Breaded cheese, sometimes called cheese sticks, is a popular appetizer or side dish consisting of cheese that has been battered or breaded and then deep fried. There are a few different names used to refer to breaded cheese depending on the specific preparation:
Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are probably the most common type of breaded cheese. They are made by taking mozzarella cheese, cutting it into stick shapes, breading or battering it, and then deep frying it until the outside is crispy and the cheese inside is melted. Mozzarella is a good choice for breaded cheese because it has a mild flavor and melts very well.
Cheddar Cheese Curds
Cheese curds are a fresh, squeaky form of cheese that are often breaded and fried, especially cheddar cheese curds. The curds maintain their shape when fried so you get delicious little fried nuggets of cheddar. Cheese curds are popular in dishes like poutine and are a staple appetizer in many restaurants in Wisconsin.
Halloumi
Halloumi is a firm, salty cheese from Cyprus that holds its shape well when cooked. Slices of halloumi can be battered and fried for a unique take on breaded cheese. The fried halloumi develops a crispy brown exterior while the interior stays soft and cheesy.
Pepper Jack Cheese
For a spicy, southwestern twist, slices of pepper jack cheese can be breaded and fried. The melted pepper jack cheese will have a kick of heat and a delicious gooey texture inside the crunchy exterior.
Provolone Cheese
Provolone is an Italian cheese that comes in sliced forms perfect for breading and frying. The provolone slices will melt into a creamy, smooth texture when fried. Fried provolone cheese is a popular appetizer in Italian restaurants.
Swiss Cheese
Sliced Swiss cheese can also be breaded and fried for a delicious appetizer. The nutty, slightly sweet flavor of Swiss cheese comes through when it’s fried. Fried Swiss cheese can be served plain or with fruit compotes as a dessert.
Cheddar Cheese
For a classic flavor, cheddar cheese slices can be breaded and fried. The crispy coating gives way to the creamy, tangy cheddar interior. Fried cheddar cheese sticks are sure to please any cheese lover.
Asiago Cheese
Asiago is a hard Italian cheese that can be sliced and breaded for frying. When fried, the Asiago develops a delicious crust and the inside gets soft and gooey with an intense cheese flavor.
Fontina Cheese
Fontina is a semi-soft Italian cheese that melts very well when breaded and fried. Fried fontina sticks end up with an oozy, stringy interior encased in the crisp breaded exterior.
Conclusion
While there are many types of cheeses that can be breaded and fried, some of the most popular include mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss, provolone, Asiago, fontina, halloumi, and cheese curds. The specific preparation is also important – cheese can be battered, breaded with breadcrumbs or flour, or used to make cheese sticks, curds, slices, or sticks. Whatever the type of cheese used, breaded deep-fried cheese is a delicious, indulgent appetizer or snack.
Common Names for Breaded Cheese
Here is a table summarizing some of the most common names used for different types of breaded deep-fried cheese:
| Name | Cheese Used | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella sticks | Mozzarella | Cut into stick shapes, breaded/battered |
| Cheese curds | Cheddar curds | Breaded cheddar curds |
| Fried halloumi | Halloumi | Sliced, breaded halloumi |
| Fried pepper jack | Pepper jack | Sliced, breaded pepper jack |
| Fried provolone | Provolone | Sliced, breaded provolone |
| Fried Swiss cheese | Swiss cheese | Sliced, breaded Swiss |
| Fried cheddar cheese | Cheddar | Sliced, breaded cheddar |
| Fried Asiago | Asiago | Sliced, breaded Asiago |
| Fried fontina | Fontina | Sliced, breaded fontina |
What kinds of cheese are usually breaded?
In general, cheeses that are good for breading and frying should melt well and hold their shape when cooked. This allows for a melted interior with a crispy breaded exterior. Some of the types of cheese most commonly breaded and fried include:
- Mozzarella – Its mild flavor and excellent melting makes it perfect for mozzarella sticks.
- Cheddar – Both young, fresh cheddar curds and aged cheddar slices work well breaded.
- Provolone – Melts smoothly when fried.
- Swiss – Can be sliced and breaded, with its nutty sweetness coming through.
- Fontina – Gets stretchy and oozy when melted.
- Asiago – Hard cheese that softens to gooey when fried.
- Pepper jack – Imparts a spicy kick to fried cheese.
- Halloumi – Salty, firm cheese that keeps its shape.
The firm, sliceable textures of cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, provolone, Asiago, and halloumi allow them to be cut into sticks or slices that can be easily breaded. Softer cheeses like mozzarella and fontina work well when formed into sticks or logs for breading. The melting properties of these cheeses results in the ideal gooey interior texture.
Aged, hard cheeses tend to become softer and stringier when melted, unlike fresh cheeses like mozzarella and cheese curds that retain their shape better during frying. The choice of cheese impacts the final fried texture.
What is the breading process for cheese?
The basic breading process for cheese sticks, slices, or curds is:
- Cut or form the cheese into sticks, slices, logs, or curds.
- Set up breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs/panko.
- Coat cheese in flour first, dip in beaten egg, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
- Let breaded cheese rest 5-10 minutes so coating adheres.
- Fry breaded cheese in 350°F oil until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
The egg wash helps the breading stick to the cheese. Some recipes may skip the initial flour dredging. The key is evenly coating the cheese so the crunchy breading doesn’t separate from the melted center when bitten into.
Breading helps seal in moisture and allows the cheese interior to get hot and melty before the crust burns. Frying temperature should be between 325-375°F for best results. Letting breaded cheese rest before frying also helps ensure the breading sticks.
What are good dipping sauces for breaded cheese?
Breaded cheese like mozzarella sticks and cheese curds pair deliciously with a variety of dipping sauces including:
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Nacho cheese sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Honey mustard
- Buffalo hot sauce
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
Cool, creamy sauces help balance out the hot, crispy cheese. Tomato-based sauces like marinara and salsa complement the cheese flavor. Spicy sauces like Buffalo and nacho cheese add a kick. Sweet and savory sauces like BBQ, honey mustard, and ranch are always crowd-pleasers.
What are good side dishes with breaded cheese?
Breaded cheese makes a tasty starter or side to a variety of dishes like:
- Salads – garden, Caesar, taco salad
- Soups – tomato soup, broccoli cheddar soup
- Sandwiches – burgers, grilled cheese, Philly cheesesteak
- Pizza
- Pasta dishes – baked ziti, spaghetti and meatballs
- Appetizer spreads – veggies and dip, crackers and cheese
- Finger foods – chicken tenders, onion rings, wings
Sides like fresh vegetables, seasoned fries, coleslaw, or house salad balance out the rich fried cheese. Breaded cheese also makes an indulgent topper for burgers, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, or soups.
For a delicious cheese-centric meal, try pairing breaded cheese sticks with a cheese board featuring cheddar, Brie, Gouda, fresh fruit, nuts, and crisp bread or crackers.
With its universally loved melted cheese appeal, breaded deep fried cheese complements a wide variety of savory dishes!