Fried Cheese Sticks Three Ways

I am a chef on a luxury world cruise liner. I love to cook and write recipes that are inspired by foods from all over the world.

Fried cheese sticks are a favorite finger food in the Philippines. They are commonly served as pulutan (a beer-match food, or a snack paired with beer) along with a delicious ketchup-mayonnaise dip.

Check out the three different ways to prepare this delightful snack:

1. With lumpia wrappers
2. With bread crumbs
3. With a flour coating

Utensils

For Preparation:

• bowls
• plates
• spoon
• knife
• chopping board

For Cooking:

• frying pan
• tongs
• bowl
• strainer

1. Cheese Sticks Wrapped in Lumpia Wrappers

Prep time: 15 min Cook time: 15 min Ready in: 30 min Yields: 2 to 3 servings

Ingredients:

• 10 lumpia wrappers
• 200 grams cheese sticks
• Small amount of water and cornstarch mixture, for sealing
• Cooking oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix water and cornstarch in a small bowl. Set aside.
2. Cut each lumpia wrapper in half. Stack up the pieces.
3. Take the first half lumpia wrapper. Line two cheese sticks on top. Make sure to place it at least 1 inch above the cut edge of the wrapper, leaving at least 1-inch space on each side.
4. Fold the lumpia wrapper from the bottom to the center. Then fold the wrapper from both the left and right side to the center. From there, start rolling it up.
5. Seal the top part of the wrapper with cornstarch and water mixture.
6. Repeat steps 2 to 4 with the remaining ingredients.
7. Once done, set up a frying pan. Heat enough amount of oil to deep-fry the cheese sticks.
8. Fry each piece until golden brown. Drain any excess oil.
9. Serve with your favorite dip.

Tips and Techniques:

1. For a stringy texture, use mozzarella cheese.
2. Combine cornstarch and water to properly seal the cheese sticks in lumpia wrapper.
3. Lay a paper towel on a plate or use a strainer to absorb or drain the excess oil.
4. Serve this snack with any of your favorite dips.

2. Cheese Sticks in Bread Crumbs

Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 15 min Ready in: 20 min Yields: 2 to 3 servings

Ingredients:

• 200 grams cheese sticks
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• salt
• black pepper
• cooking oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Season the bread crumbs and flour with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge the cheese sticks into the mixture of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
3. Freeze the cheese sticks to let the breading set.
4. In a frying pan, heat enough oil for deep-frying.
5. Once the oil is ready, fry the cheese sticks until golden brown. Drain the excess oil.
6. Serve with your favorite dip.

Tips and Techniques:

1. For a stringy texture, use mozzarella cheese.
2. Lay a paper towel on a plate or use a strainer to absorb or drain the excess oil.
3. For a thicker breading, coat the cheese sticks twice.
4. For variation, add other herbs and spices.
5. Freezing allows the breading to set.
6. For best results, do not overcrowd the frying pan.
7. Serve with any of your favorite dips.

3. Cheese Sticks With a Flour Coating

Prep time: 5 min Cook time: 15 min Ready in: 20 min Yields: 2 to 3 servings

Ingredients:

For the batter:

• 1/4 cup + 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1/8 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup + 3 tbsps water
• 1/4 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper

Other ingredients:

• 200 grams cheese sticks
• Cooking oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Add water. Dilute all the dry ingredients properly. Set aside.
3. In a frying pan, heat enough oil for deep-frying.
4. Once the oil is ready, coat each cheese stick with the batter mixture. Then, deep-fry until golden brown.
5. Serve with your favorite dip.

Tips and Techniques:

1. For a stringy texture, use mozzarella cheese.
2. Lay a paper towel on a plate or use a strainer to absorb or drain the excess oil.
3. For variation, add other herbs and spices.
4. For best results, do not overcrowd the frying pan.
5. Serve with any of your favorite dips.

Video: Fried Cheese Sticks Three Ways

More Delicious Pulutan Recipes

• How to Make Chicken Lollipops Out of Chicken Wings
  How do you make chicken lollipops? I make mine with either the wingettes or drumettes of chicken wings. I'll show you my step-by-step procedure for making this delicious finger food.
• How to Cook Calamares Fritos With Aioli
  Calamares fritos, or fried squid, makes an easy and delicious appetizer. The aioli on the side is the perfect accompaniment. Follow this simple recipe to make this delectable seafood dish at home.

© 2020 Travel Chef

Comments

Travel Chef (author) from Manila on July 25, 2020:

Hi Sp Greaney,

You're right, this recipe is really perfect for parties. You should try it next time.

Sp Greaney from Ireland on July 15, 2020:

This is such a great party snack idea. I've never heard of these before but they look tasty.

Travel Chef (author) from Manila on March 26, 2020:

Hi Pamela,

Yes, it's easy to make. You may also prepare cheese sticks ahead of time and store it in your freezer. Just pull it out once you're craving for it. I hope you try our recipe! Enjoy!

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on March 26, 2020:

Cheese sticks sound good, and this recipe doesn't sound to difficult.