Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of spicy snacks and gooey cheese, these Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are made for you. The crispy, flavorful Hot Cheeto coating provides a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the melty mozzarella cheese. The heat from the Hot Cheetos gives these mozzarella sticks an exciting kick, making them a fun and flavorful treat. They’re easy to make and perfect for game day, parties, or whenever you’re craving a cheesy, spicy snack!

Ingredients

12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
1 1/2 cups Hot Cheetos, crushed (you can use a food processor or crush them in a plastic bag)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup milk (or water)
Oil for frying (vegetable oil or canola oil works best)

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

Directions

1. Prepare the cheese sticks:

Unwrap the mozzarella cheese sticks and cut them in half if you prefer shorter sticks or leave them whole. Freeze the cheese sticks for at least 1 hour to prevent them from melting too quickly during frying.

2. Crush the Hot Cheetos:

Place the Hot Cheetos in a food processor and pulse until they’re finely crushed. Alternatively, you can place them in a zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin until they’re finely ground. Set the crushed Cheetos aside in a shallow bowl.

3. Set up the breading station:

In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or water), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a third shallow bowl, place the crushed Hot Cheetos.

4. Coat the cheese sticks:

Dip each frozen cheese stick first into the flour, making sure it’s lightly coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, roll the cheese stick in the crushed Hot Cheetos, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
For an extra crispy coating, dip the cheese sticks back into the egg mixture and the Hot Cheetos again for a double coating.

5. Fry the mozzarella sticks:

Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. To test the oil, drop in a small piece of bread or batter; it should bubble and sizzle when it hits the oil.
Carefully add the coated cheese sticks to the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry them for 1-2 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcook them, as the cheese can start to melt out.
Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.

6. Serve:

Serve the Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks immediately with a side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 mozzarella sticks
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes (including freezing time)

Variations

Cheese Variations: Try using other types of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy, melty surprise inside.
Oven-Baked Version: For a less oily version, you can bake the mozzarella sticks. After coating them, place the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Double Crunch: For an even crunchier texture, add breadcrumbs (panko or regular) between the layers of Hot Cheetos for a double layer of crispiness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover mozzarella sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until they’re crispy again.

FAQs

Can I use a different brand of cheese sticks?

Yes! You can use any string cheese or cheese sticks that are available, though mozzarella works best for the classic gooey texture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mozzarella sticks ahead of time and store them in the freezer until you’re ready to fry them. Freezing them first helps them hold their shape while frying.

Can I air-fry these mozzarella sticks?

Yes, you can air-fry the Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks! Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and place the sticks in a single layer. Air fry for about 6-8 minutes or until they’re golden and crispy.

What should I serve with these mozzarella sticks?

These Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks pair perfectly with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo or buffalo sauce for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy, cheesy, and crispy snack that’s impossible to resist. The combination of gooey mozzarella with the bold crunch of Hot Cheetos makes for a fun and flavorful treat, perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you’re craving a spicy snack. Easy to make and loaded with flavor, these mozzarella sticks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the heat!

Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe