Golden, crispy, and oozing with melted cheese—these Crispy Cheddar Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate appetizer or snack. Combining the sharpness of cheddar with the creamy pull of mozzarella, they are perfect for any occasion, from game nights to casual get-togethers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cheese sticks are a step above the classic mozzarella sticks, adding an extra layer of flavor with cheddar cheese. They’re easy to make, freeze well, and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re deliciously crunchy on the outside and irresistibly gooey on the inside.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Mozzarella cheese sticks, halved
- Cheddar cheese sticks, halved
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs, beaten
- Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
- Prepare the Cheese Sticks: Cut the mozzarella and cheddar cheese sticks in half.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three bowls—flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mix of seasoned breadcrumbs, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Bread the Cheese Sticks: Dredge each cheese stick in flour, dip into the eggs, and coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for an extra crispy layer.
- Chill: Place the breaded cheese sticks on a tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry: Carefully place a few cheese sticks into the hot oil, frying until golden brown—about 1-2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus freezing time)
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for some heat.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Mix in dried basil, oregano, or parsley with the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for unique flavors.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: After breading, freeze the cheese sticks on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through.
FAQs
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during frying?
Freezing the cheese sticks before frying helps prevent the cheese from oozing out.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy.
What dipping sauces go well with these sticks?
Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli are great choices.
Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! Substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
How can I make these ahead of time?
Bread and freeze them ahead; fry them directly from the freezer when ready to serve.
What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil or canola oil works well due to their high smoke points.
Can I air fry these cheese sticks?
Yes, cook in a preheated air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Double coat the cheese sticks in the breadcrumb mixture for extra crunch.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as an alternative.
Can I mix other seasonings into the breadcrumbs?
Definitely! Customize with your favorite herbs and spices.
Conclusion
Crispy Cheddar Mozzarella Sticks are a delightful twist on a classic snack that’s easy to make and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a savory treat, these cheese sticks are sure to impress. Enjoy them hot and fresh, and don’t forget the dipping sauce!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This cheesy taco pasta soup is a comforting mix of taco-seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy broth. It’s the ultimate mashup of tacos, pasta, and soup in one delicious dish!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz pasta (rigatoni, elbow, or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Tortilla chips or strips (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté aromatics: Add onion and garlic; cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Season & simmer: Stir in diced tomatoes, Rotel, black beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta: Stir in pasta and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Make it cheesy: Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted. Add heavy cream for extra richness.
- Serve & top: Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream, cilantro, and crunchy tortilla chips.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days (pasta may absorb broth, so add extra when reheating).
Find it online: https://wowrecipesfood.com/cheesy-beef-pasta-skillet-recipe/
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