Description
Crispy and golden on the outside, gooey and melty on the inside, these homemade cheese sticks are a perfect appetizer or snack. Coated in seasoned bread crumbs and fried to perfection, they deliver a delightful crunch and satisfying cheese pull that will have you reaching for more.
Ingredients
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ cup plain bread crumbs
- ¾ cup plain panko bread crumbs
- 1½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Other
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 12 string cheese sticks (cut in half)
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and whole milk until fully combined. Set aside.
- Mix the Flour and Cornstarch: In a shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch until evenly blended. Set aside.
- Combine the Bread Crumb Mixture: In another shallow bowl, whisk together plain bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika for a flavorful coating. Set aside.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed saucepan (3 to 4-quart size) and heat over medium-high until the temperature reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Coat the Cheese Sticks - First Dip: Dip the halved string cheese sticks into the egg wash, fully coating them.
- Coat the Cheese Sticks - Flour Mixture: Dredge each cheese stick in the flour and cornstarch mixture, ensuring an even layer.
- Coat the Cheese Sticks - Second Dip: Return the coated cheese sticks to the egg wash, covering them again completely.
- Coat the Cheese Sticks - Bread Crumb Mixture: Finally, dredge each cheese stick in the seasoned bread crumb mixture, pressing lightly to help the crumbs adhere well.
- Fry the Cheese Sticks: Once the oil has reached 350°F, carefully lower 4 to 5 coated cheese sticks into the hot oil using tongs. Fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute, turning occasionally until golden brown. Adjust heat as needed to maintain temperature.
- Drain and Serve: Remove fried cheese sticks and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately while hot with marinara or your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F is crucial for perfect frying; too low and the cheese sticks will absorb too much oil, too high and the coating will burn.
- Wrap the cheese sticks well with coatings to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
- Serve cheese sticks immediately for the best gooey texture.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil temperature for safe and consistent frying.
- The recipe yields 24 half-sticks, perfect for parties or snacks.
