Crispy Mozzarella Treasure Sticks
Indulge in the ultimate cheesy delight with our Crispy Mozzarella Treasure Sticks! These golden-brown, perfectly fried mozzarella sticks are the epitome of comfort food, making them an irresistible addition to parties, game days, or a casual dinner. Each bite features a sensational crunch outside and a gooey, melty mozzarella center, creating a delightful contrast in textures. Paired with your choice of marinara sauce or a creamy ranch dip, these treasure sticks are sure to become a crowd favorite. Generously portioned to serve multiple guests, this recipe will keep everyone coming back for more. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this deliciously cheesy appetizer!
N/A
Servings
360
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mozzarella string cheese
24 (cut into thirds)
Buttermilk
1 cup (used for soaking)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Cayenne pepper
1 pinch (added to buttermilk mixture)
All-purpose flour
1 cup (for dredging)
Italian seasoned Panko breadcrumbs
3 cups (for coating)
Peanut oil or vegetable oil
as needed (for frying)
Instructions
1
Gather three separate bowls for breading the mozzarella sticks: one for the buttermilk mixture, one for the flour, and one for the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs.
2
In the first bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Whisk lightly until blended. In the second bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the third bowl, spread out the Italian seasoned Panko breadcrumbs.
3
Take each mozzarella stick and dip it first into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Next, roll it in the all-purpose flour, giving it a thorough coverage. Return the stick to the buttermilk mixture, and finally, coat it with the Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to secure the crumbs. Repeat this process until all cheese sticks are prepared.
4
Preheat a deep skillet by pouring in peanut or vegetable oil, enough to be about 2 inches deep, and warm it over medium heat. Monitor the oil's temperature with a thermometer; it should reach about 350°F (175°C) before frying.
5
In small batches, carefully add the breaded cheese sticks to the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry until they are golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes on each side. Use tongs to flip them as necessary, watching closely to avoid overcooking.
6
Once fried, remove the sticks from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy with marinara or ranch sauce!
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
27g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Mozzarella Treasure Sticks?
They are golden-brown, perfectly fried mozzarella sticks with a gooey, melty center, designed as a comfort food appetizer.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 24 mozzarella string cheese sticks, which are cut into thirds.
What is the first step in preparing the breading?
Gather three separate bowls: one for the buttermilk mixture, one for flour, and one for the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs.
What ingredients make up the buttermilk mixture?
Combine 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 beaten egg, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
What type of flour is recommended?
All-purpose flour is used for the dredging process.
What type of breadcrumbs are best for these sticks?
Italian seasoned Panko breadcrumbs provide the best sensational crunch.
What is the specific coating sequence?
Dip the cheese in the buttermilk mixture, roll in flour, return to the buttermilk, and finally coat with Panko breadcrumbs.
How many times should the sticks be dipped in buttermilk?
Each stick is dipped twice in the buttermilk mixture to ensure the breading sticks properly.
What should the oil temperature be for frying?
The oil should reach approximately 350°F (175°C) before you begin frying.
How much oil is needed for frying?
Pour enough peanut or vegetable oil into a deep skillet to reach a depth of about 2 inches.
What types of oil can I use?
Peanut oil or vegetable oil are both suitable for this recipe.
How long do the mozzarella sticks need to fry?
Fry them for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
How do I prevent the pan from being overcrowded?
Fry the breaded cheese sticks in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
What tools should I use to flip the sticks?
Use tongs to carefully flip the sticks and watch them closely to avoid overcooking.
What should I do after removing them from the oil?
Place the fried sticks on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
What are some suggested dipping sauces?
These treasure sticks pair perfectly with marinara sauce or a creamy ranch dip.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It contains a pinch of cayenne pepper in the buttermilk mixture for a very subtle kick.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 360 calories.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
This recipe contains 22.5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 27g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in these mozzarella sticks?
Each serving provides 18g of protein.
Are these suitable for a party?
Yes, they are described as an irresistible addition to parties, game days, or casual dinners.
Can I use plain Panko instead of Italian seasoned?
The recipe specifies Italian seasoned Panko, but you could use plain and add your own Italian herbs.
What texture can I expect?
You can expect a delightful contrast between a crunchy exterior and a gooey, melty mozzarella center.
How should I prepare the string cheese?
Each of the 24 mozzarella string cheese pieces should be cut into thirds before breading.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 7 main ingredients: mozzarella, buttermilk, egg, cayenne, flour, Panko, and oil.
What is the primary cuisine style for this snack?
This is an Italian-inspired comfort food appetizer.
Why is a thermometer recommended?
A thermometer helps monitor the oil to ensure it stays at 350°F for perfect frying.
Should these be served hot or cold?
They should be served warm to ensure the cheese center remains gooey and melty.
What makes these 'Treasure' sticks?
The 'treasure' refers to the delightful hidden center of melty mozzarella cheese inside the golden crust.