Fried Cheese Sticks Or Cubes
Crispy, cheesy bites with golden exterior and gooey interior, perfect as appetizers or snacks for cheese lovers and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Coat cheese cubes with all-purpose flour.
- Dip the floured cheese cubes into beaten egg.
- Then roll the cheese cubes in fine dry bread crumbs.
- Optional: prepare several hours ahead and refrigerate until needed.
- Pour oil into a fondue or deep fryer, no more than half full or about 2 inches deep.
- Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C) on the range.
- Add 1 teaspoon salt to the oil.
- Transfer the oil to a fondue burner if desired.
- Spear a cheese cube with a fondue fork.
- Fry in hot oil for 20 to 30 seconds or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For the crispiest cheese sticks, ensure your oil is heated properly to 375°F. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like cheddar or pepper jack, for varied flavors. Make sure to keep the cheese cold before frying to prevent it from melting too quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Fried cheese sticks are great as an appetizer or snack and pair beautifully with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or a platter of vegetables for a balanced meal. They can also be enjoyed as a side to dishes like spaghetti or even with Luscious Fruit Fluff for a contrasting dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover fried cheese sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through and crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fried Cheese Sticks Or Cubes contains roughly 29 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?
While you can use pre-shredded cheese, it's best to stick with block cheese cut into cubes or sticks for optimal frying. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the coating adherence and texture when fried.
What can I do to make these cheese sticks gluten-free?
To make gluten-free fried cheese sticks, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free bread crumbs. Ensure that any additional seasonings or sauces you use are also gluten-free.
How can I make these cheese sticks spicy?
For a spicy twist, consider using pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. You can also add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for an extra kick. Serve with a spicy dipping sauce to complement the flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).