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Homemade Fried Cheese Sticks

These homemade fried cheese sticks feature a crispy golden shell that gives way to a gooey, melted cheese center. They are made by breading cheese sticks with seasoned panko breadcrumbs, then frying until perfectly crisp and golden brown. The result is a nostalgic, satisfying snack with a crunchy exterior and cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth interior.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz mozzarella cheese sticks cut into 3-inch long, ½-inch thick sticks, keep chilled
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour for coating
  • 2 large eggs beaten with a splash of water
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt, pepper, and optional paprika
  • 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
  • salt to taste salt for seasoning breadcrumbs
  • pepper to taste black pepper for seasoning breadcrumbs
  • paprika optional paprika for seasoning breadcrumbs

Equipment

  • Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wire rack
  • Slotted spoon
  • Thermometer
  • Parchment-lined baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Set up your breading stations: place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in another, and seasoned panko breadcrumbs in a third.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and keep your cheese sticks chilled in the fridge until ready to bread.
  3. Dip each cheese stick into the flour, turning to coat evenly, then shake off any excess.
  4. Next, submerge the floured cheese stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully coated, then let any excess drip off.
  5. Roll the egg-coated cheese stick in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Repeat the breading process with all cheese sticks, then chill them in the fridge for 15 minutes to help the coating set.
  7. Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 180°C (356°F), monitoring with a thermometer until shimmering and ready for frying.
  8. Carefully lower a few cheese sticks into the hot oil using a slotted spoon, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  9. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning gently with the slotted spoon, until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese just begins to ooze at the edges.
  10. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried cheese sticks onto a wire rack to drain excess oil and rest for 2 minutes.
  11. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, enjoying the crispy exterior and gooey cheese inside.

Notes

For extra crunch, double coat the cheese sticks by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps. Keeping the cheese cold prevents melting during breading and frying. Serve hot for the best gooey, crispy experience.