Pepper Jack Cheese Sticks
Crunchy, gooey, and bursting with bold flavor, these Pepper Jack Cheese Sticks are the ultimate snack or appetizer for spice lovers. Made with creamy Pepper Jack cheese, this recipe elevates traditional cheese sticks by adding a zesty kick that pairs perfectly with the crispy, golden Panko breadcrumb coating infused with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and just a hint of smoky paprika. The double-dipping technique ensures an extra-crunchy texture, while a quick freeze before frying keeps the cheese perfectly melty without losing its shape. Whether served with tangy marinara or cool ranch dipping sauce, these fried cheese sticks are a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare in just 25 minutes of active time. Perfect for game days, parties, or indulgent snacking, these homemade Pepper Jack Cheese Sticks deliver gourmet quality right from your kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Pepper Jack cheese
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons Paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
- 3 cups Vegetable oil
Instructions
Cut the Pepper Jack cheese into 3-inch long sticks, about 1/2-inch wide and thick. You should get approximately 12 sticks.
Place the flour in a shallow dish. In a second shallow dish, whisk the eggs with 2 tablespoons of water. In a third shallow dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Dredge each cheese stick in the flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Tap off any excess flour.
Dip the floured cheese stick into the egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
Coat the cheese stick evenly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating a second time.
Place the coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the sticks for at least 1 hour to prevent the cheese from melting during frying.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there is enough oil to fully submerge the cheese sticks.
Fry the cheese sticks in small batches for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the cheese sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve immediately with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1864 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 176.6 g | 226% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.4 g | 167% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 100.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 154 mg | 51% | |
| Sodium | 954 mg | 41% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 57.6 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g | ||
| Protein | 25.1 g | 50% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 458 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 136 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
