Fried Cheese Sticks with Tomato Dipping Sauce
Crispy fried cheese sticks served with a flavorful tomato dipping sauce.
Crispy fried cheese sticks served with a flavorful tomato dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Cheese Sticks
- 16piecestring cheese sticks
- 1/2cupall-purpose flour
- 1/2tspEmeril’s Essence
- 2pieceeggs
- 1/4cupmilk
- 1 1/2cupspanko crumbs
- 1tbspdried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Canola oil for frying
Dipping Sauce
- 19ozcan tomato sauce
- 2clovegarlic, minced
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1/2tspcrushed red pepper
- 1tspItalian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Emeril’s Essence
- 2 1/2tbsppaprika
- 2tbspsalt
- 2tbspgarlic powder
- 1tbspblack pepper
- 1tbsponion powder
- 1tbspcayenne pepper
- 1tbspdried oregano
- 1tbspdried thyme
How to make Fried Cheese Sticks with Tomato Dipping Sauce
Prepare Emeril’s Essence
Mix paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme together.
Prepare Cheese Sticks
Unwrap cheese sticks and cut them in half.
In the first bowl, combine flour and Emeril’s Essence.
In the second bowl, beat eggs with milk.
In the third bowl, mix panko crumbs, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Dip cheese sticks first in flour, then egg, and finally panko. Place them on a cookie sheet and freeze for 20-30 minutes.
Prepare Dipping Sauce
Heat olive oil in a small saucepan and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
Add tomato sauce, red pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Fry Cheese Sticks
Heat canola oil in a wok or large deep frying pan.
Fry cheese sticks in batches until golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan.
Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Serve immediately with the tomato sauce.
Tips & Tricks
Ensure cheese sticks are well frozen before frying to prevent cheese from leaking out.
Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper in the sauce to control the spiciness.
FAQS
Can I use a different type of cheese for the cheese sticks?
Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar, but keep in mind that the texture and melting properties may vary.
How can I make the tomato dipping sauce spicier?
You can add more crushed red pepper or include fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce to increase the heat level.
What can I substitute for panko crumbs?
If you don't have panko crumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture may not be as crispy.
Can I prepare the cheese sticks in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese sticks and freeze them before frying. Just make sure to fry them straight from the freezer for best results.
What is Emeril’s Essence, and can I make my own?
Emeril’s Essence is a blend of spices that adds flavor to dishes. You can make your own by mixing paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
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Saramin
(@678sarin)
My name is Saramin is a culinary enthusiast with a flair for transforming everyday ingredients into delightful, flavour-packed dishes. Passionate about home cooking, Sarin specializes in creating easy-to-follow recipes inspired by global cuisines. With a focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients, they make cooking accessible and enjoyable for cooks at any level. My name is Saramin is a culinary enthusiast with a flair for transforming everyday ingredients into delightful, flavour-packed dishes. Passionate about home cooking, Sarin specializes...
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