Gooey Cheese Sticks (Fried or Baked)

If you’ve ever craved restaurant-style mozzarella sticks at home, this recipe for Gooey Cheese Sticks is just what you need. These homemade cheese sticks feature a crispy golden crust on the outside with a warm, melty, and gooey cheese center inside. Whether you prefer them fried for ultimate crunch or baked for a lighter option, these cheese sticks make the perfect appetizer, party snack, or game-day favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients.
• Make-ahead friendly since you can freeze them until ready to fry or bake.
• Versatile cooking method—crispy fried or oven-baked.
• Delicious when served with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• 16 mozzarella string cheese sticks (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 (if frying)

Instructions

1. Prep the cheese: Open the mozzarella string cheese and cut each in half. Place them on a tray, cover, and freeze for at least 2 hours until completely solid. This step prevents cheese from melting too quickly while cooking.
2. Prepare coatings: In a small bowl, mix flour and cornstarch. In another shallow dish, combine Italian bread crumbs with Panko crumbs. In a third bowl, whisk eggs and olive oil until smooth.
3. Bread the cheese sticks: Dip each frozen cheese stick into the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture. Return to the egg mixture and then roll in the bread crumbs, pressing crumbs firmly so the coating sticks well.
4. Freeze again: Place breaded cheese sticks back into the freezer while you preheat the oil.
5. Cooking method:
   • Fried: Preheat oil to 350°F. Fry cheese sticks in small batches for about 2 minutes, just until golden brown. Do not overcook or cheese may leak out.
   • Baked: Place breaded cheese sticks on a lined baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp.
6. Serve: Enjoy immediately with warm marinara or pasta sauce for dipping.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve cheese sticks immediately after cooking for the perfect gooey center and crispy exterior.
• Pair with warm marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli for dipping.
• Store leftover cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
• Uncooked, breaded cheese sticks can be frozen on a tray until solid, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen when ready to serve.

Variations

• Buffalo Cheese Sticks: Mix 1–2 tablespoons of hot sauce into the egg mixture before coating. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing for a spicy twist.
• Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Sticks: Wrap each cheese stick with a half slice of cooked bacon before breading. This adds smoky flavor and extra crispiness.
• Garlic-Parmesan Cheese Sticks: Add 1–2 teaspoons garlic powder and ¼ cup grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture for a rich, savory coating.
• Italian Sausage Stuffed Cheese Sticks: Wrap a small cooked piece of Italian sausage around the string cheese before breading for a mini stuffed treat.
• Ranch-Flavored Cheese Sticks: Mix 1–2 teaspoons ranch seasoning into the breadcrumb mixture for tangy, herby flavor.
• Everything Bagel Cheese Sticks: Add 1–2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, salt) to the breadcrumbs for a crunchy, flavorful coating.
• Cheddar-Jalapeño Cheese Sticks: Replace mozzarella with cheddar, or combine cheddar and mozzarella, and add finely diced jalapeños inside for a spicy kick.
• Crispy Herb & Lemon Cheese Sticks: Mix dried parsley, thyme, and a teaspoon of lemon zest into breadcrumbs for a fresh, zesty twist.
• Mini Cheese Stick Bites: Cut string cheese into smaller pieces before breading for bite-sized appetizers, perfect for kids’ parties.
• Mozzarella & Spinach Cheese Sticks: Wrap a small amount of cooked spinach around each cheese stick before breading for a veggie-packed version.
• Smoked Cheese Sticks: Substitute mozzarella with smoked mozzarella for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Pesto-Crusted Cheese Sticks: Spread a thin layer of pesto on each cheese stick before breading for an herby, savory flavor.
• Sweet & Savory Cheese Sticks: Sprinkle a pinch of sugar into the breadcrumb mixture and serve with a sweet chili dipping sauce for a unique flavor combo.
• Italian Meatball Cheese Sticks: Wrap each stick with a thin slice of cooked meatball or salami before breading to make them hearty and filling.
• Double Cheese Sticks: Insert a second cheese stick inside each string cheese before breading for an extra gooey surprise.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of cheese? Yes, you can try cheddar, pepper jack, Colby jack, or smoked mozzarella for different flavors. Mozzarella is best for the classic gooey texture.
2. Do I have to freeze the cheese sticks? Freezing is important to prevent the cheese from melting too fast and leaking during cooking. It also helps the coating stick better.
3. Can I bake them instead of frying? Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until golden brown. Spraying lightly with oil helps achieve a crispy exterior.
4. How can I make them extra crispy? Double-coat the cheese sticks with egg and breadcrumbs. Using a mix of Panko and Italian breadcrumbs adds crunch.
5. What sauces pair well with these cheese sticks? Marinara sauce, ranch, garlic aioli, pesto dip, buffalo sauce, or sweet chili sauce are all great options.
6. Are there spicy variations? Yes, you can add cayenne, chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Buffalo-style sticks are popular for heat lovers.
7. Can I make them ahead for parties? Yes, you can bread and freeze them in advance. Cook directly from frozen when ready to serve.
8. Can these be made gluten-free? Yes, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Panko-style gluten-free breadcrumbs work best for crunch.
9. How do I prevent cheese from leaking while frying? Make sure cheese sticks are fully frozen and press breadcrumbs firmly on all sides. Avoid overcooking in the oil.
10. What are some fun variations for kids? Mini cheese bites, cheddar-jalapeño sticks (mild for kids), or wrapping a small piece of pepperoni for a pizza-inspired snack are all kid-friendly options.

Gooey Cheese Sticks are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines crispy breading with irresistible melty cheese. With the flexibility of frying, baking, or even air frying, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, party snacks, or game-day treats. Prepare them ahead of time, freeze, and cook when needed for a quick, cheesy delight that’s always a hit.

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