There’s something truly irresistible about a golden, crunchy exterior giving way to molten, stretchy cheese inside. If you love that combo as much as I do, then you’re going to adore this Crispy Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe—a foolproof way to get that perfect snack every single time.

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

I’ve tried plenty of versions over the years, and this one wins hands down—mainly because it’s simple, quick, and uses a double coating method that brings that ultra-crispy texture.

Amazing Crispy Texture: Thanks to double breading with seasoned panko, you get a crust that truly crunches when you bite in.
Perfect Cheese Blend: Using both mozzarella and cheddar creates that classic gooey melt with a bit of extra flavor.
Quick & Easy Prep: You’ll have these ready in just 20 minutes total—ideal for last-minute guests or a tasty treat anytime.
Great with Marinara: Served with simple homemade marinara, these sticks remind me of cozy evenings at my favorite Italian spot.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. I always pick quality panko crumbs for that crisp coating and fresh buttermilk to get the perfect dip consistency. Using a good mix of mozzarella and cheddar string cheese sticks really makes all the difference on flavor and texture.

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: I love combining mozzarella’s stretchiness with sharp cheddar for a flavor punch.
Panko Bread Crumbs: These create the lightest, crunchiest coating—far better than regular breadcrumbs.
Italian Herbs Seasoning: Adds a subtle, aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
Smoked Paprika: Gives a smoky undertone that enhances the flavor complexity without overpowering.
Garlic Powder: Offers a gentle savory hint that lifts the entire crust’s taste.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the breading and wet mixtures evenly.
Egg: Helps the wet mixture cling to the cheese sticks so the coating stays put during frying.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang that tenderizes the breading for a balanced bite.
Oil for Frying: Use a neutral, high-heat oil so you get that perfect golden crust without excessive greasiness.

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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 easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to add a little extra zing or make them friendly for different diets, there’s plenty of room for creativity!

Smoky Twist: I love adding smoked paprika to the breading mixture for a subtle smoky flavor that takes these cheese sticks to another level.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkling some cayenne pepper into the breadcrumbs gives these sticks a delightful spicy surprise.
Herbed Delight: Swap out the Italian herbs for fresh chopped basil or oregano when in season. It adds an incredible fresh note that pairs beautifully with marinara.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep it crispy yet suitable for those avoiding gluten. The crispiness still shines through!
Cheese Combinations: While mozzarella and cheddar are classics, experimenting with pepper jack or gouda can introduce interesting flavors and melt textures.

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: Getting the Oil Perfectly Hot

First things first, pour about 2 inches of oil into your deep frying pan or skillet. Heat it over high heat until it’s sizzling and reaches around 350 degrees F. I always recommend using a high-quality deep-frying or candy thermometer clipped to the pan for an accurate read. This temperature is crucial—it ensures the cheese cooks just right without leaking out and gives you that irresistible golden-brown crust.

Step 2: Whisking the Wet Mixture

While the oil warms, grab a shallow bowl and whisk together 1 large egg, 1 cup of room-temperature buttermilk, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. This flavorful wet base will help the breadcrumbs cling to the cheese sticks perfectly.

Step 3: Preparing the Seasoned Breadcrumb Coating

In a separate shallow bowl, combine 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon Italian herbs seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika if you prefer), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix everything well to evenly distribute those fragrant spices.

Step 4: Double Coating for Extra Crispiness

Unwrap your string cheese sticks (the mix of mozzarella and cheddar is my favorite). Dip each stick first into the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off so it’s not too wet. Then toss it into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly. For that perfect extra crunch, quickly dip each coated cheese stick once more into the wet mixture and then again into the breadcrumbs. Pro tip: Allow the excess coating to drip off before the next dip to avoid clumps or sogginess.

Step 5: The Golden Fry

Carefully add the breaded cheese sticks to your hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan — frying in small batches helps keep the crust wonderfully crispy. Fry them about 20-30 seconds on one side, then flip and fry another 20-30 seconds until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown. In total, it’s only about 1 minute per batch. Keep an eye on the oil temperature, maintaining it between 350 and 360 degrees F for the best results.

Step 6: Draining and Serving with Love

Once fried to perfection, use a slotted spoon to remove the cheese sticks and place them briefly on paper towels to drain off excess oil. If you’re making multiple batches, keep the cooked sticks warm on a wire rack set inside a 200 degrees F oven. Serve immediately with a side of homemade marinara sauce for dipping — this contrast of crunchy, melty, and tangy is simply irresistible!

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Crispy Fried Cheese Sticks Recipe comes down to a few key details that make all the difference between a gooey, golden bite and a messy melted mess. Here are my go-to tips that have saved many batches and delighted countless guests.

Keep the Oil Temperature Steady: Using a high-quality deep-frying or candy thermometer clipped to the pan ensures your oil stays right around 350°F. This helps the coating crisp up fast before the cheese has time to leak out.
Freeze Cheese Sticks Beforehand: Freezing them for an hour firms up the cheese, making it easier to bread and less likely to ooze too soon during frying.
Double Bread for Extra Crunch: My favorite trick is dipping each cheese stick twice in the wet and dry mixtures. It creates an irresistible golden crust that holds up beautifully.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give those cheese sticks plenty of space. Crowding drops oil temperature and leads to soggy crusts instead of that sought-after crunch.

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

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil brightens up the plate, adding a pop of color and fresh aroma. For a little heat, a light dusting of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of spicy aioli makes a wonderful contrast to the cheesy richness.

Side Dishes

Serve these crispy delights alongside a tangy homemade marinara sauce for dipping—the classic pairing never fails. For a fuller appetizer spread, pair them with crunchy celery sticks, a crisp green salad, or even garlic roasted potato wedges.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, though honestly, these cheesy sticks are best enjoyed fresh and crispy.

Freezing

To freeze, bread the cheese sticks and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready, fry them straight from frozen, adjusting the cooking time by a few seconds if needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftover cheese sticks in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving—they tend to get soggy and lose that addictive crunch we all love.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar are classic and melt well, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for a little kick. Just make sure the cheese can hold its shape when fried.

Why is it important to double bread the cheese sticks?

Double breading creates a thicker, more secure crust that crisps beautifully and helps prevent cheese from leaking out during frying. It also adds extra texture that makes the sticks extra satisfying to bite into.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking while frying?

Keeping the oil temperature steady between 350°F and 360°F is key, as well as freezing the cheese sticks for an hour before breading. Also, frying them only about 1 minute total ensures the crust crisps without overcooking the cheese inside.

Can I bake the cheese sticks instead of frying?

While baking is possible, it won’t produce the same crispy exterior and gooey center that frying does. If you choose to bake, preheat your oven to 425°F and bake on a wire rack for 10-12 minutes, but be ready for a different texture.

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Fried Cheese Sticks is one of those delightfully simple pleasures that feels like a treat every time. With a golden crust and melty cheese inside, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion—from casual game nights to fancy gatherings. I hope these tips help you fry up perfect sticks every time and bring plenty of smiles around your table. Happy frying, and enjoy every crispy, gooey bite!