How to Make Cheese Dip With String Cheese
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Homemade cheese sticks are delicious finger foods that are crispy and cheesy and gooey all in the same bite!
If you'd rather skip my essential cooking tips and tricks and get straight to this delicious recipe – simply scroll to the bottom of the page where you can find the printable recipe card.
They are everyone's favorite appetizer and are super easy to make at home.
WHAT ARE MOZZARELLA STICKS?
Mozzarella sticks, also known as fried cheese sticks, are breaded pieces of cheese that are deep fried and served with a dipping sauce.
Usually they are make with mozzarella cheese because it melts so easily but can be other types as well.
I mean, what is not to LOVE about FRIED CHEESE?!?
HOW DO YOU MAKE MOZZARELLA STICKS FROM SCRATCH?
You can buy these at your favorite restaurant and even already cooked in the freezer section of your grocery store but making them at home is so much better!
The MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember is that you need string cheese sticks NOT regular cheese sticks.
The pull apart string cheese sticks are made so they tear easily which means they melt easily too.
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INGREDIENTS FOR HOMEMADE CHEESE STICKS
- string cheese sticks
- panko
- milk
- flour
- eggs
- seasonings
-
dredge in flour -
dip in egg mix -
coat in panko and repeat
HOW TO MAKE CHEESE STICKS?
ONE: Unwrap the cheese. Prepare the 3 dredging stations. Flour, Panko, and milk & eggs.
TWO: Dip the cheese stick in the flour. Then into the milk & egg mixture. Then into the Panko to coat. Repeat this step for 2 coatings.
THREE: Freeze for 30 minutes to set.
FOUR: Deep fry in oil for 1-2 minutes until turns golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Enjoy warm!
For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
HOW DO YOU KEEP MOZZARELLA STICKS FROM EXPLODING?
The best way is to make sure that you completely coat the stick twice.
Patting the Panko into the cheese can help it stick. Just make sure there aren't any holes in the coating.
Freezing the cheese sticks helps them hold their shape while cooking and keep them from overheating which can cause leaking.
Deep frying the best and tastiest way to cook mozzarella sticks because you get that fried flavor, but also because it only takes a minute or two in the oil to cook.
You can bake them in the oven or you can use an air fryer! They take longer to cook but you won't have as much as a mess.
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TAPAS TIPS & TRICKS
- String Cheese – Be sure to use string cheese and not snack cheese sticks. They will not melt the same.
- Freeze – The cheese will hold it's shape and not over cook in the oil.
- Coat completely – Really press the Panko crumbs on the sticks and fully coat. Holes means leaks!
- Panko is best – But regular bread crumbs are good. Just be sure to season them. Try cracker crumbs, croutons, chips, and even pretzels for coating.
- Check Oil – You want your hot oil to be 350F-365F. Anything higher and they will burn too quickly. Use a frying thermometer.
- Buttermilk – Buttermilk adds a little extra flavor but regular milk will work too.
- Make Ahead – Make a big batch and keep in the freezer. You need to freeze them anyway so why not have them ready to go?
WHAT CAN I DO WITH CHEESE STICKS?
Enjoy these with the traditional marinara sauce or go crazy with you dipping sauces.
Try Ranch, Buffalo Sauce, BBQ, or my favorite, Honey Mustard!
If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the "tried it" button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!
MORE EASY FINGER FOODS
- Mini Pizza Dippers
- Cookie Fries
- Fried Pickle Dip
- Snack Nuts
HOMEMADE MOZZARELLA STICKS RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 oz) string cheese
- 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Add about 2 inches of oil to heavy skillet and heat to 350 degrees F
- Add breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to shallow bowl or plate and mix with fork
- In another shallow bowl or plate, add flour
- In a small bowl whisk together egg, salt, pepper and buttermilk, then add to shallow bowl or plate
- Dip cheese stick into flour, then into the egg mixture, then into the Panko crumbs. Press crumbs into cheese gently. Repeat for double coating.
- Freeze for 30 minutes.
- Add the hot oil and cook for about 2 minutes or until golden brown, turning frequently.
- Drain on paper towels and enjoy while still warm and gooey with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
*If you like this recipe, please leave me a comment and rate it 5 stars. Thank you!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1 stick
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 109 Total Fat: 3g Saturated Fat: 1g Trans Fat: 0g Unsaturated Fat: 2g Cholesterol: 14mg Sodium: 177mg Carbohydrates: 17g Fiber: 1g Sugar: 2g Protein: 4g
This nutrition information was generated via a third party, Nutritionix, and can not be held liable for any discrepancies in the information provided.
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How to Make Cheese Dip With String Cheese
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