Fried Cheese Sticks
User Reviews
5
Fried Cheese Sticks
Description
The Fried Cheese Sticks recipe uses mozzarella and cheddar string cheese coated in a flavored breadcrumb mix containing Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder for savory notes. The cheese sticks are dipped twice in a buttermilk and egg wash and twice in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs to create a thick, crispy crust. They are deep fried in hot oil for about one minute, flipping to cook both sides until golden brown. This quick frying method melts the cheese without leaking, producing a crunchy exterior and a creamy, melted interior texture.
These cheese sticks serve well as an appetizer, snack, or finger food alongside marinara for dipping. They are best eaten fresh from the fryer to enjoy the contrast between the warm, gooey cheese and crisp coating. The recipe’s seasoning adds depth to the crumb layer while complementing the mild cheese flavors.
Because frying time is very brief, keeping the oil hot is important to avoid excess oil absorption, which preserves crispness. The layered dredging technique also helps the crust cling well to the cheese during frying.
Ingredients
- 16 oz string cheese I used mozzarella and cheddar
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs or regular Italian bread crumbs, plain
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
- cooking oil for frying
Instructions
- Fill a deep frying pan or skillet with about 2 inches of oil and heat over high heat until sizzling.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- In a separate shallow bowl, mix bread crumbs with Italian Herbs seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Unwrap the string cheese sticks. Dip each one into the buttermilk mixture, let excess liquid drip, then toss in the breadcrumbs mixture, then quickly again in the buttermilk mixture, and lastly again in breadcrumbs.
- Add to the pan with hot oil. Deep fry for ONLY about 1 minute total, cooking 20-30 seconds on one side and 20-30 seconds on the other side, just until the crust is golden brown.
- Place fried cheese sticks on paper towels briefly to drain excess oil, then serve immediately with a homemade marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12cheese sticks
Amount Per Serving
Calories 197 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 197kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 38mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 445mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 59mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 145IU | 3% |
| Calcium | 70mg | 7% |
| Iron | 0.6mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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