Description
These Irresistible Cottage Cheese Cheese Sticks are a delicious and crispy snack perfect for cheese lovers. Made with a combination of creamy cottage cheese and melted mozzarella, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried cheese sticks without compromising on taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Cottage Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Coating
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
- 2 large eggs
For Baking
- Cooking spray or olive oil for frying (to crisp the cheese sticks)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid in even cooking.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Beat Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy; this will be used to coat the cheese sticks and help breadcrumbs adhere.
- Form and Coat Cheese Sticks: Take a small portion of the cheese mixture and shape it into a stick. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then roll it in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. Repeat this process for all the cheese sticks.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to ensure proper baking.
- Add Oil Spray: Lightly spray or drizzle the sticks with cooking spray or olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese sticks turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese sticks to set and avoid burning your mouth.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, freeze the shaped cheese sticks for 30 minutes before coating and baking.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs if preferred to suit dietary needs.
- Can be served with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
- Do not overload the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Make sure to cool slightly before serving to prevent cheese leakage.
