Deliciously Cheesy Cottage Cheese Sticks
Deliciously Cheesy Cottage Cheese Sticks are a crispy, gooey, and flavorful snack that combines the creamy texture of cottage cheese with the melty stretch of mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a quick snack or appetizer, these sticks feature a golden crunchy crust and a soft interior, making them ideal for any occasion. With simple wholesome ingredients and customizable flavors, they offer a lighter yet indulgent cheesy experience that’s sure to please.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sticks 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup well-drained cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 beaten egg (for dipping)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
Cooking
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for frying or baking)
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the well-drained cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended, forming a creamy cheesy batter.
- Shape the Sticks: Using your hands or a spoon, scoop the mixture and form rectangular sticks roughly the size of traditional mozzarella sticks. Place them on a parchment-lined tray for easier handling in the next steps.
- Coat with Flour and Breadcrumbs: Roll each stick lightly in all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free), then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat generously with breadcrumbs. This triple layer ensures a crispy, golden crust once cooked.
- Cook to Crispy Perfection: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat or preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Fry the sticks in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on all sides, or bake them on a greased sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Remove the sticks from heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes to firm up before serving. This helps the gooey cheese set perfectly for the ideal bite.
Notes
- Drain excess liquid from cottage cheese well to prevent soggy sticks.
- Chill shaped sticks in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before coating to help them hold their form.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature and even crispiness.
- Use fine or panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier crust.
- Serve the sticks warm for the best melty and crispy experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cottage cheese sticks, cheesy snacks, appetizers, gluten-free cheese sticks, baked cheese sticks, mozzarella sticks alternative