middle by cutting one open. If they're still cold, put them back in for 15-second intervals until they're heated through.

For an extra crispy finish, you can also try a combination of the microwave and oven/toaster oven. First, microwave the cheese sticks for a short time, then finish them off under the grill in the oven or toaster oven for 10 to 15 seconds.

So, if you have leftover fried cheese sticks, don't despair. With the right reheating method, you can enjoy them again, crisp and hot!

Serving suggestions: Serve cheese sticks with loaded nachos, chicken wings, potato skins, or tomato soup

Serving suggestions for fried cheese sticks

Fried cheese sticks are a delicious snack, side, or appetizer. They're crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, and they pair well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas on what to serve with fried cheese sticks:

Loaded nachos

Loaded nachos are a perfect match for fried cheese sticks. The crispiness of the tortilla chips and the melted cheese complement the texture of the fried cheese sticks. You can top your nachos with beans, salsa, guacamole, jalapeños, and sour cream to make them even more indulgent.

Chicken wings

Chicken wings and fried cheese sticks are a match made in snack heaven. Both are crispy, juicy, and perfect for dipping. You can serve them with a variety of sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard, to enhance the flavours.

Potato skins

Potato skins, or potato skins loaded with cheese, bacon, and green onions, are another delicious option to serve with fried cheese sticks. The crispiness of the potato skins pairs well with the gooey cheese sticks, and the combination of potatoes and cheese is always a winning duo.

Tomato soup

For a comforting and satisfying meal, pair your fried cheese sticks with a bowl of tomato soup. The acidity of the tomatoes will cut through the richness of the fried cheese, and the warm soup will balance out the crispy texture of the cheese sticks.

Other serving suggestions

Some other dishes that go well with fried cheese sticks include sausage balls, ham and cheese sliders, zucchini fries, pizza grilled cheese, and jalapeno poppers. You can also serve them as a side or appetizer with a variety of dips, such as marinara sauce, bolognese sauce, ranch dressing, or aioli.

Frequently asked questions