Are you ready to take your snacking game to the next level? Dive into the gooey, cheesy goodness of homemade Fried Cheese Sticks! These crispy delights are not just a treat; they’re an irresistible indulgence that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a cozy evening at home, this recipe is a must-try for cheese lovers everywhere. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, you’ll be savoring the melty center and crunchy exterior in no time. Let’s get frying!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Oil for frying
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cut the mozzarella cheese into sticks, each about 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches long. Set aside.
- In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. In a second shallow dish, beat the two large eggs until well combined. In a third shallow dish, pour in the breadcrumbs and season with salt to taste, mixing well.
- Take each mozzarella stick and first coat it in the flour, ensuring it is fully covered. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured cheese stick into the beaten eggs, making sure it is completely coated.
- Finally, roll the egg-coated cheese stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Repeat this process for all mozzarella sticks.
- Once all the cheese sticks are coated, place them on a plate or a baking sheet and refrigerate for about 10 minutes. This helps the coating to set and prevents it from falling off during frying.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. You will need enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet, about 1/4 inch deep.
- When the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a small piece of breadcrumb; it should sizzle), carefully add a few cheese sticks to the skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry the cheese sticks for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them gently.
- Once cooked, remove the cheese sticks from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve the home-fried cheese sticks warm with your choice of dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch dressing. Enjoy!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cheese: While mozzarella is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a flavorful twist.
- Chill Before Frying: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the coated cheese sticks for 10 minutes helps the coating adhere better and prevents the cheese from oozing out during frying.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the cheese sticks. If it's too cool, they’ll absorb excess oil and become greasy. A good test is to drop in a small piece of breadcrumb; if it sizzles, you’re ready to fry!
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Frying in batches allows for even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve your cheese sticks right after frying while they’re still warm and crispy. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
