Cheese Sticks
Oozing with cheese in every bite, these cheese sticks are a great choice for an easy party appetizer or snack.
Servings: 24
Calories: 92kcal
Ingredients
- 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
- 12 string cheese sticks, cut in half
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.
- 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 to 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
- 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.
- 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.
Nutrition
Calories: 92kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 215mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 42IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg