Description

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

Unwrap the string cheese and cut each stick in half. Place them in the freezer for at least 2 hours or until frozen solid.
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.
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.
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.
Fry cheese sticks in small batches for about 2 minutes or until golden brown. Do not overcook or the cheese will escape.
Alternatively, bake the cheese sticks at 400°F on a lined baking sheet for about 8–10 minutes until crispy.
Serve immediately with warm marinara or pasta sauce for dipping.

Notes

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.