Name: Gooey Cheese Sticks Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 32
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 mozzarella string cheese sticks; ½ cup flour; ¼ cup Corn Starch; 2 eggs; 2 tbsp olive oil; ¾ cup Italian bread crumbs; ½ cup panko bread crumbs; oil

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these gooey cheese sticks. Perfect for parties or a snack, these crispy delights feature a melty mozzarella center enveloped in a crunchy breaded coating. Serve them hot with a side of warm pasta sauce for an irresistible treat.

Photos of Gooey Cheese Sticks Recipe

While most of the ingredients are common pantry items, you may need to pick up mozzarella string cheese sticks and panko bread crumbs. The string cheese ensures a consistent, easy-to-handle shape, while the panko bread crumbs add an extra crunch that standard bread crumbs can't match.

Ingredients For Gooey Cheese Sticks Recipe

Mozzarella string cheese sticks: The star ingredient that melts into gooey perfection.

Flour: Helps create a base layer for the coating.

Cornstarch: Adds crispiness to the coating.

Eggs: Acts as a binding agent for the coating.

Olive oil: Mixed with the eggs to help the coating adhere better.

Italian bread crumbs: Provides the main seasoning and texture for the coating.

Panko bread crumbs: Adds extra crunch to the coating.

Oil: Used for frying the cheese sticks to golden perfection.

One reader, Brigida Ruiz says:

These gooey cheese sticks are absolutely delicious! The crispy coating perfectly complements the melty cheese inside. Freezing the cheese beforehand ensures they don't leak out while frying. A must-try for any cheese lover!

Brigida Ruiz

Techniques Required for Making Gooey Cheese Sticks Recipe

How to freeze cheese sticks: Place the cheese sticks in the freezer for at least 2 hours or until completely frozen to ensure they hold their shape during frying. How to combine ingredients: Mix flour and cornstarch in one bowl, Italian and panko bread crumbs in another, and whisk eggs and olive oil in a third bowl. How to coat cheese sticks: Dip each cheese stick half into the egg mixture, then the flour mixture, back into the egg mixture, and finally into the bread crumbs, pressing to ensure full coverage. How to preheat oil: Heat oil to 350 degrees F, ensuring it is hot enough that a few crumbs dropped into the oil will bubble. How to fry cheese sticks: Fry breaded cheese sticks in small batches for about 2 minutes or until browned, ensuring not to overcook to prevent cheese from leaking out.

How To Make Gooey Cheese Sticks

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 5 minutes

Freeze Time: 2 hours

Total: 2 hours 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

16mozzarella string cheese sticks,(must be string cheese)
½cupflour
¼cupcorn starch
2eggs
2tbspolive oil,or vegetable oil
¾cupItalian bread crumbs
½cuppanko bread crumbs
oil,for frying

Instructions

Open the cheese strings and cut each in half. Cover and place in the freezer for at least 2 hours or until completely frozen.
Combine flour and cornstarch in a small bowl. Combine the Italian and Panko bread crumbs in a separate shallow dish. In third small bowl, whisk eggs and olive oil until well combined.
Dip each cheese stick half into the egg mixture and then gently roll into the flour mixture.
Put back into the egg mixture and roll until coated. Finally, place into the bread crumbs pressing the crumbs on each piece of cheese to make sure it’s coated all around so the cheese doesn’t leak out.
Place in the freezer while the oil preheats. Preheat oil to 350 degrees F. It should be hot enough that a few crumbs dropped into the oil will bubble.
In small batches, place breaded cheese sticks into the hot oil for about 2 minutes or just until browned. Do not overcook or the cheese will leak out.
Serve hot with warm pasta sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 79.82kcal
Fat: 4.63g
Saturated Fat: 2.21g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.72g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.39g
Carbohydrates: 5.49g
Fiber: 0.21g
Sugar: 0.35g
Protein: 3.93g
Cholesterol: 20.12mg
Sodium: 31.53mg
Calcium: 95.26mg
Potassium: 19.27mg
Iron: 0.23mg
Vitamin A: 28.50µg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Gooey Cheese Sticks

To ensure your cheese sticks remain intact and don't leak out during frying, make sure they are completely frozen before breading and frying. This helps the cheese maintain its shape and prevents it from melting too quickly.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Gooey Cheese Sticks

Prepare in advance: Freeze the mozzarella sticks the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use assembly line: Set up a station with flour mixture, egg mixture, and bread crumbs to streamline the coating process.

Preheat oil early: Start preheating the oil while you coat the cheese sticks to save time.

Batch cooking: Fry multiple cheese sticks at once to reduce cooking time.

Store extras: Make a larger batch and freeze the coated cheese sticks for quick frying later.

Substitute Ingredients For Gooey Cheese Sticks Recipe

mozzarella string cheese sticks - Substitute with cheddar cheese sticks: Cheddar provides a different flavor profile but still melts well, offering a gooey texture.
flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour is a gluten-free alternative that provides a similar coating.
corn starch - Substitute with potato starch: Potato starch offers a similar thickening and binding property.
eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of flaxseed meal and water can act as a vegan binding agent.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying.
italian bread crumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a crunchy texture and can be seasoned to taste.
panko bread crumbs - Substitute with crushed pretzels: Crushed pretzels offer a unique crunch and can add a slightly salty flavor.
oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil has a high smoke point and is excellent for deep frying.

Presentation Ideas for Gooey Cheese Sticks

Serve smaller portion sizes: Cut the mozzarella string cheese sticks into bite-sized pieces to create a refined and elegant presentation.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with a drizzle of balsamic reduction and fresh basil leaves to add a touch of sophistication and color contrast.
Create a dipping sauce presentation: Serve the warm pasta sauce in a small, stylish ramekin or a mini cast iron skillet for an upscale touch.
Plate arrangement: Arrange the gooey cheese sticks in a circular pattern around the dipping sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Add texture contrast: Sprinkle a few panko bread crumbs around the plate for an added crunch and visual interest.
Incorporate microgreens: Add a small handful of microgreens on top of the cheese sticks for a fresh, vibrant finish that enhances the dish's presentation.
Use high-quality serving ware: Present the dish on a sleek, white porcelain plate to highlight the colors and textures of the gooey cheese sticks and pasta sauce.
Finish with a touch of elegance: Lightly sprinkle sea salt flakes and freshly cracked black pepper over the cheese sticks just before serving to enhance the flavor and add a gourmet touch.

Essential Tools for Making Gooey Cheese Sticks

Knife: To cut the mozzarella string cheese sticks in half.
Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the cheese sticks.
Small bowls: To combine flour and cornstarch, to whisk eggs and olive oil, and to hold the bread crumb mixture.
Whisk: To combine the eggs and olive oil until well mixed.
Freezer: To freeze the cheese sticks so they hold their shape during frying.
Deep fryer or large pot: To heat the oil and fry the cheese sticks.
Thermometer: To ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tongs: To safely place the cheese sticks into the hot oil and remove them once cooked.
Paper towels: To drain the excess oil from the fried cheese sticks.
Serving plate: To serve the hot cheese sticks with warm pasta sauce.

Storing and Freezing Gooey Cheese Sticks

Once the cheese sticks have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, arrange the cooled cheese sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the cheese sticks are frozen solid.
Transfer the frozen cheese sticks to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
Frozen cheese sticks can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To reheat frozen cheese sticks, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Do not thaw the cheese sticks before reheating, as this may cause the breading to become soggy.
Alternatively, you can reheat the frozen cheese sticks in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the cheese sticks for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Avoid microwaving the cheese sticks, as this may cause the cheese to melt and leak out of the breading.

How To Reheat Leftover Gooey Cheese Sticks

To reheat leftover gooey cheese sticks, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside. Keep a close eye on them to prevent the cheese from oozing out.
Another option is to use an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cheese sticks in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This method will help maintain the crispy exterior while keeping the cheese melted and gooey inside.
For a quick and easy method, you can use a microwave. Place the cheese sticks on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 15-second intervals until warm. Be careful not to overheat them, as the cheese may explode or become rubbery. To help maintain the crispy texture, you can place the microwaved cheese sticks under the broiler for a minute or two after reheating.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat your cheese sticks. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cheese sticks on the wire rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. This method is perfect for small batches and helps maintain the original texture of the breading.
For a stovetop method, heat a small amount of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the cheese sticks in the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this may cause the cheese sticks to become soggy.

Interesting Fact About Gooey Cheese Sticks

A fun fact about this recipe is that freezing the mozzarella cheese sticks before frying helps them maintain their shape and prevents the cheese from leaking out during the cooking process.

Is Making Gooey Cheese Sticks at Home Cost-Effective?

This gooey cheese sticks recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as mozzarella string cheese, flour, corn starch, eggs, olive oil, and bread crumbs, are relatively inexpensive and commonly found in most kitchens. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Are Gooey Cheese Sticks Healthy or Unhealthy?

The gooey cheese sticks recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

High in saturated fat: Mozzarella string cheese is high in saturated fat, which can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
Deep-fried: The cheese sticks are deep-fried in oil, adding a significant amount of unhealthy fats and calories to the dish.
Refined carbohydrates: The recipe uses white flour and bread crumbs, which are refined carbohydrates that can cause blood sugar spikes and contribute to weight gain.
Low in nutrients: This recipe is primarily focused on cheese and bread crumbs, offering little in terms of vitamins, minerals, or fiber.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for part-skim mozzarella string cheese to reduce the saturated fat content
Instead of deep-frying, try baking the cheese sticks in the oven at a high temperature (e.g., 425°F) until golden brown and crispy
Replace half of the white flour with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content and reduce the glycemic impact
Add some finely chopped herbs, such as basil or oregano, to the bread crumb mixture for an extra boost of flavor and nutrients
Serve the cheese sticks with a side of marinara sauce made from fresh tomatoes, which are rich in lycopene and vitamin C
Pair the cheese sticks with a colorful side salad to add more vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the meal

Editor's Opinion on the Gooey Cheese Sticks Recipe

This recipe for gooey cheese sticks is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Freezing the cheese ensures it remains intact during frying, while the combination of Italian and panko bread crumbs provides a satisfying crunch. The use of cornstarch in the flour mixture helps achieve a crispier coating. However, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the bread crumbs for an extra flavor boost. Serving with warm pasta sauce is a classic choice, but a marinara or spicy arrabbiata sauce could elevate the dish further. Overall, a crowd-pleasing appetizer with room for creative enhancements.

Enhance Your Gooey Cheese Sticks Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Imagine the crispy, golden exterior of potatoes infused with the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan. These delightful bites are the perfect complement to the gooey cheese sticks, offering a satisfying crunch and a burst of savory goodness in every bite.

Caprese Salad Skewers: Elevate your appetizer game with these vibrant skewers featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella. Drizzled with a balsamic glaze, these skewers add a refreshing and tangy contrast to the rich, cheesy sticks.

Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: For a zesty kick, pair your cheese sticks with these fiery cauliflower bites. Coated in a spicy buffalo sauce and baked to perfection, they offer a tantalizing heat that balances the creamy, gooey cheese.

Mini Meatball Sliders: These adorable sliders feature juicy meatballs nestled in soft buns, topped with a dollop of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan. They provide a hearty, savory addition to your appetizer spread, making every bite a delightful experience.

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory mushrooms stuffed with a delectable mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Baked until golden and bubbly, they offer a rich, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the gooey cheese sticks.

Similar Recipes to Gooey Cheese Sticks

Crispy Zucchini Fries: These zucchini fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries. Coated in a crispy panko and parmesan crust, they're perfect for dipping in your favorite marinara sauce.

Buffalo Chicken Dip: This creamy, spicy dip combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, and buffalo sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve with celery sticks and tortilla chips for the ultimate game day snack.

Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers: These jalapeños are stuffed with a cheesy cream cheese and cheddar mixture, then wrapped in bacon and baked to perfection. They're spicy, savory, and utterly addictive.

Spinach Artichoke Dip: A classic spinach and artichoke dip that's creamy, cheesy, and perfect for dipping bread, crackers, or vegetables. It's a must-have for any party or gathering.

Garlic Parmesan Knots: These soft, buttery garlic knots are brushed with a parmesan and herb mixture, then baked until golden brown. Serve them warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Recommended Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Gooey Cheese Sticks

Main Courses:

Chicken Parmesan: Indulge in a classic Italian-American dish that features breaded chicken breasts fried to golden perfection, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Serve over a bed of spaghetti or alongside a fresh Caesar salad for a complete meal. The crispy exterior and gooey cheese make this a family favorite.

Beef Wellington: Experience the elegance of Beef Wellington, a dish that wraps a tender beef tenderloin in layers of mushroom duxelles and prosciutto, all encased in a golden puff pastry. This show-stopping entrée is perfect for special occasions and pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables and a rich red wine sauce. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your guests in awe.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Imagine a warm, molten chocolate center oozing out of a rich, decadent cake. This dessert is a symphony of textures and flavors, with a slightly crisp exterior giving way to a gooey, chocolatey core. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries can add a delightful contrast, making each bite a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

Tiramisu: Dive into layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese. This classic Italian dessert is elevated with a dusting of cocoa powder and a hint of coffee liqueur. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of bitterness and sweetness, making it a perfect end to any meal. Garnish with chocolate shavings or a few coffee beans for an added touch of elegance. The light and airy texture combined with the rich flavors will leave your guests craving more.

Why trust this Gooey Cheese Sticks Recipe:

This recipe ensures gooey cheese sticks with a perfect crispy coating. Freezing the mozzarella string cheese prevents leaks, while the combination of Italian bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs creates an irresistible crunch. The double-dipping method guarantees a thorough coating, and precise frying at 350°F ensures golden perfection. Serve hot with warm pasta sauce for an unbeatable appetizer.

Have you tried making these gooey cheese sticks at home? Share your experience and any tips or variations in the Recipe Sharing forum.

FAQ:

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out while frying?

Make sure to coat the cheese sticks thoroughly with the bread crumbs. Press the crumbs on each piece to ensure it's well-covered. Also, don't overcook them; just fry until they're golden brown.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Mozzarella string cheese works best because it melts nicely and holds its shape. Other cheeses might not give you the same gooey texture.

Do I really need to freeze the cheese sticks before frying?

Yes, freezing the cheese sticks helps them hold their shape while frying and prevents the cheese from leaking out too quickly.

What kind of oil should I use for frying?

You can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. Just make sure it's heated to 350 degrees F.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and bake the breaded cheese sticks on a baking sheet for about 8-10 minutes, or until they're golden brown.