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A stack of fried cheese sticks on a wood platter and a side of marinara sauce.

Cheez-It® Fried Cheese Sticks

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Ben
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Inactive time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 Cheese Sticks 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Cheez-It® Fried Cheese Sticks are a must-try for those who love mozzarella sticks, fried treats, or a wonderful appetizer. These are easy to make and bring a unique flavor to traditional snack. 


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
  • 2 cup water
  • 2 cup Cheez-It® crackers, crumbled finely with food processor or food mallet
  • 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • Oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Cut 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks cross-wize to make 24 shorter sticks and place in a dish of water.
  2. Mix crumbled Cheez-It® crackers with Italian breadcrumbs in medium dish with cover and set aside
  3. Place all-purpose flour in a similar dish and set aside
  4. Place eggs in separate dish of similar size and set aside
  5. In small batches, remove mozzarella sticks from water and coat in flour.
  6. Remove from flour and coat with egg.
  7. Remove from egg and coat with Cheez-It® and breadcrumb mixture
  8. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheet or something that will fit in your freezer.
  9. Repeat until all cheese sticks are coated.
  10. Place in freezer for 2 hours or more.
  11. When ready to cook, heat oil to 375° Fahrenheit.
  12. Depending on the size of your pot, add some of the cheese sticks to oil and cook for approximately 1 ½ minutes until golden brown, making sure not too much cheese leaks out. I cooked in three batches, but do what you are comfortable with and what is safe for you. (see notes for safety tips)
  13. Continue in batches until all are done.
  14. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce or dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Always remember safety first and to check out the food safety instructions from the USDA.
  • Use Mozzarella String Cheese and not fresh mozzarella or block mozzarella.
  • Make sure to freeze for at least 2 hours before frying.
  • You can bake these instead of frying, although they won’t be quite as crispy. I would suggest 10 minutes at 400° Farhenheit and place them on parchment paper. 
  • These are great for preparing beforehand. Once frozen, just place them in a freezer bag and cook when you are ready to try.
  • Canola oil, corn oil, peanut oil, and sunflower oil are all appropriate for this. Any oil that has a high smoke point and can be used for deep fat frying.
  • I estimated both the amount of oil that is absorbed and how much of the breading actually ends up on the cheese sticks.