Hey Lykkers, who doesn't love a good snack that's crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside? We've all had our fair share of fried treats, but have you ever tried making your own crispy cheese sticks at home?
If not, you're in for a treat! Today, we're diving into how to make these super simple and absolutely delicious fried cheese sticks that'll melt in your mouth. Grab your ingredients, and let's get frying!
Ingredients You'll Need
Before we get started with the steps, let's take a look at the ingredients we'll need. The great thing about this recipe is that it's super easy, and you probably have most of these ingredients at home already. Here's what we'll be using:
• A block of cheese (about 200g works best)
• A few tablespoons of cornstarch
• 2 slices of bread
• A handful of Cheetos (yes, you read that right!)
• 2 eggs
These simple ingredients will help us create a cheesy, crispy snack that's perfect for any occasion. Let's get to work!
Step 1: Preparing the Cheese
First things first, we need to cut our block of cheese into stick-like shapes. The key is to make them thick enough so they won't melt away too quickly when frying, but not too thick that they're hard to bite into. Aim for pieces about the width of two fingers. We're going for that perfect balance of gooey center and crispy outside.
Step 2: Dusting the Cheese
Next, we're going to lightly coat each cheese stick in cornstarch. This step helps to create that crispy crust when we fry them. Just roll each cheese stick in the cornstarch until it's evenly coated. This will give the cheese a bit of a protective layer that ensures it doesn't melt into a puddle when we heat it up.
Step 3: Preparing the Breading
Now, let's get our breading ready! Grab two slices of bread and break them into small crumbs. This will be the base of our crispy outer coating. The bread crumbs should be small enough to stick to the cheese, but don't worry about them being perfectly uniform. After all, the more rustic the better!
Step 4: Crushed Cheetos for Extra Crunch
For the ultimate crispy, cheesy texture, we're going to add some crushed Cheetos to the mix. These little orange puffs are going to give our cheese sticks a fun crunch and a burst of flavor. Just crush a handful of Cheetos and mix them with the bread crumbs. Trust me, this adds an extra layer of flavor that takes these cheese sticks to the next level.
Step 5: Preparing the Eggs
In a separate bowl, break two eggs and whisk them together. This egg wash is going to help our breading stick to the cheese sticks.
Step 6: Dipping the Cheese Sticks
Now for the fun part! Take each cheese stick, and dip it first into the egg wash, making sure it's fully coated. Then, roll it in the crumb mixture (bread crumbs and Cheetos) until it's completely covered. Don't rush this step—getting an even coat will ensure that the sticks fry up nice and crispy.
Step 7: Frying the Cheese Sticks
Heat up some oil in a deep pan, and once it's hot, gently drop the coated cheese sticks in. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan so that each stick can fry evenly. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown. You'll see the cheese start to melt just a bit through the crispy coating—this is the perfect moment to take them out.
Step 8: Enjoying the Crispy Goodness
Once your cheese sticks are golden and crispy, carefully remove them from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel. Serve them hot, and get ready for that first glorious bite! These cheese sticks are perfect on their own, but you can also pair them with your favorite dipping sauce—whether it's ketchup, ranch, or something spicy.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, Lykkers! Making your own crispy, cheesy sticks is easier than you think, and the results are totally worth it. The combination of gooey cheese, crispy breading, and a little bit of Cheetos crunch makes for a seriously addictive snack. Try them out for your next movie night or as a fun appetizer at your next party. Let me know how yours turn out—I can't wait to hear about your cheesy creations!
