Jalapeno Cheese Sticks are a spicy twist on the classic snack. They are a flavorful fusion of creamy cheese and fiery jalapenos. Each bite tastes delicious, with a fabulous combination of crispy and gooey textures.
These jalapeno mozzarella sticks are simple to make yet packed with flavor. These are crowd-pleasers with a unique blend of American and Tex-Mex styles.
I find these jalapeño cheese sticks addictive. They're my go-to finger food for game days, parties, or whenever I crave something spicy, like my spicy kale chips.
The flavorful bread crumbs make these jalapeno cheese sticks "yummy" and "OMG, can I have another?"
Best of all, you can prep them in advance, freeze for up to 2 months, and have a quick, tasty appetizer ready whenever you want!
Why You'll Love This Recipe?
⭐️Simple and quick prepping and making.
⭐️Flavorful crispy outside and gooey cheese inside.
⭐️Crowd pleaser and as a perfect for dipping snack.
Ingredients
- Cheese: I have used mozzarella string cheese. However, you can cut blocks of mozzarella or cheddar cheese into sticks.
- All-purpose flour: You can swap it for almond or rice flour.
- Eggs: In this jalapeno cheese sticks recipe, the beaten eggs are the "middleman" in our breading process for these jalapeno mozzarella sticks. They stick to the flour and provide a wet surface for the bread crumbs to cling to. If you're vegan or allergic to eggs, a mixture of flour and water or unsweetened plant-based milk can be an alternative.
- Bread Crumbs form the outer layer, which becomes beautifully crispy when fried. We mix them with jalapenos for extra-flavored Jalapeno cheese sticks.
- Jalapenos: Remove the seeds and white membrane inside the jalapeno peppers. Mince the flesh for maximum flavor and less heat.
- Oil: I have used vegetable oil. However, you can also use canola or peanut oil for frying.
How To Make Jalapeno Cheese Sticks?
- Cut each string cheese in half. Mix diced jalapenos into the bread crumbs.
- Dip each cheese stick into flour, then beat eggs. Repeat the process by double-dipping them and finish by coating them in the jalapeno bread crumbs.
- Place the coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes—meanwhile, heat oil to 375°F in a deep fryer or large saucepan.
- Fry the cheese sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel and serve warm with dipping sauce.
♨️How To Adjust The Heat?
These jalapeño cheese sticks are with a noticeable kick. However, you can control the heat with the following steps.
You can adjust the quantity of the minced jalapeno. You can also substitute bell peppers, which offer color and flavor without the heat.
Make-Ahead Ideas
- You can prepare the jalapeno string cheese through the breading stage and freeze it for 1 to 48 hours.
- You can also freeze the breaded jalapeno string for up to 2 months.
- When you're ready to enjoy them, there's no need to thaw! Just preheat your oil to 375°F and fry them straight from the freezer. You might need to add an extra minute to the frying time, but that's it!
Storage & Reheating
The leftover jalapeño cheese sticks can be used as a pizza topping, wrapped in tortillas, or tossed into a salad.
You can refrigerate leftovers for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months.
To reheat, use an oven or air fryer for the best results. In the oven, heat them for about 12 minutes at 375°F or in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes(or until it's done).
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Remove the seeds and the pith of the jalapeños to lower the heat.
- Whisk the eggs thoroughly until the mixture becomes a smooth, uniform texture.
- You can also double dip for the rich, crispy texture.
FAQ
Pair jalapeño cheese sticks, Caesar salad, or sweet potato fries to balance the flavors with tanginess, crunch, and sweetness. Try guacamole, jalapeno coleslaw, or added richness and spice.
You can. Baking will yield cheese sticks that are less crispy but still delicious. Bake the jalapeno cheese sticks for 10-12 minutes at 400°F.
Why is my breading falling off?
Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the cheese sticks to ensure they adhere well. For an extra layer of security, freeze the breaded cheese sticks before frying.
This is often due to the oil temperature being too low. To avoid this, maintain your frying oil at a steady 375°F.
It's a great alternative, too. Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook the cheese sticks for 8-10 minutes. Turn them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Other Jalapeno Snacking Recipes
📖 Recipe
Jalapeno Cheese Sticks
Ingredients
- 10 string cheese
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 2 jalapenos finely chopped
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut each string cheese in half.
- Mix the finely diced jalapenos into the bread crumbs.
- Dip each cheese stick first into the flour, then into the beaten eggs.
- Double dip-Again dip in the flour and into the egg mixture.
- And finally into the jalapeno bread crumb mixture. Make sure each cheese stick is fully coated.
- Place the coated cheese sticks onto a baking sheet and freeze them for about 30 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375°F.
- Without crowding, fry the cheese sticks in batches until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the cheese sticks from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve warm with a dipping sauce.
Notes
- For milder heat, remove the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeños.
- Double-dipping in flour and breadcrumbs adds extra crispiness.
- For best results, freeze the breaded cheese sticks for at least 30 minutes before frying.
Beth says
Hot peppers and cheese are always a great combination. I served these last night with burgers and dipping sauces, and they were devoured!
Dina and Bruce says
Mixing the peppers into the bread crumbs is genius. These were so good for our movie night as a snack! Next time gonna make a double batch!
Mahy says
I love these sticks! I mean, they are the perfect entertainer, and just what my friends adore!