Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks

Looking for a bold twist on a classic snack? Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect combination of gooey, melty cheese and crunchy, spicy Cheetos coating. These bite-sized treats bring the heat and satisfy your cravings for both cheese and spice in one go. Whether you’re serving them at a party, watching the big game, or just indulging in a spicy snack, these mozzarella sticks are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold Flavor

The spicy, cheesy Hot Cheetos give these mozzarella sticks a flavorful punch, adding a unique twist to the traditional recipe.

2. Crunchy Exterior

The Hot Cheetos coating creates a crispy, crunchy exterior that perfectly complements the melty mozzarella cheese inside.

3. Easy to Make

With only a few ingredients and simple steps, these mozzarella sticks come together quickly and easily, making them a great snack or appetizer.

4. Fun and Flavorful

These mozzarella sticks are a fun way to enjoy the heat of Hot Cheetos while indulging in the gooey cheese, making them an instant crowd-pleaser.

5. Perfect for Dipping

Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for an extra layer of flavor and dip to your heart’s content!

Ingredients

• 1 bag (8.5 ounces / 6 cups) flaming hot Cheetos, crushed (3 cups)
• 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• Chopped parsley, for garnish
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping

Variations

• Cheese Types: You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar, pepper jack, or any other melty cheese of your choice.
• Cheetos Flavor: If you’re not into the heat, you can use regular Cheetos or even cheese-flavored Cheetos for a milder version.
• Add Extra Spice: For more heat, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder into the flour mixture or on top of the Cheetos coating.
• Vegetarian Option: For a meatless alternative, these mozzarella sticks are already vegetarian-friendly—just make sure the dipping sauce is too!

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cheeto Coating

Place the 8.5-ounce bag of flaming hot Cheetos into a large resealable plastic bag or bowl. Crush the Cheetos into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or food processor until you have about 3 cups of crushed Cheetos.

Step 2: Prepare the Dipping Station

In one shallow bowl, combine ½ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. In a second shallow bowl, beat the 4 eggs. In a third shallow bowl, place the crushed Hot Cheetos crumbs.

Step 3: Coat the Cheese Sticks

Take each mozzarella stick (12 sticks cut in half) and first dip it into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Then, dip the floured cheese stick into the beaten egg mixture. Finally, coat the cheese stick in the crushed Hot Cheetos crumbs, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well.

Step 4: Heat Oil for Frying

In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to submerge the mozzarella sticks halfway (about 2-3 inches of oil).

Step 5: Fry the Mozzarella Sticks

Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a small piece of bread—if it sizzles, it’s ready), carefully place the coated mozzarella sticks into the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 6: Drain and Garnish

Once the mozzarella sticks are cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 7: Serve with Dipping Sauce

Serve the Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks hot and crispy with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill the Cheese: If your cheese sticks start to melt too quickly while frying, chill them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before frying. This will help the cheese stay intact while frying.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
• Monitor the Heat: Make sure the oil is hot enough for frying, but not smoking. If the oil is too hot, the outside may burn before the cheese melts.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh mozzarella sticks for the best melting and flavor. Pre-packaged, older mozzarella may not melt as well.

How to Serve

These Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party food. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, blue cheese, or even a spicy marinara sauce. They also make an excellent accompaniment to a game day spread or a movie night with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, reheat them in the oven or air fryer rather than the microwave.

Freezing

If you want to prepare them ahead of time, freeze the un-fried coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a ziplock bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to fry, you can cook them directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the frying time.

Reheating

To reheat, place the leftover mozzarella sticks in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I make these mozzarella sticks ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep and coat the mozzarella sticks ahead of time and freeze them. Fry them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them.

2. What can I substitute for the Cheetos?

If you don’t have Hot Cheetos, you can use regular Cheetos or any other type of spicy snack that crushes easily, like Flamin’ Hot Doritos.

3. Can I bake these instead of frying them?

While frying gives the best results for a crispy exterior, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Just keep in mind that they may not be as crispy as fried.

4. Can I use a different cheese for these sticks?

Yes, you can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.

5. How can I make these spicier?

Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the flour mixture or sprinkle some additional chili powder over the cooked mozzarella sticks for an extra kick.

6. How do I keep the cheese from leaking out during frying?

Make sure your mozzarella sticks are well-coated with the Cheetos mixture and chill them before frying. This helps prevent the cheese from leaking out.

7. Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! To make them in an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and air fry for 5-7 minutes or until golden and crispy.

8. Can I use a different type of flour?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

9. Can I make a non-spicy version?

Yes, you can use regular Cheetos or even breadcrumbs to make a non-spicy version.

10. How do I know when they’re done frying?

The mozzarella sticks are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, usually within 2-3 minutes of frying.

Conclusion

Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are a fun, flavorful twist on a classic favorite, delivering a satisfying crunch and a spicy kick. With their crispy Hot Cheetos coating and gooey cheese center, these mozzarella sticks are perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors. Whether for a party, a game day snack, or a fun treat at home, these mozzarella sticks will quickly become a favorite go-to snack!

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