There’s something about cheese that makes everything better, right? Imagine this: gooey, melty cheese wrapped in a crispy, golden coating with a hint of spice—it’s like a fiesta in your mouth, and trust me, these Cheesy Baked Mexican Cheese Sticks are the life of the party. I made them for a friend’s gathering last weekend, and let’s just say, they vanished faster than the latest TikTok trend.
Steps
- Unwrap each mozzarella string cheese stick and cut them in half. Arrange them on a plate and freeze for at least 1 hour until solid.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and lightly spraying it with olive oil.
- Set up a coating station with three bowls: one with flour, another with a beaten egg, and the third with a mixture of Panko, chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, and oregano. Whisk the Panko mixture until well combined.
- Take the frozen cheese pieces and coat each one in flour, then dip in the beaten egg, and finally roll in the Panko mixture. Make sure each piece is fully coated with breadcrumbs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the coated cheese sticks for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese melts slightly and starts to ooze. Serve immediately with your preferred salsa.
Ingredients
- 12 sticks part-skim mozzarella string cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Cooking spray (olive oil recommended)
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella for this recipe?
- While mozzarella is recommended for its melting properties and mild flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar. However, be mindful that the texture and flavor might differ from the original recipe.
- Is it necessary to freeze the cheese sticks before baking?
- Yes, freezing the cheese sticks helps them maintain their shape during baking. If you skip this step, the cheese might melt too quickly and ooze out before the coating becomes crispy.
- Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko?
- You can substitute regular breadcrumbs for Panko, but Panko tends to create a crispier texture. If you use regular breadcrumbs, the cheese sticks may not be as crunchy.
- What can I use as a dipping sauce if I don’t have salsa?
- If salsa is unavailable, you can use alternatives like guacamole, sour cream, or a spicy mayo for dipping. Each will provide a different flavor profile but should complement the Mexican twist of the cheese sticks.
- Are there any alternatives to baking that would still make the cheese sticks healthier?
- Baking is a healthier option compared to frying. However, if you want to experiment, you could try air frying the cheese sticks for a similar crispy texture without the need for excessive oil.
Tips
- Ensure the mozzarella sticks are thoroughly frozen before starting the breading process. This helps them maintain their shape and prevents excessive cheese melting during baking.
- Use a Misto or similar spray bottle for applying olive oil to the baking sheet. This provides an even coat and helps achieve a crispy texture without excess oil.
- When coating the cheese sticks, press the Panko breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the cheese to ensure an even and thorough coating, which enhances the crunchiness.
- Serve the mozzarella sticks promptly once they are done baking. This ensures they remain crispy and the cheese is perfectly gooey for dipping into salsa.
Equipment
- Misto Olive Oil Sprayer – If you don’t already have a cooking spray dispenser, this can be used to spray the olive oil evenly on the baking sheet.
- Baking Sheet – While many people have these at home, if you don’t, you’ll need one to bake the cheese sticks.
- Aluminum Foil – Useful for lining the baking sheet to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
