Name: Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks
Prep time: 14 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 44 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bag (8.5 ounces / 6 cups) Flaming Hot Cheetos, crushed (about 3 cups); 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half; ½ cup all-purpose flour (62.5g); 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love bold flavors and crispy snacks, this recipe is for you. The Hot Cheeto crust adds a spicy and flavorful twist to the traditional mozzarella stick, while the gooey cheese inside creates the perfect contrast. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or game day treat, these mozzarella sticks are packed with flavor and texture. Plus, they’re simple to make with a few ingredients and are a fun way to enjoy something new!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 bag (8.5 ounces / 6 cups) Flaming Hot Cheetos, crushed (about 3 cups)
12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
½ cup all-purpose flour (62.5g)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
4 large eggs, room temperature
Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)

Directions

Prepare the Cheetos Coating:
- Place the crushed Flaming Hot Cheetos in a shallow bowl and set aside.
Prepare the Dredging Station:
- In a separate shallow bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, and garlic powder.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Dip each mozzarella stick first into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s coated evenly.
- Then dip it into the egg mixture, followed by coating it in the crushed Hot Cheetos.
- Repeat this process for each mozzarella stick.
Freeze the Sticks:
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes to help the sticks hold their shape while frying.
Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through for even cooking.
Serve:
- Place the fried mozzarella sticks on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 24 mozzarella sticks
Total Time: 44 minutes (including freezing)
Prep Time: 14 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Milder Version: If you prefer a less spicy option, you can swap the Flaming Hot Cheetos for regular Cheetos for a milder flavor.
Baked Version: For a slightly healthier alternative, bake the mozzarella sticks at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. They may not be as crispy as the fried version, but they’ll still be delicious.
Cheese Varieties: Try using other types of cheese sticks such as cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover mozzarella sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for the best texture.

FAQs

How can I make these mozzarella sticks less spicy?

You can substitute regular Cheetos for the Flaming Hot Cheetos if you prefer a milder version of the mozzarella sticks.

Can I bake the mozzarella sticks instead of frying them?

Yes! For a healthier alternative, you can bake them at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. They won’t be as crispy as fried mozzarella sticks, but they will still taste delicious.

How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out while frying?

Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying them helps keep the cheese inside. Make sure they’re frozen for at least 30 minutes before frying.

Can I make these mozzarella sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and coat the mozzarella sticks ahead of time, then freeze them for up to 24 hours before frying.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! While mozzarella is traditional, you can use other types of cheese sticks like cheddar, pepper jack, or even string cheese for variety.

What dipping sauces go well with these mozzarella sticks?

These sticks pair well with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a tangy marinara sauce for dipping.

How long should I freeze the mozzarella sticks before frying?

For the best results, freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while frying and prevents the cheese from spilling out.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! You can double the ingredients to make a larger batch, but be sure to fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer or pan.

Are these mozzarella sticks suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it only contains cheese, flour, and eggs. However, be sure to check the Cheetos ingredients if you’re concerned about potential animal products.

Can I make these mozzarella sticks without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a mixture of flour and water or a vegan egg substitute like aquafaba if you’re avoiding eggs.

Conclusion

Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are a deliciously fiery twist on the classic snack that will elevate any appetizer spread. With their crunchy, spicy coating and gooey cheese center, these sticks are perfect for satisfying your cravings for something bold and unique. Whether you fry or bake them, they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering!