Frederic Melton
There are many options for low-carb cheese sticks, including keto mozzarella sticks, keto breadsticks, and keto garlic cheese sticks. These recipes typically involve coating cheese sticks in a combination of egg, almond flour, and pork panko (ground-up pork rinds) before frying or baking them. Some recipes also include additional ingredients such as parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Low-carb cheese sticks are a popular option for those following a keto diet or simply looking for a tasty, crispy, and gooey snack or appetizer. They can be served with various dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or lemon and herb sauce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrate content | Less than 1 gram of carbs per stick, with some recipes resulting in 0.2 grams of carbs per stick |
| Ingredients | Mozzarella, egg, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, rosemary, garlic powder, protein powder, pork rinds, coconut flour, lupin flour, oat fiber, butter |
| Cooking methods | Frying, baking, air frying |
| Dipping sauces | Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, Greek yogurt ranch dressing, lemon and herb sauce, blue cheese dressing |
| Nutrition | Protein, fiber, calcium |
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What You'll Learn
Keto Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
- Mozzarella cheese sticks or string cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Almond flour
- Ground pork rinds (pork panko)
- Eggs
- Water
- Oil for frying (avocado oil or peanut oil)
- Italian seasoning (optional)
Method
- Cut each mozzarella stick in half to make them bite-sized.
- Dust the cheese sticks with almond flour. This helps the egg wash stick to the cheese.
- Prepare the egg wash by whisking together eggs and water in a shallow bowl.
- Dip the cheese sticks in the egg wash.
- Dredge the cheese sticks in the pork panko or a mixture of ground pork rinds, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Repeat the egg wash and pork panko coating for an extra crispy exterior.
- Place the breaded cheese sticks on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and freeze completely.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet to 365°F (185°C).
- Carefully lower the frozen cheese sticks into the hot oil and fry for about 1 minute on each side, or until golden brown.
- Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm with your favourite dipping sauce such as ranch, marinara, or pizza sauce.
Tips
- It is important to freeze the cheese sticks before frying so that the cheese slowly melts while cooking, resulting in a crispy shell.
- You can also bake or air fry the keto mozzarella sticks for a healthier option. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C/350°F for 10 minutes or in an air fryer at 200°C/400°F for 6 minutes.
- If you don't have pork rinds, you can use coconut flour or protein powder as a binding agent, but be aware that they may alter the flavour and texture of the mozzarella sticks.
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Nutritional Information
There are several recipes for low-carb cheese sticks, most of which are keto-friendly and use mozzarella. Many of these recipes are fried or baked and use a variety of coatings, including almond flour, coconut flour, crushed pork rinds, lupin flour, protein powder, and oat fibre. Some recipes also include eggs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, rosemary, garlic powder, and salt.
The nutritional information for low-carb cheese sticks can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. However, most of the recipes claim to have very low carbohydrate content, with some stating they have zero carbs or less than 1 gram of carbs per cheese stick. For example, one recipe for keto mozzarella sticks claims to have 0.2 grams of net carbs and 0.4 grams of total carbs per stick. Another recipe for keto breadsticks made with mozzarella and eggs claims to have only 1 gram of net carb per serving.
Low-carb cheese sticks can also be a good source of protein, fibre, and calcium. For example, one recipe for keto mozzarella sticks made with protein powder and cheese crumbs claims to be packed with protein, fibre, and calcium.
It is important to note that the nutritional information provided in these recipes may not be exact and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used. Additionally, the serving size may also affect the nutritional content, with some recipes yielding multiple cheese sticks per serving.
When considering the nutritional information for low-carb cheese sticks, it is also important to consider any dipping sauces or sides that may be served with them, as these can add additional calories, carbohydrates, and other nutrients. Some common dipping sauces for low-carb cheese sticks include marinara sauce, ranch dressing, pizza sauce, and buffalo chicken dip.
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Dipping Sauces
Low-carb cheese sticks are a great snack option, especially for those on a keto diet. They are usually made with almond flour, egg, and cheese, and fried or baked to achieve a crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy centre.
Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is a popular choice for dipping keto cheese sticks. It is a tomato-based sauce that is typically low in carbs and can be easily purchased or made at home. Rao’s marinara sauce is recommended by some as it has no added sugar.
Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is another favoured dipping sauce for keto cheese sticks. Most ranch dressings are low in carbs, but it is important to check the labels to avoid those with added sugars or higher carb counts.
Pizza Sauce
A low-carb pizza sauce can be a great dipping option for keto cheese sticks. You can make your own pizza sauce to ensure it aligns with your dietary needs and preferences.
Other Options
There are several other dipping sauce options that you can pair with your low-carb cheese sticks. These include buffalo chicken dip, lemon and herb sauce, blue cheese dressing, and even a simple side of low-carb marinara sauce.
The versatility of keto cheese sticks allows for creativity in the choice of dipping sauces, ensuring that you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying snack while adhering to your dietary preferences or restrictions.
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Freezing the Cheese Sticks
Mozzarella cheese sticks are a tasty snack that can be frozen for extended shelf life and future consumption. Freezing mozzarella sticks is a great way to preserve their quality and ensure they don't go to waste. The process of freezing and preparing cheese sticks for consumption involves several steps, which we will outline below.
Firstly, it is important to prepare the cheese sticks before freezing. This involves slicing a block of whole milk mozzarella into halves and then into sticks, each about a few inches tall and 1/2" thick. You can also use string cheese, which provides a more gooey texture, or block cheese, which is stretchier and easier to bread. After cutting the cheese, create a breading station with a shallow bowl of whisked egg and a separate bowl of almond flour, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, rosemary, and garlic powder. Roll the cheese sticks in the egg mixture, followed by the flour mixture, repeating this process twice for a thorough coating.
Once the cheese sticks are breaded, it's time to freeze them. Place the breaded cheese sticks on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, ensuring they don't touch each other, and freeze for 1-2 hours. This pre-freezing step helps to lower the temperature of the cheese and prevent it from melting too quickly during cooking. After the initial freeze, transfer the cheese sticks to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, label them with the date, and seal tightly to prevent air exposure and reduce the risk of freezer burn.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cheese sticks, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw. You can then fry them in oil or tallow until golden brown, ensuring the shell is crispy and the cheese is gooey inside. It is important to note that freezing affects the taste and texture of cheese sticks, so they may not be as fresh as when first prepared. However, freezing allows for easy meal preparation and ensures you always have a tasty snack on hand.
Additionally, when preparing cheese sticks, it is essential to follow food safety guidelines to prevent contamination and spoilage. Always store the cheese sticks in tightly sealed containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and label them with the freezing date. Frozen cheese sticks can be a delicious and versatile snack, perfect for quick appetizers, party platters, or salad toppings. Enjoy them with various dips, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce, to enhance their flavour.
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Breading Mixture
The breading mixture for low-carb cheese sticks typically involves a combination of dry ingredients and a wet batter. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the breading mixture:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by preparing the dry ingredients, which will serve as the initial coating for the cheese sticks. A common choice for this is almond flour, which acts as a binding agent. You can also use coconut flour, although it may impart a subtle coconut flavour and aroma to the cheese sticks. If you're looking for nut-free alternatives, consider using lupin flour, protein powder, or oat fibre. These options may be harder to find in grocery stores but can add a nice flavour.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Batter
In a separate bowl, prepare the wet batter by cracking and whisking an egg until the yolk and white are well combined. This step is crucial as it helps the dry ingredients adhere to the cheese sticks.
Step 3: Combine Additional Seasonings (Optional)
To enhance the flavour of your cheese sticks, you can add various seasonings to the dry ingredients. Suggested seasonings include Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, ground pepper, and paprika. Mix these ingredients thoroughly with the almond flour or alternative flour of your choice.
Step 4: Create a Breadcrumbs Alternative (Optional)
If you want an extra crispy coating, you can create a breadcrumbs alternative using ground pork rinds, also known as pork panko. This step is entirely optional but adds a crunchy exterior to your cheese sticks while keeping the carbohydrate count low. You can purchase pre-ground pork panko, or make your own by adding pork rinds to a blender or food processor and pulsing until they are pulverized.
Step 5: Bread the Cheese Sticks
Once you have prepared the dry ingredients, wet batter, and any optional seasonings or coatings, it's time to bread the cheese sticks. Start by rolling the cheese sticks in the egg batter, ensuring they are well coated. Then, roll them in the dry ingredient mixture. Repeat this process a second time to ensure the cheese sticks are thoroughly coated.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several options for low-carb cheese sticks, including keto mozzarella sticks, keto cheesy breadsticks, and keto garlic cheese sticks.
Keto mozzarella sticks typically have very low carb counts, with some recipes resulting in only 0.2 grams of carbs per stick.
To make low-carb cheese sticks, you'll typically need to bread and freeze the cheese before frying or baking it. Common breading ingredients include almond flour, pork panko (ground-up pork rinds), eggs, and seasonings.
