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Crispy Pepper Jack Cheese Sticks

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These crispy Pepper Jack cheese sticks are the ultimate game-day snack, featuring a spicy kick, gooey cheese center, and shatteringly crisp panko crust. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for parties, family gatherings, or anytime you crave a comforting, cheesy treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) block Pepper Jack cheese, cut into sticks (about 16 sticks, 3.5” x 0.5” x 0.5” each)
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups (90 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup (30 g) fine dry breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Canola, vegetable, or peanut oil (at least 2 cups / 480 ml for frying) OR olive oil spray for baking/air frying
  • Marinara sauce, ranch, or chipotle mayo, for serving
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut the Pepper Jack cheese block into sticks about 3.5” x 0.5” x 0.5”. You should get roughly 16 sticks. If the cheese is sticky, chill it in the freezer for 10 minutes first.
  2. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko and fine breadcrumbs mixed with smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Working one stick at a time, roll cheese in flour (tap off excess), dip into egg, then press into breadcrumb mixture. Repeat: dip in egg again, then breadcrumbs again for a double coating. Place each stick on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Freeze the breaded cheese sticks for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) until solid.
  5. For frying: Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry cheese sticks in batches (4–6 at a time) for 1–2 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crispy. Remove to a wire rack.
  6. For baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange frozen sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, mist with olive oil spray, and bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and bubbly.
  7. For air frying: Place frozen sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, mist with oil spray, and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway, until crisp and golden.
  8. Let cheese sticks rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro.

Notes

Double breading and freezing are essential for keeping the cheese inside and the crust crispy. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and panko. For less heat, use half mozzarella. Cheese sticks can be breaded and frozen up to 1 month ahead. Always cook from frozen for best results. Add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese sticks, pepper jack, appetizer, Super Bowl snack, spicy, game day, party food, vegetarian, crispy, panko, easy recipe

Find it online: https://evabake.com/crispy-pepper-jack-cheese-sticks-recipe-easy-super-bowl-snack-with-spicy-kick/