Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks
Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Sticks
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, block, cut into 16 sticks
For the Breading
- 8 1/2 ounces Flamin' Hot Cheetos, finely crushed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
For Frying
- 4 cups vegetable oil, for deep frying
For Serving (Optional)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce, warmed
Instructions
- 1
Prepare Mozzarella: Cut the block of mozzarella cheese into 16 equal sticks, approximately 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to firm them up.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
Set Up Breading Stations: In a shallow dish, add the crushed Flamin' Hot Cheetos. In another shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and black pepper. In a third shallow dish, whisk the large eggs with the milk until well combined.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Bread the Mozzarella Sticks: Working with one mozzarella stick at a time, first dredge it in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, roll it thoroughly in the crushed Hot Cheetos, pressing gently to ensure an even and thick coating. Repeat this entire breading process (flour, egg, Cheetos) for a second coating on each stick. This double-breading helps prevent cheese leakage during frying.
⏱️ 10 min
- 4
Freeze Again: Place the double-breaded mozzarella sticks back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-3 hours, until solid. This step is crucial for preventing the cheese from melting too quickly and oozing out during frying.
⏱️ 2 min
- 5
Heat Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, pour the vegetable oil to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
⏱️ 10 min•🌡️ 350
- 6
Fry Mozzarella Sticks: Carefully lower 3-4 frozen mozzarella sticks into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until the coating is golden brown and crispy. The cheese inside should be perfectly melted but not oozing.
⏱️ 8 min
- 7
Drain and Serve: Using a slotted spoon or spider, transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining sticks, ensuring the oil returns to 350°F between batches. Serve immediately with ranch dressing and/or warmed marinara sauce, if desired.
⏱️ 5 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Sticks
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, block, cut into 16 sticks
For the Breading
- 8 1/2 ounces Flamin' Hot Cheetos, finely crushed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
For Frying
- 4 cups vegetable oil, for deep frying
For Serving (Optional)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce, warmed
Instructions
- 1
Prepare Mozzarella: Cut the block of mozzarella cheese into 16 equal sticks, approximately 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to firm them up.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
Set Up Breading Stations: In a shallow dish, add the crushed Flamin' Hot Cheetos. In another shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and black pepper. In a third shallow dish, whisk the large eggs with the milk until well combined.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Bread the Mozzarella Sticks: Working with one mozzarella stick at a time, first dredge it in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, roll it thoroughly in the crushed Hot Cheetos, pressing gently to ensure an even and thick coating. Repeat this entire breading process (flour, egg, Cheetos) for a second coating on each stick. This double-breading helps prevent cheese leakage during frying.
⏱️ 10 min - 4
Freeze Again: Place the double-breaded mozzarella sticks back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-3 hours, until solid. This step is crucial for preventing the cheese from melting too quickly and oozing out during frying.
⏱️ 2 min - 5
Heat Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, pour the vegetable oil to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
⏱️ 10 min•🌡️ 350 - 6
Fry Mozzarella Sticks: Carefully lower 3-4 frozen mozzarella sticks into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until the coating is golden brown and crispy. The cheese inside should be perfectly melted but not oozing.
⏱️ 8 min - 7
Drain and Serve: Using a slotted spoon or spider, transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining sticks, ensuring the oil returns to 350°F between batches. Serve immediately with ranch dressing and/or warmed marinara sauce, if desired.
⏱️ 5 min