Description
Spicy hot cheeto mozzarella sticks bring a fiery twist to classic comfort food. Crispy, cheesy goodness combines irresistible crunch with melty cheese, promising a snack that delights taste buds and sparks culinary excitement.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese)
- 3 cups flamin hot cheetos (crushed into fine crumbs)
- 2 large eggs
Coating and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Cooking Ingredient:
- Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Transform the Hot Cheetos into a fine, powdery texture using a food processor or by crushing within a sealed zip-top bag with a rolling pin.
- Enhance the crushed Cheetos mixture by incorporating garlic powder and paprika for an elevated flavor profile.
- Prepare three distinct stations for the coating process: first, a receptacle of flour for initial dusting; second, a whisked combination of eggs and milk; third, the seasoned Hot Cheetos crumb mixture.
- Meticulously enrobe each mozzarella stick by first rolling it thoroughly in flour, ensuring complete coverage.
- Submerge the flour-coated cheese stick into the egg and milk emulsion, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
- Generously roll the moistened cheese stick through the seasoned Hot Cheetos crumbs, creating a vibrant, crunchy exterior.
- For maximum crispiness, repeat the egg wash and Cheetos coating process, building an extra layer of crunchy goodness.
- Arrange the fully coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet, then transfer to the freezer for a minimum of 30 minutes to solidify the coating and prevent cheese from prematurely melting during cooking.
- Heat cooking oil to precisely 375°F in a deep pan, monitoring temperature for optimal frying conditions.
- Carefully lower the frozen mozzarella sticks into the hot oil, frying in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Fry each batch for 30-45 seconds until the exterior achieves a golden, crisp appearance.
- Remove the fried mozzarella sticks and drain excess oil on absorbent paper towels before serving.
Notes
- Freeze the mozzarella sticks thoroughly to prevent cheese from leaking during frying, ensuring a crispy exterior and molten interior.
- Experiment with different spice levels by mixing mild or extra-hot crushed Hot Cheetos for personalized heat intensity.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining the crunchy texture.
- Create a cooling yogurt or ranch dip to balance the spicy Cheeto coating and provide a refreshing contrast to the hot, cheesy snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg