Cheese Sticks: What Kind Of Cheese Are They Made Of?

Cheese sticks, also known as mozzarella sticks, are a popular snack made from mozzarella cheese that has been heated and stretched to form strings or strips. The manufacturing process aligns the proteins in the cheese, giving it its characteristic stringy texture. They are often breaded and fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and gooey interior. In some cases, cheese sticks may also be baked or made using other types of cheese, such as cheddar.

Mozzarella cheese sticks

While mozzarella is the most commonly used cheese for cheese sticks, other types of cheese can also be used, such as cheddar or a combination of mozzarella and cheddar. The cheese is typically formed into roughly cylindrical sticks, about 6 inches (15 cm) long and less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. These sticks are then often smoked or fried to create a variety of flavours and textures.

In the United States, string cheese often refers specifically to low-moisture mozzarella cheese sticks, which are a convenient snack for people on keto or low-carb diets due to their high protein content. Wisconsin, in particular, is known for its smoked mozzarella string cheese, which has a mild and salty flavour with a natural hickory smoke taste.

Overall, mozzarella cheese sticks are a versatile and delicious snack option that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways and are a good source of protein.

Cheddar cheese sticks

The process of making cheddar cheese sticks involves sourcing milk from local family farms, adding cultures and curd, forming the curd into blocks, and allowing it to cure for several months to achieve the desired sharpness and creaminess. The cheese is then cut, wrapped, labelled, and shipped to consumers. These cheese sticks are all-natural, made without any artificial ingredients or processing, and can last for a year or more when sealed and stored in the refrigerator.

Fried cheese sticks

Ingredients

For the coating, you will need eggs, flour, and breadcrumbs. You can use Italian breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or plain breadcrumbs. If using panko or plain breadcrumbs, you can add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

For frying, use oils with a high smoke point such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or any other frying oil.

Preparation

First, remove the cheese sticks from their plastic wrappings and cut them in half crosswise. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set up three bowls: one with beaten eggs, one with flour, and one with the breadcrumb mixture.

Dip the cheese stick halves into the egg mixture, then roll them in the flour, and then toss them in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this process twice to ensure a thick coating. Place the breaded cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet and let them stand at room temperature for about 5 minutes to set.

Freeze the breaded cheese sticks for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. This step is important to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly when fried.

Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few cheese sticks at a time into the hot oil and deep fry until the coating is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese is soft, about 5 to 8 minutes.

Remove the fried cheese sticks from the oil and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing.

Tips

• For an extra crispy coating, freeze the cheese sticks after the first coating, then repeat the dipping and breading process a second time before freezing again.
• If you prefer a healthier alternative to deep-frying, you can bake or air fry the cheese sticks.

String cheese sticks

String cheese is made from several different types of cheese, the most popular being mozzarella. In the United States, string cheese generally refers to low-moisture mozzarella in snack-sized servings. This variety was invented in 1976 by Frank Baker and is roughly cylindrical, about 6 inches (15 cm) long and less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. It is often a combination of mozzarella and cheddar. Wisconsin, in particular, is known for its smoked mozzarella string cheese, which is mild and salty, with a natural hickory smoke flavour.

In other parts of the world, string cheese is made from different types of milk and has different names. In Slovakia, korbáčiky is a salty sheep's milk cheese, available smoked or unsmoked, and traditionally made by hand-pulling steamed sheep's cheese into strings and braiding them. In Turkey, the most common type of string cheese is dil peyniri ("tongue cheese"), a fresh white cheese made from cow's milk. In Armenia, traditional string cheese, chechil, is made with a white base, usually from aged goat or sheep's milk, and is seasoned with black cumin and mahleb. It is sold in the form of a braided endless loop. In Georgia and Russia, string cheese, known as tenili, is made from fermented sheep's milk and cream and is allowed to mature for 60 days in a salted and dried veal stomach. In Mexico, a popular type of string cheese called quesillo, or Oaxaca cheese, is sold in balls of various sizes.

Smoked string cheese sticks

The process of making smoked string cheese involves heating the mozzarella to 60°C (140°F) and then stretching it, which aligns the milk proteins and creates the signature strings. This particular variety is also hickory-smoked, adding a natural, smoky flavour to the mild and salty cheese.

Smoked string cheese is a favourite among children, who enjoy the interactive experience of pulling apart the strings. It is also a great keto-friendly snack option due to its low carb count and high protein content. Each stick is individually wrapped for convenience and can be easily packed in lunches or enjoyed as a quick bite.

Wisconsin, a state in the US, is particularly known for its smoked string cheese, with brands like Vern's Cheese, Burnett Dairy, and Weyauwega Star Dairy offering this delicious treat. The latter, crafted by the Knaus Family, boasts a four-generation-old tradition of artisan cheese-making, specialising in handcrafted Italian cheese. Their smoked string cheese is made with part-skim pasteurised milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes, resulting in a semi-soft and stringy texture.

So, if you're looking for a tasty and fun snack, smoked string cheese sticks are definitely worth trying!

Frequently asked questions