Name: Crispy Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz string cheese sticks (mozzarella and cheddar); 2 cups panko bread crumbs (plain or Italian); 1 teaspoon Italian herbs seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 large egg; 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; Oil for frying (enough to fill about 2 inches in pan)

There’s just something so irresistible about golden, crunchy cheese sticks with gooey melted cheese inside—and that’s exactly what this Crispy Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe delivers every single time. If you love appetizers that bring both crunch and comfort, you’re in for a treat.

A white bowl filled with many golden brown crispy fried sticks, arranged around a small white round cup of red ketchup sauce garnished with tiny green herb pieces. The fried sticks have a crunchy texture and are sprinkled lightly with green herbs. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with white paper lining inside to hold the sticks. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, these crispy fried cheese sticks have become my go-to party snack and midweek comfort food all in one. Once you try this, you’ll want to make them again and again.

Perfectly Crispy Crust: The seasoned panko breadcrumbs create that golden, crunchy exterior everyone raves about.
Gooey Cheese Center: Combining mozzarella and cheddar gives you melty cheese that pulls apart beautifully without oozing out.
Simple Yet Flavorful: A few key spices in the breading elevate these from basic cheese sticks to party showstoppers.
Quick & Easy to Make: You’ll have these ready to serve in about 20 minutes, making them awesome for last-minute guests.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Shopping for this recipe is straightforward, but to get that signature crispy, melty bite, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Use a good combination of string cheeses—mozzarella for that stretch and cheddar for a hint of tang. For the breading, panko breadcrumbs make all the difference in crispiness over regular crumbs.

Flat lay of sixteen fresh mozzarella and cheddar string cheese sticks unwrapped, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy buttermilk, one large whole egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl overflowing with golden panko bread crumbs mixed with Italian herbs and smoked paprika, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant smoked paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl filled with ground black pepper placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

String Cheese Sticks: Using mozzarella and cheddar together balances gooey meltiness with a sharper flavor.
Panko Bread Crumbs: These light, airy crumbs create that unbeatable crunch and hold the seasoning well.
Italian Herbs Seasoning: Adds a fresh, savory note that complements the cheese beautifully.
Smoked Paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory profile, making every bite pop.
Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the wet and dry mixtures to boost overall flavor.
Large Egg: Helps the breading adhere securely to the cheese sticks.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture, tenderizing the coating while binding it all together.
Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to achieve that perfect golden crust.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you love a bit more spice or want to cater to dietary preferences, there’s room to customize these golden sticks of cheesy goodness.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle heat that pairs perfectly with the melty cheese inside. It wakes up the flavor without overpowering the classic taste.
Herb Variations: Swap the Italian herbs for fresh chopped parsley or basil in the breading for a brighter, herby note. Fresh herbs in the breading add a lovely pop of color and flavor.
Cheese Swaps: While mozzarella and cheddar are classic, mixing in pepper jack cheese sticks gives a wonderful creamy texture with a spicy edge—great for a bold twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep your snack crispy and safe for those with gluten sensitivities without sacrificing any crunch.
Baking Alternative: For a lighter approach, try baking the breaded cheese sticks at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be quite as indulgently crispy but still delicious!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe

A close-up view of a melted cheese stick being pulled apart by two woman's hands, showing a long stretchy white cheese layer in the center. The cheese stick is covered in a golden brown crispy breadcrumb layer with some small green herb pieces on top. More crispy cheese sticks lie blurred in the background on a white plate, behind a small white bowl filled with bright red dipping sauce. The surface beneath is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Heat the Oil to the Perfect Temperature

Fill your deep frying pan or skillet with about 2 inches of oil and set the heat to high. Use a quality deep-frying or candy thermometer clipped onto the pan to monitor the temperature closely. You want the oil to be sizzling and steady between 350 and 360 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your cheese sticks cook quickly and evenly, forming a crispy crust without leaking melted cheese.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Mixture

In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, 1 cup of room temperature buttermilk, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. This creamy mixture helps the breadcrumbs stick perfectly to the cheese sticks and adds a slight tang that complements the cheese beautifully. Set it aside as you prepare your dry ingredients.

Step 3: Mix the Flavorful Breadcrumb Coating

In a separate shallow bowl, combine 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir it all together so the spices are evenly distributed—this is what gives your crust that irresistible savory punch.

Step 4: Double Coat Your Cheese Sticks

Unwrap each string cheese stick and give it a quick freeze for about an hour beforehand if possible—this step helps keep the cheese firm so it doesn’t melt out too fast during frying. Dip each stick first into the buttermilk mixture and let the excess drip off. Then toss it in the seasoned breadcrumb mix, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs. For a perfectly sealed crust, dip it once again into the wet mixture, followed by a second coating of breadcrumbs. This double breading step is key to trapping the cheese inside while creating a robust crunch.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden Brown and Crispy

Carefully place the breaded cheese sticks into the hot oil. Don’t crowd the pan; frying in batches keeps them from getting soggy and ensures even cooking. Fry for about 1 minute total—about 20 to 30 seconds on one side and then 20 to 30 seconds on the other—just until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown. The smell of frying spices and melting cheese will have you eagerly waiting to dig in!

Step 6: Drain and Serve Immediately

Use tongs to transfer the crispy fried cheese sticks onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them piping hot with your favorite homemade marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy that first satisfying crunch followed by a gooey, stretchy cheese center—pure comfort in every bite!

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Crispy Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe is all about maintaining that ideal crunch while keeping the cheese irresistibly gooey inside. These handy tips have saved me from common pitfalls and elevated my fried cheese game every time!

Freeze Before Breading: I always freeze the cheese sticks for an hour before breading. This keeps them firm and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking during frying.
Double Dip for Crunch: >Doubling up the wet and dry coatings creates a strong seal and gives that extra crispy crust that holds the melty cheese in perfectly.
Oil Temperature Matters: Using a good thermometer to keep the oil steady between 350 and 360 degrees Fahrenheit ensures the coating crisps up quickly without overcooking the cheese.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Giving each cheese stick enough space helps them fry evenly and stay crispy instead of soggy.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe

A clear glass bowl holds light beige bread crumbs with a slightly rough and crumbly texture. A woman's hand uses silver tongs with white silicone tips to dip a long stick of pale yellow cheese into the crumbs, coating it evenly. Several more pale yellow cheese sticks rest in the background inside the bowl. The surface under the bowl is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a fresh touch with chopped fresh parsley or basil sprinkled on top just before serving. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can also enhance the flavor beautifully. For a little kick, try a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of spicy aioli alongside.

Side Dishes

Crispy Fried Cheese Sticks shine when paired with classic marinara sauce for dipping. For a complete appetizer spread, serve alongside fresh veggie sticks like celery and carrot, or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness. They also go well with crispy fries or a light coleslaw for a crowd-pleasing snack or party treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fried cheese sticks in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Keep them refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness.

Freezing

To freeze for longer storage, place the breaded (but not fried) cheese sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1 hour. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, fry directly from frozen, adding a little extra cooking time to ensure golden crispness.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover fried cheese sticks in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5–7 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of cheese for these fried cheese sticks?

Yes! Mozzarella and cheddar are classic choices because they melt well and have great flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses that melt smoothly, like Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.

Why is double coating important in this Crispy Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe?

Double coating helps create a thicker, more secure crust that prevents the cheese from leaking out during frying and ensures a satisfying crunchy texture on the outside.

What’s the best way to keep the cheese sticks crispy after frying?

Keep finished cheese sticks warm in a 200 degrees Fahrenheit oven on a baking pan with a rack. This keeps them crisp without drying out while you fry the rest.

Can I bake these cheese sticks instead of frying?

While baking is a healthier option, these particular cheese sticks are best when fried to achieve that perfect crispy exterior and gooey center. Baking might result in less crunch and a different texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a golden crust that gives way to warm, melty cheese with a side of tangy marinara. This Crispy Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe brings that nostalgic comfort food right into your kitchen in under 20 minutes. Whether you're sharing with friends or treating yourself, these cheesy delights never fail to bring smiles. Happy frying—your perfect crunchy, gooey snack awaits!