Description
These Pizza Hut Style Cheese Sticks are crispy, golden, and perfect for a delicious appetizer or snack. Coated in seasoned Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan, these mozzarella sticks are double breaded and deep-fried to perfection, then served hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Sticks
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
Breading Mix
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spicy twist)
Oil
- About 4 cups vegetable oil or canola oil (for deep frying)
Optional Variations
- Fresh basil or thyme (to replace dried oregano)
- Gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers (to replace breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
- Provolone or cheddar cheese (for mixing with mozzarella)
Instructions
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls—one with 1 cup all-purpose flour, one with 2 beaten large eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture made by combining 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (plus cayenne pepper if using).
- Coat the Cheese Sticks: Roll each mozzarella stick in the flour until completely coated, then dip into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps to double dip.
- Freeze Before Frying: Lay the breaded cheese sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This step prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking during frying.
- Heat Oil and Fry: Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the frozen cheese sticks in batches, turning occasionally, for 1 to 2 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the cheese sticks with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Double breading helps create an extra crispy crust that holds the cheese in place during frying.
- Freezing the coated sticks before frying is crucial to prevent cheese leakage.
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like basil or thyme if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers instead of breadcrumbs.
- If desired, mix provolone or cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a different cheese blend.
- Be careful not to overcook; frying too long may cause the cheese to ooze out.
- Serve hot immediately for the best taste and texture.
