These Mediterranean Hottzzarella Sticks have a gooey texture and flexible mozzarella middle. We prepare these cheese sticks with mozzarella, all-purpose flour, eggs, milk, panko breadcrumbs, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, garlic powder, chili flakes, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and olive oil spray. These sticks have around 320 calories and 16 grams of protein. We make these cheese sticks in about 30 minutes. These Mediterranean Hottzzarella Sticks are ideal for game-day gatherings, family movie nights, party platters, festive celebrations, casual snacking, and Mediterranean-inspired menus. We can bake, air-fry, or deep-fry them, and they stay crisp and delicious with any cooking method. These sticks can be served with garlic aioli, basil pesto, spicy harissa yogurt, marinara sauce, or tzatziki dip.
STATS:
- Course: Appetizer, Snack
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Diet: Mediterranean
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Cook time: 8 minutes
- Portion size: 4 sticks
- Cooking mode: Air fryer, Oven, Deep fry
- Total servings: 4
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Total time: 30 minutes
TOOLS:
- Bowls
- Chopping board
- Sheet
- Slotted spoon
- Knife
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
INGREDIENTS:
- 12 sticks of Mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 tbsp Milk
- ½ tsp Black pepper
- 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp thyme
- Olive oil spray
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- ½ tsp Chili flakes
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- ½ tsp Salt
INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:
MOZZARELLA CHEESE:
- It gives these sticks their elastic, oozy texture. You can use vegan mozzarella substitutes, provolone, or cheddar sticks.
PANKO BREADCRUMBS:
- To add more crunch and crispiness, we use panko breadcrumbs. Instead, you may use ordinary breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or gluten-free crumbs.
MEDITERRANEAN HERBS:
- Aromatic Mediterranean flavor and depth are provided by these herbs. Alternatively, you can use freshly chopped herbs or Italian spice mix.
CHILI FLAKES:
- A mildly spicy “hottzzarella” kick is added with chili flakes. As spicy alternative, you can use cayenne or paprika.
LEMON ZEST:
- The cheese will have a rich flavor and texture thanks to the lemon zest. A tiny bit of lemon juice can be used in its place.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Make equal sticks of mozzarella by cutting it, and completely dry them.
- We freeze all the cheese sticks for almost forty-five minutes.
- Stir the breadcrumbs with lemon zest, basil, pepper, oregano, salt, garlic powder, thyme, and chili flakes.
- We coat all the frozen cheese sticks with the flour.
- Then dip these sticks into the mixture of egg.
- We roll them in the mixture of breadcrumbs and gently press them.
- Coat them a second time with the breadcrumbs and egg mixture for additional
- Return them to the freezer and keep them there for nearly fifteen minutes before cooking.
- You can air-fry them for almost eight minutes at 200°Celcius.
- Bake them for almost twelve minutes at 220°Celcius.
- We can deep fry them till they get a golden texture for almost two minutes at 170°Celcius oil.
- Serve these hottzzarella Sticks quickly when the cheese texture is flexible and warm.
TIPS:
- Include Parmesan in the breadcrumbs for additional richness.
- Coat it twice to avoid cheese leakage.
- Serve quickly to get a maximum cheese texture.
- Avoid crowding the pan too much while frying.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
DIPS & SAUCES:
- Marinara Sauce
- Tzatziki Dip
- Garlic Aioli
- Harissa Yogurt Sauce
- Basil Pesto
SIDE DISHES:
- Greek Salad
- Roasted Vegetable Medley
- Hummus & Pita Platter
- Lemon Herb Couscous
- Cucumber Yogurt Salad
PARTY & APPETIZER PLATTERS:
- Mezze Platter
- Olive & Cheese Board
- Stuffed Grape Leaves
- Falafel Bites
- Mini Bruschetta
LIGHT MEAL PAIRINGS:
- Chicken Shawarma Wrap
- Grilled Halloumi Sandwich
- Mediterranean Veggie Wrap
- Pita Falafel Wrap
- Grilled Chicken Panini
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Put these sticks in a closed box and stock them for almost two days.
FREEZER:
- Store these breaded and uncooked sticks for nearly 30-60 days.
FAQs:
May we prepare these cheese sticks by baking?
- Yes, you can bake these cheese sticks at 220°Celcius for almost ten minutes.
How could we prepare these cheese sticks more crispy?
- Coat them twice and use panko breadcrumbs.
Could we utilize fresh mozzarella?
- We do not suggest using fresh mozzarella, as it will have extra moisture content.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS:
Calories: 320 kcal
Sodium: 480 mg
Net carbs: 18 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Sugar: 2 g
Fats: 18 g
Proteins: 16 g
Portion Size: 4 sticks
Total carbs: 20 g