Mexican Cheese Sticks
Crispy, cheesy Monterey Jack cheese sticks with jalapenos, coated in seasoned bread crumbs and fried to golden perfection—perfect for snacking, parties, or a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the block of Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos in half crosswise, then cut each portion into 8 sticks measuring about 3 inches long, 1/2 inch wide, and 1/2 inch thick.
- Combine all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
- In another dish, beat together the egg, milk, and Tabasco sauce.
- In a third dish, combine the bread crumbs and taco seasoning mix.
- Coat each cheese stick with the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured cheese stick into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well coated.
- Then, coat the cheese stick in the seasoned bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Set the coated cheese sticks aside on a tray or plate until all are prepared.
- Place the coated cheese sticks in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the cheese sticks from the freezer, dip them into the egg mixture again, then coat with the seasoned bread crumbs once more.
- Carefully drop the coated cheese sticks into the hot oil and fry until delicately browned, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the fried cheese sticks with a slotted spoon or fry basket and drain on absorbent paper.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve with salsa if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding more jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. You can substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with pepper jack for a spicier flavor. If you want a lighter version, try baking the cheese sticks instead of frying them, just spray them with cooking oil to achieve a crisp texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Mexican cheese sticks with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole for dipping, enhancing their flavor. They make a fantastic appetizer for parties or game days, alongside other favorites like Cream Cheese Filled Tortillas or Southwest Chili Rellenos With Sweet Pepper And Onion Sauce. A refreshing salad can complement them well as a light side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Cheese Sticks contains roughly 89 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 855mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
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 make these cheese sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese sticks up to the point of frying and freeze them for up to a month. Just remember to double coat them in the egg mixture and breadcrumbs right before frying for the best texture.
What can I use instead of egg for breading?
You can substitute the egg with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, or use unsweetened dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option. Both will help the breading adhere well to the cheese sticks.
What type of oil is best for frying these cheese sticks?
Use oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These oils are ideal for frying as they can reach the necessary temperature without burning, resulting in perfectly crispy cheese sticks.
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).