Crispy Cheese Sticks with Zesty Herb Dip
Delve into the delicious world of these irresistibly crispy cheese sticks, complemented perfectly by a zesty herb dip. These golden-brown bites feature gooey cheese, wrapped in a crunchy breadcrumb coating that offers a satisfying crunch with every bite. Ideal for sharing at parties, game days, or as a sumptuous appetizer, these cheese sticks are versatile and endlessly enjoyable. Dip them in the refreshing herb mix or your favorite marinara sauce for an explosion of flavor that will leave your guests begging for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Melting cheese
1/2 lb (cut into sticks (e.g., Provolone, Mozzarella, Gruyère))
Flour
To taste (for coating)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Dry breadcrumbs
To taste (seasoned)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for dip)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (for dip)
Green onions
4 teaspoons (minced for dip)
Parsley
2 teaspoons (minced for dip)
Capers
1 teaspoon (minced for dip)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the melting cheese into sticks measuring 2-1/2 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
2
Lightly dust the cheese sticks with flour to help the coating adhere better.
3
In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs until well blended. Prepare your breadcrumb station with seasoned dry breadcrumbs ready.
4
Dip each floured cheese stick in the beaten eggs, ensuring it is thoroughly coated.
5
Next, coat the cheese sticks in the breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs firmly around the cheese for an even coating.
6
For an extra crispy texture, repeat the egg and breadcrumb dipping process.
7
Once coated, place the cheese sticks on a tray and refrigerate them to set for at least 30 minutes.
8
Preheat your deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
9
Fry a few cheese sticks at a time in the hot oil, turning them once as they cook to achieve an even golden brown color.
10
Remove the cheese sticks when they reach your desired level of browning and drain on paper towels.
11
Repeat the frying process until all your cheese sticks are cooked to perfection.
12
For the dip, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced green onions, parsley, and capers in a small bowl until well combined.
13
Serve the crispy cheese sticks warm, alongside the zesty herb dip or your choice of marinara sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Cheese Sticks with Zesty Herb Dip?
They are golden-brown appetizers featuring gooey melted cheese wrapped in a crunchy, double-breaded coating, served with a refreshing herb-based sauce.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
Melting cheeses such as Mozzarella, Provolone, or Gruyère are highly recommended for the best texture.
What dimensions should the cheese sticks be?
The cheese should be cut into sticks measuring approximately 2-1/2 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
Why do I need to flour the cheese sticks first?
Lightly dusting the cheese with flour helps the egg wash and breadcrumb coating adhere better to the surface.
How do I ensure the cheese sticks are extra crispy?
To achieve an extra crispy texture, repeat the dipping process in the beaten eggs and breadcrumbs a second time.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the sticks before frying?
Yes, you should refrigerate the coated cheese sticks for at least 30 minutes to help the coating set.
What is the ideal frying temperature?
The oil should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) for optimal frying.
How many cheese sticks should I fry at once?
Fry only a few cheese sticks at a time to prevent the oil temperature from dropping and to ensure even cooking.
How long do I cook the cheese sticks?
Fry them until they reach your desired level of golden browning, turning them once during the process.
What ingredients are in the zesty herb dip?
The dip is made from olive oil, lemon juice, minced green onions, parsley, and capers.
Can I serve these with other sauces?
Yes, while they pair well with the herb dip, they are also delicious with marinara sauce.
How do I prepare the herbs for the dip?
The green onions, parsley, and capers should all be finely minced before mixing.
What should I do after removing the sticks from the oil?
Drain the fried cheese sticks on paper towels to remove any excess oil before serving.
How many eggs are required for the coating?
The recipe calls for 2 beaten eggs.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
Use seasoned dry breadcrumbs for the most flavorful results.
How much olive oil goes into the dip?
The zesty herb dip requires 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much lemon juice is needed for the dip?
You will need 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
How many green onions are used in the dip?
The recipe uses 4 teaspoons of minced green onions.
What is the measurement for capers in the dip?
Use 1 teaspoon of minced capers for the herb dip.
Should the cheese sticks be served hot?
Yes, serve them warm to ensure the cheese inside remains gooey and melted.
Can I use frozen cheese?
It is best to start with chilled, fresh melting cheese for the proper consistency.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Begin by cutting your chosen melting cheese into the specified stick sizes.
Do I need a deep fryer?
While a deep fryer is recommended, you can also use a heavy pot with enough oil to submerge the sticks.
What makes the dip 'zesty'?
The combination of fresh lemon juice and briny capers provides the zesty flavor profile.
Are these suitable for game day?
Yes, they are described as an ideal appetizer for game days, parties, or social gatherings.
Can I use plain breadcrumbs instead of seasoned?
You can, but you may want to add your own salt and herbs to ensure the coating isn't bland.
How much parsley is in the dip?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of minced parsley.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The current recipe data does not specify calories, fat, or other nutritional metrics.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 9 main ingredients, including the components for the dip.
Is this a finger food?
Yes, these crispy sticks are categorized as finger food and savory snacks.