Spicy Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe

Introduction

These Spicy Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, featuring a crispy, golden crust and a rich, melty center. Paired with a spicy, tangy dipping sauce, they make an irresistible appetizer or snack that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 8 oz mozzarella block
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp whole milk
• 2 cups panko (pulverized)
• ½ tsp seasoned salt
• ¼ cup flour
• Black and toasted sesame seeds (for topping)
• Avocado oil for frying
• ⅔ cup rice vinegar
• ⅔ cup honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2½ tbsp salsa macha
• 2½ tbsp Japanese mayo
• 1 tiny garlic clove (grated)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the mozzarella into ½ inch thick rectangles.
2. Step 2: Whisk the eggs and whole milk together in a bowl.
3. Step 3: Mix the seasoned salt into the pulverized panko breadcrumbs.
4. Step 4: Coat each mozzarella stick first in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, followed by the panko. Repeat the egg and panko coating one more time for a double dredge.
5. Step 5: Place the coated cheese sticks in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to firm up before frying.
6. Step 6: In a skillet, combine honey, rice vinegar, grated garlic, and soy sauce. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
7. Step 7: Stir in the salsa macha and Japanese mayo, whisking on low heat until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
8. Step 8: Heat avocado oil to 350℉ (175℃) and fry the mozzarella sticks for 1-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Work in batches if needed.
9. Step 9: Toss the hot cheese sticks in the prepared sauce, sprinkle with black and toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Freezing the cheese sticks before frying helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out.
• For extra crunch, use a mix of panko and crushed cornflakes for the coating.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the salsa macha in the sauce.
• Try serving with a side of marinara or ranch dressing for a milder dip option.

Storage

These cheese sticks are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness and melty texture. If needed, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 375℉ (190℃) for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as this may make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of a block?

Using shredded mozzarella will not work well for this recipe because the sticks need to hold their shape. A block cut into rectangles ensures the cheese melts inside a crispy coating without leaking out.

What can I substitute for avocado oil?

You can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, for frying the cheese sticks.

Spicy Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 712 reviews

• Author: Thomas
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 cheese sticks 1x

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Description

These Spicy Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are crispy, golden fried snacks coated in a flavorful, spicy-sweet sauce made with honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, salsa macha, and Japanese mayo. Perfectly breaded with a double dredge of flour, egg, and seasoned panko, then finished with black and toasted sesame seeds for an extra crunch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Sticks

• 8 oz mozzarella block
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp whole milk
• 2 cups panko (pulverized)
• ½ tsp seasoned salt
• ¼ cup flour
• Avocado oil for frying
• Black and toasted sesame seeds (for topping)

Sauce

• ⅔ cup rice vinegar
• ⅔ cup honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2½ tbsp salsa macha
• 2½ tbsp Japanese mayo
• 1 tiny garlic clove (grated)

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Instructions

1. Cut the cheese: Slice the mozzarella block into ½ inch thick rectangles for even cooking and easy handling.
2. Prepare egg wash: Whisk together the eggs and whole milk in a bowl until smooth and combined.
3. Season breading: Mix the seasoned salt into the pulverized panko crumbs, ensuring the coating has balanced flavor.
4. Double dredge cheese sticks: Coat each mozzarella piece first in flour, then dip into the egg wash, followed by the panko. Repeat the egg and panko step to ensure a thick, crispy crust.
5. Freeze: Place the coated mozzarella sticks in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to help the breading set and prevent melting during frying.
6. Make the sauce base: In a skillet, combine honey, rice vinegar, grated garlic, and soy sauce. Simmer gently until the mixture thickly coats the back of a spoon.
7. Incorporate spicy mayo: Lower the heat and whisk in salsa macha and Japanese mayo until well blended and smooth.
8. Fry the cheese sticks: Heat avocado oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks for 1-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain excess oil.
9. Coat and garnish: Toss the fried mozzarella sticks in the spicy sauce, sprinkle with black and toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

• Freezing the cheese sticks before frying is crucial to prevent cheese from oozing out.
• Use a deep-frying thermometer to maintain oil temperature for perfect crispiness.
• Salsa macha adds a smoky, spicy kick—adjust quantity to taste.
• For a milder sauce, reduce the salsa macha or omit the garlic.
• If avocado oil is unavailable, use another high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Fusion (Japanese-Mexican inspired)

Keywords: Mozzarella sticks, Spicy cheese sticks, Fried cheese appetizer, Salsa macha sauce, Crispy mozzarella, Japanese mayo sauce