Description
Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are a fiery, crunchy, and cheesy snack that takes your classic mozzarella sticks to the next level. Coated in crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, these gooey cheese sticks are bold, spicy, and perfect for game days, parties, or when you’re craving an indulgent treat. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for the ultimate dipping experience.
Ingredients
-
1 bag (8.5 oz or approx. 6 cups) Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, crushed (about 3 cups crushed)
-
12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
-
½ cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
-
1 tsp kosher salt
-
½ tsp garlic powder
-
4 large eggs, room temperature
-
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
-
Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
Instructions
-
Prep the Cheeto Coating: Place Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed. Transfer to a shallow bowl.
-
Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, combine flour, salt, and garlic powder. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third, place the crushed Cheetos.
-
Bread the Cheese Sticks: Dip each cheese stick into the flour mixture, then the egg, then the crushed Cheetos. For extra coating, repeat egg and Cheetos steps.
-
Freeze: Place coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
-
Fry or Air Fry:
-
Fry Method: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry for 2–3 minutes until crispy.
-
Air Fryer Method: Preheat to 390°F (200°C). Air fry for 6–8 minutes until golden and gooey.
-
-
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
Don’t skip freezing—this prevents the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
For less mess, use tongs or gloves while breading.
Make them ahead and store frozen until ready to cook.
Try using pepper jack or cheddar sticks for a flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying, Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hot cheeto mozzarella sticks, spicy cheese sticks, flamin’ hot cheetos snack, game day appetizer, viral snack recipe, party food