Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe (2024)

Fried Cheese Sticks are one of Little Buddy’s most favorite things in the whole wide world. When he was a just a toddler and we’d go out to supper at a restaurant, I could always depend on him wanting to have fried cheese sticks with his meal. Hold the french fries or any other sides, just the fried cheese sticks would do. I’d cut them into tiny bites for him, because that’s what Mama’s do, but I couldn’t cut them fast enough for him!

Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe (1)

And then, I decided I needed to be making this favorite treat for him at home occasionally instead of them always being a special thing he ordered when we would eat out. We all fell in love with them! There’s just something about cooking a favorite dish at home, isn’t there? With a light batter surrounding the cheese, they are quickly fried in a peanut or vegetable oil, whichever you prefer.

Luckily, they only take a few minutes to make a big batch. But, I will warn you, they disappear faster than you’d ever imagine!

Served with a bowl of quick marinara sauce or even pizza sauce and they are gone in minutes!

Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe (2)

I like to take the mozzarella sticks and cut them in half or even thirds for making my fried cheese recipe. Then, I prepare a bowl of buttermilk, another of flour, and then a final bowl of Italian seasoned Panko crumbs. I dip the cheese sticks into the buttermilk, then into the flour, then back into the buttermilk and then finally into the crumbs. I allow them to rest for a few minutes while the oil comes up to temperature and then I fry them in batches. Generally, they are in the skillet less than a couple of minutes and I remove them the second they turn golden brown. I allow them to drain on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and then serve them warm with a bowl of marinara sauce. YUM!

I’ve also frozen my fried cheese sticks. Once I’ve let the fried cheese stick drain on the paper towels, I let them cool there completely. Then, I place the baking sheet into the freezer for about 30 minutes to flash freeze them and then place them into a zip top freezer bag. Then, anytime we need them, I toss a few onto a baking sheet and reheat. Perfect for a quick afternoon snack when my son’s friends drop by.

Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe (3)

Here’s my Fried Cheese Sticks recipe. I hope you love them as much as we do!

Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe (4)

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Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe

Fried Cheese Sticks make a favorite appetizer or snack. These homemade fried cheese sticks will quickly become a family favorite.

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 2 minutes minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 24 mozzarella sticks, cut in half or thirds
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups panko
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • peanut or vegetable oil

Instructions

  • Prepare three separate bowls for dredging your mozzarella sticks. One bowl of buttermilk, egg, and cayenne pepper, lightly whisked together. Second bowl of all-purpose flour. Third bowl of Panko crumbs and Italian Seasoning mixture.

  • Dip cheese sticks into buttermilk mixture, then into all-purpose flour, then back into the buttermilk mixture and then finally into the Panko crumbs. Set aside on a sheet pan until all cheese sticks are prepared and the oil is ready for frying.

  • Pour oil into 12-inch skillet to about 2 inches deep over medium heat. Once oil begins to shimmer and reaches about 350 degrees F, it is ready to add the cheese sticks in batches. Fry a few cheese sticks at a time, removing with tongs as soon as they become brown. Watch carefully as they will overcook quickly.

  • Remove to a kitchen sheet pan lined with paper towels to drain. Then, serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 414kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 865mg | Potassium: 117mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 102IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 151mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Enjoy!
Robyn xo

Categorized as:30 Minutes or Less Recipes, All Recipes, Appetizers, By Cooking Style, Cooking, Game Day Recipes, Holiday and Occasion Recipes, Recipes, Simple Recipes, Skillet Recipes, Southern Favorites

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Robyn Stone is a cookbook author, wife, mom, and passionate home cook. Her tested and trusted recipes give readers the confidence to cook recipes the whole family will love. Robyn has been featured on Food Network, People, Southern Living, and more.

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Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Do you have to freeze cheese sticks before frying? ›

Do you have to freeze mozzarella sticks before frying? Yes, freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying them is essential. If they aren't completely frozen, the cheese will ooze out of the flour and panko coating before it's gotten the chance to crisp up.

How hot does oil need to be to fry mozzarella sticks? ›

Heat the oil to 365 degrees F in a heavy saucepan. One at a time, coat each mozzarella stick in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, then in the garlic-spiked bread crumbs. Drop the sticks into the hot oil and fry for about 30 seconds, or until golden-brown.

How do you know when cheese sticks are done? ›

For cheese sticks, all you really need to do is get the outside breading golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature isn't critical, because cheese is delightfully safe to eat raw.

How do you keep mozzarella sticks from falling apart? ›

The only way to prevent this is to coat the cheese in even more egg and breadcrumbs – at least three coats. If you want to try air fryer mozzarella sticks, I recommend lightly coating them with cooking spray and air frying them at 400°F for about 10 minutes or so. Be sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time.

How long to freeze cheese sticks before frying? ›

Yep, you've got to freeze those sticks before you drop them in the oil. Lay them on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 45 minutes. Fry! Once your oil reaches 350°F, fry the mozzarella sticks.

How long to fry frozen cheese sticks? ›

Preparation
  1. Prepare from FROZEN state.
  2. Appliances may vary, adjust accordingly.
  3. Preheat oil to 360°F.
  4. Deep fry 8 mozzarella sticks for 2 1/2 minutes.
  5. Drain on paper towel.
  6. Let stand 2 minutes.
  7. Promptly refrigerate any unused heated portion.
  8. FOR FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY, FOLLOW THESE COOKING INSTRUCTIONS.

What is the best oil for frying cheese? ›

Peanut, canola, or vegetable oil are excellent choices, while oils with low smoking points like butter and olive oil should be reserved for pan frying or sautéing. Use enough oil that you can fully submerge the cheese. Keep an even temperature. For best results with fried cheese, heat your oil to 375°F.

Which is the best oil for frying? ›

Typically, the best oil for frying is a stable, neutral oil with a smoke point higher than 375°F.
  • Peanut, safflower, soybean oil (450°F)
  • Grape seed oil (445°F)
  • Canola oil (435°F)
  • Corn, olive, sesame seed, sunflower oil (410°F)
Dec 16, 2022

What is the best cooking oil for mozzarella sticks? ›

Bread crumbs: I like using regular old breadcrumbs and seasoning them myself. Olive Oil for frying: Get a decent olive oil to fry with. You don't need the most expensive olive oil on the shelf. But I do think frying in olive oil adds better flavor to the mozzarella sticks.

Do cheese sticks float when done? ›

Fry several at a time in hot oil for 45 seconds to 1 minute, or until golden brown and sticks float to top. Drain on paper towels.

What is the white stuff on cheese stick? ›

They're most likely calcium lactate crystals, also known as “cheese crystals.” They are completely safe to eat, and usually signify that a cheese is flavorful and well-aged. Calcium lactate crystals form naturally during the aging process and are most commonly found in aged cheddars, including Smoked Medium Cheddar.

How long can fried cheese sticks sit out? ›

The U.S. Department of Health doesn't recommend keeping any perishable food sitting out of the fridge for more than two hours — and that's certainly the case for soft cheeses, like cottage or cream cheese, brie, or fresh mozzarella.

Why do you have to freeze mozzarella sticks before frying? ›

There are few things more delicious than Homemade Mozzarella Sticks, freshly made in your kitchen. They are shockingly easy to make, and a wonderfully ooey gooey snack! The secret is to freeze the cheese sticks before frying, which ensures that the cheese doesn't leak out before the shell gets golden and crispy.

Why do my mozzarella sticks keep bursting? ›

How do you keep mozzarella sticks from bursting? Use my double-coating technique when breading the mozzarella sticks. Dip each stick first in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating step to create a thicker breading layer, which helps to seal the cheese inside.

Why are my mozzarella sticks rubbery? ›

To prevent mozzarella cheese from becoming rubbery when baked, it is best to add it to dishes towards the end of the cooking time. This will allow the cheese to melt without getting rubbery. Also, you can try to avoid over-baking or overheating the dish, as this can cause the cheese to become tough and rubbery.

Do you fry mozzarella sticks frozen? ›

Yes, frozen mozzarella sticks are specifically designed to be fried. They are coated in a breading that crisps up when fried, creating a deliciously golden and melty snack. Can I fry frozen mozzarella sticks without thawing them first? Yes, you can fry frozen mozzarella sticks without thawing them first.

What happens if you don't refrigerate cheese sticks? ›

It is generally not safe to eat dairy products that have been left out at room temperature for 24 hours. Cheese, like other dairy products, can become a breeding ground for bacteria if it is not stored properly.

What is the best way to cook frozen cheese sticks? ›

Bake for 7-8 minutes (half box) or 8-9 minutes (full box). Preheat oven to 450°F. Arrange product in a single layer on baking sheet. Bake 4 pieces for 8-9 minutes or 8 pieces for 10-11 minutes.

Can you keep cheese sticks at room temperature? ›

1. How long can cheese sit out before it becomes unsafe to eat? For the best taste and quality, cheese should not be left out for longer than two hours at room temperature.

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