Description
Homemade Jalapeno Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are irresistibly crispy on the outside with gooey, melty centers that pull apart with delicious strings of cheese. Dip them in your favorite marinara sauce or avocado ranch for the ultimate snack or easy party appetizer. Enjoy the perfect mix of mild spicy and cheesy goodness!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 string cheese, halved
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 /2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 jalapeno, seeds removed and finely chopped
- olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- To three shallow plates, distribute the flour, panko, and eggs on each plate. Add the seasonings to the panko breadcrumbs and combine.
- Cut each string cheese in half and place them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Mix the finely diced jalapenos into the panko crumbs.
- Dip each cheese stick into the flour, then using a fork toss it in the beaten eggs. Finally, use the fork to transfer the cheese stick to the jalapeno panko crumb mixture and coat it evenly. Make sure each cheese stick is fully coated.
- Place the coated cheese sticks on the lined baking sheet and freeze them for about 30 minutes. This will prevent the cheese from melting when frying.
- Heat the oil in a deep large pan to 375°F. An easy way to test the temperature is to sprinkle a pinch of breadcrumbs into the oil. If the crumbs sizzle, the oil is at the right temperature for frying.
- Without crowding, fry the cheese sticks in 4-5 batches until the outside is crisped and golden, about 60-90 seconds. These will cook fast so keep an eye on them and turn them over carefully to fry the other side.
- Remove the cheese sticks from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve warm alone or with a dipping sauce like marinara, or avocado ranch. Enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, freeze the breaded cheese sticks for at least 30 minutes before frying.
- Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers in a glass container for up to two days. To get the insides of your cooked mozzarella sticks gooey again, microwave them for 15-20 seconds until the cheese starts to peek through the crust.
- Batch Freeze: Arrange on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze for 2 hours, until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag, squeeze out the excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. You can cook them straight from frozen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Freeze Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes