let’s get you crispy cheese sticks that crunch loud and pull long 😄🧀
I’ll keep it clear, detailed, and foolproof.
Crispy Cheese Sticks (Classic & Extra Crunchy)
Ingredients
Cheese
- Mozzarella string cheese (or block mozzarella cut into sticks)
Breading
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1–1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko for extra crisp)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Frying
- Neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Cheese (Important!)
- Cut cheese into sticks if needed.
- Pat dry with paper towel.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes
👉 This keeps the cheese from melting too fast and leaking.
2. Set Up Breading Station
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs + seasonings
3. Bread the Cheese (Double Coat = Crunch)
- Roll cheese in flour (shake off excess).
- Dip in egg.
- Roll in breadcrumbs.
- Dip again in egg.
- Roll again in breadcrumbs, pressing gently.
✔ Double coating = thicker crust, better crunch, less leaking.
4. Freeze Again (Don’t Skip)
- Place breaded sticks on a tray.
- Freeze 15–20 minutes before frying.
5. Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry 2–3 sticks at a time.
- Fry 30–45 seconds, turning gently.
- Remove when golden brown.
⚠️ Fry fast — longer = cheese escape.
6. Drain & Serve
- Drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately with:
- Marinara
- Ranch
- Garlic aioli
Pro Tips for Maximum Crisp
- Panko > regular breadcrumbs
- Add 2 tbsp parmesan to breadcrumbs
- Keep oil temperature steady
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
Air Fryer Option
- Freeze sticks 1 hour
- Spray lightly with oil
- Air fry 390°F (200°C) for 5–6 minutes
- Flip halfway