Cheese Sticks: What's Inside And Why It Melts So Well

Cheese sticks, also known as string cheese, are a popular snack made from a variety of cheeses. The manufacturing process aligns the proteins in the cheese, making it stringy and fun to pull apart. While several types of cheese can be used to make cheese sticks, the most common variety is mozzarella. Fried cheese sticks, often referred to as mozzarella sticks, are breaded and fried, while unfried cheese sticks, or string cheese, are typically made from mozzarella or a combination of mozzarella and cheddar. In addition to these varieties, cheese sticks can also be made from aged cheddar, parmesan, or other types of cheese.

Mozzarella cheese sticks

In the United States, mozzarella cheese sticks are often referred to as "fried cheese sticks" or simply "mozz sticks" when they are breaded and fried. This distinction is important as it indicates that the cheese sticks have been fried, setting them apart from the unfried string cheese variety. Fried mozzarella cheese sticks are a beloved appetizer in many restaurants, often served with a tomato-based sauce or other dips.

The versatility of mozzarella cheese sticks makes them a popular choice for people of all ages. They can be enjoyed as a quick snack on the go, a fun addition to a meal, or a tasty appetizer at a gathering. Whether enjoyed plain or fried, mozzarella cheese sticks offer a delicious and interactive cheese experience.

Cheddar cheese sticks

The cheese used in these sticks is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and sometimes annatto for colouring. The milk is sourced from local family farms and is combined with cultures to form the curd. Any seasonings are added, and then the cheese is pressed into blocks and allowed to cure. After cutting and wrapping, the cheese sticks are ready for consumption.

Fried cheese sticks

Ingredients

• String cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a combination of both)
• Breadcrumbs (panko or Italian)
• Seasoning (Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
• Buttermilk
• Egg

Method

• Prepare the egg mixture by combining buttermilk, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
• In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
• Dip the cheese sticks into the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess liquid drip off, then toss them in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this process twice for an extra crispy coating.
• Heat oil in a deep frying pan or skillet to a high temperature until sizzling.
• Carefully place the coated cheese sticks into the hot oil and deep fry for about 1 minute, turning them over after 20-30 seconds to ensure even cooking.
• Remove the cheese sticks from the pan and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
• Serve immediately with a homemade marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Tips

• Freeze the cheese sticks before frying to prevent the cheese from melting and leaking out.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella to avoid sogginess.
• Ensure the oil is hot enough to prevent the cheese from melting and the breading from becoming soft.
• For a healthier alternative, bake the cheese sticks in the oven at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

String cheese sticks

While string cheese can be made from several different types of cheese, the most popular variety is mozzarella. In the United States, string cheese typically refers to snack-sized servings of low-moisture mozzarella. These snack-sized servings are roughly cylindrical, about 6 inches (15 cm) long and less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The cheese used may be a combination of mozzarella and cheddar, and the sticks are often individually wrapped for convenience.

In addition to mozzarella, other types of cheese used for string cheese include cheddar, gouda, and emmental. For example, the Kerry Group in the Republic of Ireland and the UK offers Cheestrings in Original and Twisted varieties, with discontinued flavours such as cheddar, smoky bacon, and pizza. Similarly, Wisconsin Cheese Mart offers Sharp Cheddar Cheese Sticks made from 8-year-aged cheddar, providing a rich blend of nutty and tangy flavours.

Smoked cheese sticks

To make smoked cheese sticks, the cheese is heated to 60°C (140°F) and then stretched, causing the milk proteins to line up. This alignment of proteins is what gives the cheese its stringy texture. The sticks are then often coated in breadcrumbs and fried, creating a delicious snack with a golden-brown exterior.

One recipe for smoked mozzarella cheese sticks suggests frying the sticks in vegetable oil at 350°F for approximately 5 minutes. The recipe also includes instructions for smoking the cheese sticks using a pellet grill and applewood pellets. The cheese sticks are smoked at 90°F for 2 hours and then air-sealed and left to "marinate" in the smoke flavour for a month.

Frequently asked questions