Delicious fried cheese sticks with a crispy, golden exterior and a melty cheese center.
Ingredients:
8 oz Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (or string cheese)
1 cup All-Purpose Flour
2 Eggs (beaten)
1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
1 cup Crushed Potato Chips (for extra crunch, optional)
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Onion Powder
1 tsp Dried Italian Herbs (optional)
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the cheese: Cut your mozzarella cheese sticks in half if you want smaller portions or leave them whole. Freeze them for about 30 minutes to help them firm up, which makes it easier to fry them without the cheese oozing out too soon.
Prepare the breading stations:
In one shallow dish, add the flour.
In the second dish, beat the eggs.
In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Coat the cheese sticks:
Dredge each cheese stick in the flour, making sure it’s coated evenly.
Dip it into the beaten eggs, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs gently to ensure they stick. For extra crispiness, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb process to double coat.
Fry the cheese sticks: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan or fryer over medium-high heat (350°F or 175°C). Fry the cheese sticks in batches for about 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Drain and serve: Remove the fried cheese sticks from the oil and drain them on a paper towel. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and sprinkle with a little grated Parmesan if desired.
Enjoy: Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey! You can pair them with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
This crispy, cheesy snack will be a hit at any gathering or as a tasty treat for yourself!