Description
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.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Freeze again: Place breaded cheese sticks back into the freezer while you preheat the oil.
- 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.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately with warm marinara or pasta sauce for dipping.
Notes
-
- 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.