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Crispy Cupid’s Arrow Cheese Sticks with Stretchy Mozzarella

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These cheese sticks feature a golden, crispy breadcrumb shell and a gooey, stretchy mozzarella center. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or festive occasions, they’re quick to make and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz block low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 3/4-inch thick sticks (about 4 inches long)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 2 cups seasoned Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (canola or sunflower)
  • Small red bell peppers, cut into heart shapes (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
  • Ranch dressing (optional, for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Cut mozzarella block into sticks about 3/4-inch thick and 4 inches long (about 16 sticks). Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Set out three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs and milk, and one with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roll each mozzarella stick in flour, tap off excess. Dip in egg wash, then coat in breadcrumb mixture. Repeat egg wash and breadcrumb steps for double breading.
  4. Arrange coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot to about 1 inch depth. Heat to 350°F.
  6. Fry 3–4 sticks at a time for 1–2 minutes, turning until deep golden brown. Remove if cheese starts to ooze.
  7. Transfer fried sticks to paper towels to drain and cool for 1 minute.
  8. Optional: Slice red bell peppers into heart shapes. Skewer each cheese stick with a pepper heart and parsley or basil for Cupid’s Arrow look.
  9. Serve immediately with marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

Freeze breaded sticks before frying to prevent cheese leakage. Double breading gives extra crunch. For gluten-free, use GF flour and breadcrumbs. Air fryer or oven baking are alternative methods. Serve hot for best cheese stretch. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days; reheat in oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, cheese sticks, crispy snack, party appetizer, Valentine’s Day, kid-friendly, easy recipe, fried cheese, comfort food, stretchy cheese

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/crispy-cupids-arrow-cheese-sticks-recipe-easy-stretchy-mozzarella-snack/