Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are a fiery twist on the classic snack that’s crispy, cheesy, and bursting with bold flavor. Coated with crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, these sticks offer a crunchy, spicy bite that’s perfect for game day or a fun appetizer.

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

1. Step 1: Place Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed. Transfer the crushed Cheetos to a shallow bowl.
2. Step 2: Set up a breading station with three bowls: in the first, combine flour, salt, and garlic powder; in the second, beat the eggs; and in the third, place the crushed Cheetos.
3. Step 3: Dip each mozzarella stick first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the crushed Cheetos. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and Cheeto steps once more.
4. Step 4: Arrange the coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours. This helps prevent the cheese from melting out during cooking.
5. Step 5: Cook the sticks either by frying or air frying. To fry, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the sticks for 2–3 minutes until crispy and golden. To air fry, preheat to 390°F (200°C) and air fry for 6–8 minutes until golden and gooey.
6. Step 6: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Don’t skip freezing the coated sticks; it ensures the cheese stays intact while cooking.
• Use tongs or gloves while breading to keep your hands clean and ensure even coating.
• Make the coated sticks ahead of time and keep them frozen until ready to cook for convenience.
• Try substituting mozzarella with pepper jack or cheddar cheese sticks for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness. Uncooked, coated sticks can be kept frozen for up to one month before cooking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Baking is not recommended as the intense heat needed for crispiness usually requires frying or air frying. For best results, use the air fryer method for a crispy exterior without the oil.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Freezing the coated sticks before cooking is essential as it helps the cheese firm up, reducing the chance of it oozing out during frying or air frying.

Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 53 reviews

These Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy, crispy twist on a classic appetizer. Coated in crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, they deliver a fiery crunch paired with gooey melted mozzarella cheese inside. Perfect as a snack or party appetizer, they can be cooked either by frying or air frying for a hot, cheesy treat served with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes frying or 8 minutes air frying
• Total Time: 50 minutes including freezing
• Yield: 24 mozzarella sticks (12 sticks cut in half) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Coating

• 1 bag (8.5 oz or approx. 6 cups) Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, crushed (about 3 cups crushed)

Cheese Sticks

• 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half

Breading Station

• ½ cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 4 large eggs, room temperature

Garnish & Serving

• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping

Instructions

1. Prep the Cheeto Coating: Place Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed. Transfer the crushed Cheetos to a shallow bowl to prepare for breading.
2. Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three bowls: one with the flour, kosher salt, and garlic powder mixed; the second with beaten eggs; and the third with the crushed Cheetos.
3. Bread the Cheese Sticks: Dip each mozzarella stick half first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, followed by the crushed Cheetos. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and Cheetos dip once more.
4. Freeze: Place the breaded cheese sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours. This step prevents cheese from oozing out during cooking.
5. Cook the Cheese Sticks: Choose your cooking method:
   • Frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot or fryer. Fry the cheese sticks for 2–3 minutes until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
   • Air Frying: Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Arrange cheese sticks in a single layer and air fry for 6–8 minutes until golden and melted inside.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Notes

• Freezing the coated sticks before cooking is essential to keep the cheese from leaking out during frying or air frying.
• Using tongs or gloves while breading cuts down on mess and keeps your hands clean.
• You can prepare these ahead of time, freeze, and cook just before serving for convenience.
• Try substituting mozzarella with pepper jack or cheddar cheese sticks for a different flavor profile.

Keywords: Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks, spicy appetizer, crispy cheese sticks, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, air fryer snack, fried mozzarella sticks, party food, cheesy snacks