Spicy Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe

Introduction

These Spicy Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are a delightful twist on a classic snack, combining melty cheese with a flavorful, spicy dipping sauce. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, they offer a satisfying crunch and a kick of heat in every bite.

Ingredients

• 8 oz mozzarella block
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp whole milk
• 2 cups panko (pulverized)
• ½ tsp seasoned salt
• ¼ cup flour
• Black and toasted sesame seeds (for topping)
• Avocado oil for frying
• ⅔ cup rice vinegar
• ⅔ cup honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2½ tbsp salsa macha
• 2½ tbsp Japanese mayo
• 1 tiny garlic clove (grated)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut your mozzarella into ½ inch thick rectangles.
2. Step 2: Whisk the eggs and whole milk together in a bowl.
3. Step 3: Add the seasoned salt to the pulverized panko and mix well.
4. Step 4: Coat each cheese stick first in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat with the panko. Repeat the egg and panko coating for a double dredge to ensure a crispy crust.
5. Step 5: Place the coated sticks in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to firm up before frying.
6. Step 6: In a skillet, combine honey, rice vinegar, grated garlic, and soy sauce. Simmer gently until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
7. Step 7: Stir in salsa macha and Japanese mayo, whisking on low heat until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
8. Step 8: Heat avocado oil to 350℉ in a deep pot or fryer. Fry the mozzarella sticks for 1-3 minutes until they turn fully golden and crispy.
9. Step 9: Toss the hot cheese sticks in the prepared spicy sauce, sprinkle with black and toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use a block of firm mozzarella for the best texture. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it may not hold together well.
• For extra crunch, try mixing crushed cornflakes or tortilla chips with the panko.
• If you prefer milder spice, reduce the salsa macha or substitute with a sweet chili sauce.
• To keep cheese sticks crispy for longer, serve them immediately or keep warm in a low oven on a wire rack.

Storage

Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer at 375℉ for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. The sauce is best kept separate and added fresh before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the mozzarella sticks instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400℉ for about 10-12 minutes on a baking sheet, flipping halfway through. However, frying gives a crispier crust and faster cooking time.

How can I prevent cheese from oozing out while frying?

Make sure to freeze the coated sticks for at least 20 minutes before frying. This helps the cheese firm up and reduces leaking during cooking.

Spicy Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe

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4.6 from 58 reviews

These Spicy Mozzarella Cheese Sticks offer a crispy, golden exterior with a gooey, melted center, enhanced by a flavorful spicy honey-soy dipping sauce. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, they combine a crunchy double-coated panko crust with a zesty, creamy sauce featuring salsa macha and Japanese mayo.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 cheese sticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Sticks

• 8 oz mozzarella block, cut into ½ inch thick rectangles
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp whole milk
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs, pulverized
• ½ tsp seasoned salt
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• Avocado oil, for frying
• Black sesame seeds, for topping
• Toasted sesame seeds, for topping

Spicy Honey-Soy Sauce

• ⅔ cup rice vinegar
• ⅔ cup honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2½ tbsp salsa macha
• 2½ tbsp Japanese mayo
• 1 tiny garlic clove, grated

Instructions

1. Prepare the cheese sticks: Cut the mozzarella block into rectangles about ½ inch thick, ensuring even sizes for uniform cooking.
2. Make egg wash: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and whole milk until well combined.
3. Season panko breadcrumbs: Add the seasoned salt to the pulverized panko breadcrumbs and mix thoroughly.
4. Coat the mozzarella: Dredge each mozzarella stick first in flour, then dip into the egg wash, and coat with the seasoned panko. For extra crispiness, repeat dipping in the egg wash and panko for a double dredging.
5. Freeze the coated sticks: Place the breaded cheese sticks in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up before frying, which helps prevent cheese leakage.
6. Prepare the spicy sauce: In a skillet, combine rice vinegar, honey, grated garlic, and soy sauce. Simmer the mixture over medium heat until it thickens slightly and can coat the back of a spoon.
7. Finish the sauce: Add salsa macha and Japanese mayo to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and whisk continuously until the sauce is smooth and well incorporated.
8. Fry the cheese sticks: Heat avocado oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches, cooking for 1 to 3 minutes or until they are fully golden brown and crispy.
9. Coat and serve: Drain the fried sticks on paper towels briefly, then toss them in the prepared spicy honey-soy sauce. Finally, sprinkle with black and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Freezing the breaded cheese sticks before frying helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out.
• Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for even frying and optimum crispiness.
• For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of salsa macha in the dipping sauce.
• You can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat gently before serving.
• Be sure to use good quality mozzarella for best melting results, such as a low-moisture mozzarella block.

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, spicy cheese sticks, fried cheese appetizer, crispy cheese sticks, panko crust, spicy dipping sauce, honey soy sauce, salsa macha, party snacks