Hot Cheetos Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate snack for those who love a spicy, cheesy crunch. These crispy, gooey mozzarella sticks are coated in a bold, fiery crust made from crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, offering a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you’re craving a spicy treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Spicy and Cheesy: A perfect balance of heat and gooey melted cheese.
- Crispy Coating: The crushed Hot Cheetos create an irresistible crunch.
- Fun and Unique: A creative twist on traditional mozzarella sticks.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties or as an indulgent snack.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- Mozzarella sticks or string cheese
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Milk
- Flamin’ Hot Cheetos (crushed)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and cut them in half if desired for smaller portions.
- Freeze the sticks for at least 1 hour to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
- Set Up Breading Stations:
- In one bowl, place the flour.
- In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- In a third bowl, place the crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
- Bread the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Roll each mozzarella stick in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Coat thoroughly in the crushed Hot Cheetos, pressing gently to adhere.
- Repeat the egg and Cheetos coating for a thicker crust.
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8–10 sticks
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Freezing Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: ~1 hour 25 minutes
Variations
- Milder Option: Use regular Cheetos or another chip flavor for a less spicy version.
- Cheese Alternatives: Try cheddar sticks or pepper jack for a twist.
- Baked Version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Extra Spice: Mix cayenne pepper or chili powder with the crushed Cheetos for added heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–8 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the coating soggy.
- Freezing: Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks before frying for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella instead of sticks?
No, sticks or string cheese work best to hold their shape during frying.
2. How do I crush the Hot Cheetos?
Place them in a resealable bag and crush with a rolling pin, or use a food processor for a finer texture.
3. Can I fry these without freezing first?
Freezing is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting out too quickly during frying.
4. Can I use a different type of chip?
Yes, Doritos, Takis, or even pretzels make great alternatives.
5. How can I make these less spicy?
Use regular Cheetos or mix Flamin’ Hot Cheetos with plain breadcrumbs to tone down the heat.
6. What dipping sauces go well with these?
Marinara, ranch, blue cheese dressing, or spicy mayo are all excellent choices.
7. How can I ensure the coating sticks well?
Double-coat the mozzarella sticks by repeating the egg and Cheetos step for a thicker crust.
8. Can I fry these in shallow oil?
Yes, but ensure the oil is hot enough and rotate the sticks for even cooking.
9. Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, bread the sticks and freeze them until you’re ready to fry.
10. Are these kid-friendly?
For a kid-friendly version, use less spicy chips or regular breadcrumbs.
Conclusion
Hot Cheetos Mozzarella Sticks are a bold and delicious snack that’s perfect for spice lovers. With their crispy, fiery coating and gooey melted cheese center, they’re a show-stopping appetizer or game-day treat. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear!
Print
Hot Cheetos Mozzarella Sticks
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Take your snack game to the next level with these Hot Cheetos Mozzarella Sticks! Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and coated with bold, spicy Hot Cheetos crumbs, these mozzarella sticks are the ultimate party or late-night treat.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 2 cups Hot Cheetos (crushed into fine crumbs)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Sticks:
- Unwrap the string cheese and cut each stick in half (optional for smaller portions).
- Place the sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour to prevent melting while frying.
- Crush the Hot Cheetos:
- Place the Hot Cheetos in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Pour the crumbs into a shallow bowl.
- Set Up Breading Station:
- In one shallow bowl, place the flour.
- In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- In a third bowl, add the crushed Hot Cheetos crumbs.
- Bread the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Coat each frozen cheese stick in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally roll in the Hot Cheetos crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and Hot Cheetos crumb steps. Place the breaded sticks back in the freezer for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dip.
Notes
- To make these in an air fryer, spray the breaded mozzarella sticks with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks until solid to avoid any cheese leaking while frying.
- Use Flamin’ Hot Doritos as an alternative coating for a different twist.
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