Gooey Cheese Sticks (Fried or Baked)

When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetizers, nothing beats hot, golden-brown gooey cheese sticks. With a perfectly crispy exterior and a soft, melty mozzarella center, these homemade cheese sticks are easy to make and even better than takeout. Whether fried to golden perfection or baked for a lighter option, this recipe will satisfy every cheese lover’s craving. Perfect for parties, game days, or a simple snack, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.

Ingredients

• 16 mozzarella cheese strings (must be string cheese)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• ¾ cup Italian bread crumbs
• ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Unwrap the string cheese and cut each stick in half. Place them in the freezer for at least 2 hours or until frozen solid.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch. In another dish, combine the Italian bread crumbs with Panko. In a third bowl, whisk together the eggs and olive oil.
3. Dip each cheese stick into the egg mixture, then roll in the flour mixture. Dip again in the egg mixture, then coat in bread crumbs, pressing firmly to ensure full coverage. This helps prevent cheese from leaking out during cooking.
4. Freeze the coated sticks while preheating oil to 350°F. Test by dropping a few crumbs into the oil—if they sizzle and bubble, the oil is ready.
5. Fry cheese sticks in small batches for about 2 minutes or until golden brown. Do not overcook or the cheese will escape.
6. Alternatively, bake the cheese sticks at 400°F on a lined baking sheet for about 8–10 minutes until crispy.
7. Serve immediately with warm marinara or pasta sauce for dipping.

Serving and Storage Tips

Gooey Cheese Sticks are best enjoyed hot, right after frying or baking, when the cheese is perfectly melty and stretchy. Serve them with marinara sauce, ranch, garlic butter, or even spicy buffalo dip for variety. If you’re preparing them ahead of time, freeze the breaded sticks on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag—this way, they won’t stick together. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven or air fryer until hot and crispy; avoid microwaving as it makes the coating soggy.

Variations

• Air Fryer Cheese Sticks: For a lighter version, cook in the air fryer at 390°F for 6–7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
• Garlic Parmesan Coating: Add grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra savory kick.
• Spicy Kick: Mix cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot paprika into the bread crumbs to give your cheese sticks a spicy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly snack.
• Cheese Variety: Try using cheddar, pepper jack, or Colby Jack sticks instead of mozzarella for a different gooey, melty taste.
• Herb-Infused Crust: Add Italian seasoning, dried basil, or oregano into the breadcrumb mix for an herby flavor.
• Low-Carb/Keto Version: Swap the bread crumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Extra Crunchy: Double dip your cheese sticks into the egg and breadcrumbs for a thicker, crunchier crust.
• Baked Cheese Sticks: Skip frying and bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
• Stuffed Cheese Sticks: Wrap the cheese in thin slices of pepperoni before breading for a fun pizza-inspired snack.

FAQs

1. Can I make cheese sticks without freezing them first? No, freezing is essential to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out.
2. Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of string cheese? No, shredded cheese won’t hold its shape—stick to string cheese for best results.
3. How do I keep the breading from falling off? Double-coating in egg and breadcrumbs ensures a firm crust.
4. What oil is best for frying cheese sticks? Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works best due to their high smoke points.
5. How long can I freeze breaded cheese sticks before cooking? They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months before frying or baking.
6. Can I bake cheese sticks directly from frozen? Yes, just extend the baking time by a few minutes until golden and crispy.
7. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while cooking? Make sure the coating is sealed properly and don’t overcook.
8. Can I use whole milk mozzarella instead of part-skim? Yes, but part-skim tends to hold its shape better.
9. Are these suitable for meal prep? Yes, bread them ahead of time and keep frozen until ready to cook.
10. What are the best dips for cheese sticks? Marinara, ranch, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or garlic aioli are all delicious options.

Gooey Cheese Sticks are the ultimate homemade snack—crispy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. With simple ingredients and quick prep time, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, they’re a versatile appetizer that everyone will love. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ll have the perfect snack for any occasion.

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