Description
Taco Cheese Sticks are a crispy, gooey snack featuring mozzarella cheese coated in taco-seasoned breadcrumbs. They are easy to make and perfect for parties or a quick appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 10 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup taco-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil for frying
Instructions
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with taco-seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Roll each mozzarella string cheese stick in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crunch.
- Place coated cheese sticks on a tray and freeze for at least 1 hour to prevent melting during frying or baking.
- For frying: Heat oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C) and fry cheese sticks for about 30-45 seconds until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- For baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place sticks on a lined baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and gooey.
- Prepare the dipping sauce by mixing sour cream, mayonnaise, hot sauce, lime juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Stir well and season with salt to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the Taco Cheese Sticks hot with the dipping sauce.
Notes
- Add extra cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Can substitute taco-seasoned breadcrumbs with regular panko and taco seasoning.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the breadcrumbs are meat-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying/Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese stick
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg