Crispy Fried Cheese Sticks with Zesty Tomato Dipping Sauce
Indulge in these delightful Crispy Fried Cheese Sticks that are perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a snack. Coated in a flavor-packed mixture of breadcrumbs, wheat germ, and spices, these cheese sticks boast a satisfying crunch on the outside while remaining gooey and melty on the inside. Paired with a zesty tomato dipping sauce infused with mushrooms, oregano, and basil, this recipe is sure to impress cheese lovers of all ages. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, these cheese sticks make for a fantastic appetizer or fun finger food for any gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter or Margarine
1 tablespoon (Melted)
Tomato Sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (Ready to use)
Mushrooms
1/2 cup (Finely chopped)
Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (Crushed)
Dried Basil
1/2 teaspoon (Crushed)
Flour
1 cup (All-purpose)
Fine Dry Breadcrumbs
1 cup (Ready to use)
Wheat Germ
1 cup (Ready to use)
Ground Red Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Cheese
1 lb (Well chilled (Suggestions: Swiss, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Muenster, Cheddar, Fontina, Gouda, Edam, Havarti))
Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Cooking Oil
As needed (For deep frying)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Add the tomato sauce, finely chopped mushrooms, dried oregano, and dried basil; stir well to combine.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4
Cover the sauce and keep it warm while you prepare the cheese sticks.
5
In a small bowl, mix together the fine dry breadcrumbs, wheat germ, and ground red pepper to create the coating mixture.
6
Cut the chilled cheese into sticks measuring 2x1/2x1/2 inches or into 1-inch cubes, depending on your preference.
7
Dip each piece of cheese into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge in flour, shaking off any excess.
8
Next, coat the cheese pieces in the breadcrumb mixture and repeat the process once more for a thicker, crunchier crust.
9
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat 1 1/2 inches of cooking oil to 375°F (190°C).
10
Fry a few cheese sticks at a time for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until they are golden brown on all sides. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan or overcook, as this may lead to a melty mess.
11
Once fried, carefully drain the cheese sticks on paper towels to remove excess oil.
12
Serve warm with the zesty tomato dipping sauce on the side for a delightful and satisfying treat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Fried Cheese Sticks with Zesty Tomato Dipping Sauce?
They are a delightful appetizer featuring cheese sticks coated in breadcrumbs, wheat germ, and spices, served with a mushroom-infused tomato sauce.
Which types of cheese are recommended for this recipe?
You can use Swiss, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Muenster, Cheddar, Fontina, Gouda, Edam, or Havarti.
How do you prepare the zesty tomato dipping sauce?
Melt butter, add tomato sauce, finely chopped mushrooms, dried oregano, and dried basil, then simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
What ingredients are in the crunchy coating?
The coating consists of fine dry breadcrumbs, wheat germ, and ground red pepper.
Why is it important to use well-chilled cheese?
Using chilled cheese helps prevent it from melting too quickly and creating a mess before the crust turns golden brown during frying.
What are the recommended dimensions for cutting the cheese?
Cut the cheese into sticks measuring 2x1/2x1/2 inches or into 1-inch cubes.
What is the dredging process for the cheese?
Dip the cheese in beaten eggs, dredge in flour, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, repeating the process once more for a thicker crust.
What is the ideal frying temperature for the oil?
Heat the cooking oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) in a deep skillet or frying pan.
How long should each batch of cheese sticks fry?
Fry them for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute until they are golden brown on all sides.
How do you prevent a melty mess while frying?
To prevent a mess, avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure you do not overcook the cheese sticks.
What is the purpose of the mushrooms in the sauce?
Finely chopped mushrooms add texture and a savory depth to the zesty tomato dipping sauce.
Can I use dried herbs for the sauce?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of crushed dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed dried basil.
How do I remove excess oil after frying the cheese?
Carefully drain the fried cheese sticks on paper towels after removing them from the hot oil.
Is wheat germ necessary for the coating?
Wheat germ is included to provide a specific texture and a satisfying crunch to the outer crust.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the cheese sticks?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of ground red pepper in the breadcrumb mixture to suit your personal taste.
Should the dipping sauce be served hot?
Yes, the sauce should be covered and kept warm while you prepare the cheese sticks so they can be served together warm.
How many eggs are needed for the egg wash?
Two beaten eggs are required to help the flour and breadcrumb mixture adhere to the cheese.
What kind of flour should I use?
One cup of all-purpose flour is used for dredging the cheese sticks before the breadcrumb coating.
How much oil is needed for deep frying?
You should heat approximately 1 1/2 inches of cooking oil in your frying pan.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Absolutely, these cheese sticks are an ideal appetizer or finger food for parties and gatherings.
Can I use margarine instead of butter for the sauce?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine.
What is the texture of these cheese sticks?
They have a satisfyingly crunchy exterior and a gooey, melty interior.
Can I use canned tomato sauce?
Yes, the recipe uses one 8-ounce can of ready-to-use tomato sauce.
What should I do if the dipping sauce is too thin?
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, which will help it thicken slightly.
Are these cheese sticks considered vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is a vegetarian-friendly snack.
Why do I need to shake off excess flour?
Shaking off excess flour ensures the breadcrumb coating sticks properly without becoming too thick or gummy.
Can I make these into cheese cubes?
Yes, the recipe suggests you can cut the cheese into 1-inch cubes as an alternative to sticks.
Is the tomato sauce infused with other flavors?
Yes, it is infused with mushrooms, dried oregano, and dried basil for a zesty taste.
How many items should I fry at once?
The recipe recommends frying only a few cheese sticks at a time to ensure they cook evenly and the oil temperature stays consistent.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve the cheese sticks while they are still warm with the zesty tomato dipping sauce on the side.