Frederic Melton
Vegan cheese sticks are a plant-based alternative to the traditional snack. They are made using vegan cheese, usually in the form of a block or slices, which is then battered and fried to create a snack that is crispy on the outside and soft and melty on the inside. While some people opt to make their own vegan cheese sticks at home, there are also some pre-made options available for purchase.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Cut vegan mozzarella block into halves, then into 1/2-inch strips. |
| Dip each strip into flour, then into a mixture of almond milk and cornstarch, and finally into breadcrumbs. | |
| Freeze the breaded cheese sticks for at least 1 hour before frying or baking. | |
| Ingredients | Vegan mozzarella, all-purpose flour, almond milk, cornstarch, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt |
| Some recipes also include soy milk, coconut oil, potato starch, pea protein, cultures, enzymes, etc. | |
| Taste and Texture | Soft and melty on the inside, crunchy on the outside |
| Serving Suggestions | Serve with marinara sauce, salsa, or other dipping sauces |
| Availability | Can be made at home using various recipes available online. Some ready-to-eat options are also available, such as Daiya Foods' Dairy-Free Mozzarella Sticks. |
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What You'll Learn
Making vegan cheese sticks at home
Vegan cheese sticks are the perfect snack for vegans who want to indulge in the comfort food they enjoyed before going vegan. Crispy on the outside and soft and melty on the inside, these cheese sticks can be easily made at home. Here's a detailed guide to help you make delicious vegan cheese sticks in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make vegan cheese sticks:
- Vegan block mozzarella cheese
- Almond milk or coconut milk
- All-purpose flour
- Bread crumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
- Frying oil
- Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
Preparation
Start by cutting the vegan mozzarella block in half lengthwise, then slice each half into 1/2-inch strips to create the cheese sticks. Set the cheese sticks aside in the fridge while you prepare the batter and breading.
In one medium bowl, create the batter by mixing almond milk, 2 tablespoons of flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined. In another bowl, prepare the breading by mixing bread crumbs and Italian seasoning. A third bowl will be needed for coating the cheese sticks in flour before dipping them in the batter.
Cooking
Before frying, create a breading station by lining up the bowls in the following order: flour, batter, and bread crumbs. Dip each cheese stick first in the flour, then fully coat it in the batter, and finally, roll it in the bread crumbs. Make sure each cheese stick is well coated to avoid clumping.
Preheat the frying oil in a deep fryer to around 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place the battered cheese sticks into the hot oil and fry for a few minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can bake or air-fry the cheese sticks. For baking, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for about 10 minutes or until golden. For air-frying, set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and air-fry for about 7 minutes.
Once cooked, transfer the cheese sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Let them cool until they're easy to handle, then serve with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the cheesy, crispy goodness!
Tips and Tricks
- You can use any brand of vegan block mozzarella cheese that suits your taste. Miyoko's Mozzarella and Chao Cheese are popular choices.
- For an extra crispy texture, freeze the battered and breaded cheese sticks for 30 minutes to 1 hour before frying, baking, or air-frying.
- Get creative and experiment with different spices and bread crumb flavours to find your perfect combination.
- If you're not a fan of cheese sticks, you can mould the vegan cheese into small bowls and use it for sandwiches or shred it for pizza.
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Buying pre-made vegan cheese sticks
If you're looking for pre-made vegan cheese sticks, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, Daiya Foods offers dairy-free mozzarella sticks made with their signature Oat Cream blend, which includes ingredients such as water, oat flour, pea protein, cultures, enzymes, and natural flavors. These cheese sticks are designed to provide the same creamy, melt-your-heart flavour as traditional cheese, without compromising on taste. Daiya Foods' products are also certified gluten-free and allergen-free, making them a safe option for those with dietary restrictions.
Another option for pre-made vegan cheese sticks is Wilmersburger, a German vegan cheese brand mentioned by Elephantastic Vegan. Wilmersburger offers vegan cheese blocks, which can be cut into sticks and coated with breadcrumbs to create crispy, indulgent cheese sticks. This option may appeal to those who want a more hands-on approach to preparing their vegan cheese sticks, allowing for customization in the coating and cooking process.
While pre-made vegan cheese sticks are available, it's worth noting that some people prefer to make their own at home to ensure the ingredients meet their dietary and taste preferences. This option also allows for creativity in the coating and cooking methods, resulting in cheese sticks that are crispy on the outside and deliciously gooey on the inside.
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The best types of vegan cheese for cheese sticks
There are several options for vegan cheese sticks, whether you're looking to buy them pre-made or make them yourself.
Pre-made Vegan Cheese Sticks
Sweets is a dairy-free brand that launched what it claims to be the world's first vegan cheese sticks. Each box of Swees Cheddar Plant-Based Cheese Sticks contains 10 individual sticks, which the brand says are "high in B vitamins" like B12. You can purchase them online. Daiya Foods also offers pre-made dairy-free mozzarella sticks, which can be purchased at convenience stores.
Vegan Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
If you're looking to make your own vegan cheese sticks, there are several recipes available online. Many recipes for vegan mozzarella sticks use store-bought vegan cheese, such as Miyoko's Mozzarella Cheese or Chao Cheese, which can be cut into sticks and battered and fried at home. You can also make your own vegan mozzarella cheese using coconut milk and agar. This method requires blending the ingredients in a food processor or high-speed blender, boiling them on the stove, and allowing the mixture to harden in the refrigerator before cutting it into sticks.
Other Options
Some people choose to make vegan cheese sticks without using any actual cheese. One recipe uses a batter made from almond milk, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, which is then coated in breadcrumbs and fried.
Whether you're looking for a pre-made option or a recipe to make your own, there are several choices available for vegan cheese sticks to suit your preferences and convenience.
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How to fry or bake vegan cheese sticks
How to Fry Vegan Cheese Sticks
To fry vegan cheese sticks, start by cutting a block of vegan mozzarella in half, and then into 1/2-inch strips. Place the strips in the fridge while preparing the batter. In a medium bowl, add almond milk, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well combined. Set aside. In a separate bowl, add breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning. Whisk and set aside. In a third bowl, add more all-purpose flour. Create a breading station by lining up the bowls in the following order: almond milk batter, all-purpose flour, and breadcrumb mixture. Dip the cheese sticks into the batter, then into the flour, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure they are fully coated. Heat frying oil in a small pot or deep fryer to around 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the cheese sticks for 2-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Place the fried cheese sticks on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve with marinara sauce, salsa, or your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Bake Vegan Cheese Sticks
To bake vegan cheese sticks, follow the same preparation instructions as above. However, instead of frying, freeze the battered and breaded cheese sticks for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Then, bake at 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Alternatively, you can air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-10 minutes. Serve fresh when cool enough to touch, as they are best enjoyed straight out of the oven.
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Dipping sauces for vegan cheese sticks
There are many delicious vegan dipping sauces to accompany vegan cheese sticks. A popular choice is a marinara sauce, which is a thick and spicy tomato-based sauce, often used for dipping mozzarella sticks. It is chunky, with pieces of tomato, onion, and garlic mixed with herbs and red pepper flakes.
Another option is a vegan spinach dip, made with vegan sour cream, vegan mayonnaise, soup mix, and water chestnuts. This dip is perfect for a pile of veggies to accompany your cheese sticks. A cashew cheese dip is another healthy alternative to dairy-based dips and sauces, and it goes well with corn chips and pretzels, as well as veggies.
For those who like a sweeter sauce, a vegan mustard sauce made with mock honey is a great choice. It is perfect for fried tofu, vegan popcorn chicken, and vegan chicken nuggets. A simple vegan buffalo sauce is another option that can be used as a dip for cauliflower wings and vegan chicken.
A 10-minute, easy vegan cheese sauce can also be made with butter beans, vegetable stock, non-dairy milk, nutritional yeast, and vegan butter. This sauce is perfect for pouring and dipping and is nut-free, making it allergy-friendly.
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Frequently asked questions
Some brands that sell vegan cheese sticks include Daiya Foods, Wholly Veggie, and Miyoko's. You may be able to find these at your local grocery store or online.
Yes, there are many recipes for vegan mozzarella sticks online. Common ingredients include vegan mozzarella, flour, milk, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning.
Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but you can also try salsa, ranch dressing, or any other dipping sauce of your choice.
