Homemade Cheese Sticks

5 from 4 votes

Cheese sticks are so quick and easy to make at home with a crunchy outer bread crumb coating and melted mozzarella in the middle. Fried until golden, this fun finger food is perfect for party snacking and tailgate treats.

Prep Time10

Cook Time2

Total Time12

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 91kcal

Author: Jennifer Fishkind

Ingredients

12 string cheese sticks cut in half
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons whole milk
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
4 cups vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Add the eggs and milk to a small mixing bowl. Use a fork to beat the eggs and milk together until completely incorporated. Set it aside.
Add the all-purpose flour and cornstarch to a pie plate or shallow bowl. Whisk to combine. Set it aside.
Add the plain bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to a pie plate or shallow bowl. Whisk to combine. Set it aside.
Add the vegetable oil to a 3 to 4-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan and heat over medium-high heat to 350°F.
While the oil is heating, dredge the halved cheese sticks in the egg mixture.
Next, dredge in the flour mixture.
Dip the cheese sticks back in the egg mixture before dredging in the bread mixture.
Once the oil reaches 350°F, using tongs, carefully place 4-5 coated cheese sticks in the heated oil. You will need to turn the cheese sticks, and it will only take 30 seconds to 1 minute to cook the cheese sticks. They should only be golden brown. Adjust the stovetop temperature up or down to keep the oil at the right temperature.
Place the cooked cheese sticks on paper towels to drain the excess oil. Eat while hot. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Servings: 24 - ½ cheese sticks

Storage:

To Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: You can freeze the cooked and cooled cheese sticks in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Tips:

It is very important to use a cooking thermometer for the oil. This will help you know when to adjust the stovetop temperature to keep the oil at 350°F.
Be sure that you have enough oil so that it is at least 3 to 4 inches deep.
Make sure the cheese is very well coated in the breadcrumbs. You want the oil to fry the breadcrumbs, not get to the cheese underneath.
You can freeze the cheese sticks before frying to help them hold their shape while cooking and keep them from overheating and leaking.
You can substitute garlic powder for the onion powder.
If you want a spicy alternative, you can add sriracha or hot sauce to the egg mixture.

Nutrition