Hot Cheetos Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

These iconic crimson-colored treats have captured the hearts of many worldwide. This Hot Cheetos Mozzarella Sticks Recipe is an irresistible blend of heat, kick, and spicy goodness that’s impossible to forget. So, grab a bag of hot Cheetos and discover why they have become a fast and favorite snack with their bold flavor and satisfying crunch.

The allure of Flamin Hot Cheetos lies in their intense heat and bold flavor that keeps you coming back for more. But it’s not just the heat that makes these Cheetos a must-try snack. It’s the combination of crunch and cheese that makes them irresistible. With each bite, you are treated with a satisfying crunch with an iconic “cheese pull” that snackers have fallen in love with.

​How Do They Taste

Flamin’ Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks offer a unique and delicious flavor that combines mozzarella cheese with the fiery taste of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. The combination of cheesy mozzarella and hot Cheetos creates a dynamic flavor profile and works together nicely. 

Flamin Hot Cheetos are known for their heat and provide a firey kick. The cheese sticks retain much of the spiciness from the Hot Cheeto coating, providing a fiery blast with each bite. However, frying the cheese sticks can mellow out the spiciness slightly, and the heat from the oil can help lower the intensity of the Flamin’ Hot coating. As a result, you may find that the heat level is slightly reduced compared to eating Flamin’ Hot Cheetos straight out of the bag. I found they are not as intense once fried and can be enjoyed without a fire extinguisher. 

If you like spice, try- Easy Jalapeno Pepper Jelly. It is served over cream cheese with your favorite crackers. It’s sweet with just the right amount of heat.

Why Are They A Popular Snack

Flamin’ Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are a creative and delicious twist on the traditional mozzarella sticks. Instead of using a breadcrumb coating, these mozzarella sticks are coated in crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos before being fried. The result is a spicy, tasty, and flavorful snack that combines melted mozzarella cheese with the bold taste of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.

They have gained popularity, and with good reason. Their spicy kick, unique flavor, and crunchy texture make them a must-try try for anyone looking to take their snacking to the next level. They are popular on social media platforms where individuals put their own spin on this tasty and addicting snack.

Why I Should Make This Recipe

This delicious snack offers a delightful combination of spice and cheese, making it an addictive snack option for those who enjoy bold flavors. Here are some reasons you may enjoy this recipe:

Irresistible Flavors: Each cheese stick offers a crunch exterior with a slightly spicy kick of heat. This snack has a universal appeal that people love.

Satisfying Crunch: With each bite, these mozzarella string cheese sticks have a satisfying crunch, making them more satisfying with each bite.

Cheese Pull: Not only does this snack have flavor and crunch, but it also has an unbelievable cheese pull that stretches with each warm bite.

Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is sure to satisfy all snackers anywhere. In just minutes, you can have this snack made and served for all to enjoy.

Only 5 ingredients are needed to make these Cheesy Stuffed Jalapenos. The simple ingredients come together to make a tasty treat.

Ingredients Needed

These ingredients come together to create a snack with the goodness of mozzarella cheese and the fiery kick of hot Cheetos. Please see the printable recipe card below for ingredient amounts.

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks – I usually buy a package of mozzarella sticks. They are in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. Keep them refrigerated until ready to use this will help to hold their shape when frying. I also like to cut them in half. This makes them easier to handle when breading, frying, and serving. 

All-Purpose Flour – The flour serves as the first layer of breading. It helps the egg to adhere to the cheese and provides a base for the breading.

Garlic Powder and Black Pepper– Garlic powder and pepper are added to the flour for seasoning.

Eggs – Eggs act as the second layer of the breading and help the crushed Cheetos adhere to the cheese.

Flamin Hot Cheetos – The star ingredient of this recipe. Crush the Cheetos into crumbs to create a crunchy shell for these cheese sticks. I like to use a food processor for this step.

Oil for Frying – I prefer to use vegetable oil for frying. Make sure you have enough oil to submerge the cheese sticks when frying to get a crispy exterior.

How To Make Hot Cheetos Mozzarella Sticks

These cheese sticks are deep-fried in oil to make them crunchy. It only takes a few minutes from start to finish to prepare, fry, and serve this snack. 

• Add a bag of Flamin Cheetos to a food processor and process to fine crumbs. You are looking for bread crumbs consistency.

• Set up a breading station with 3 containers.

*First container: Add one bag of crushed Flamin Hot Cheetos. 

*Second container: Add flour, garlic powder, and black pepper.

*Third Container: Add 2 eggs and whisk eggs until well beaten.

• Working with one stick at a time, dip cold mozzarella stick in flour, then egg, then Cheeto crumbs.
• Repeat each stick by dipping it again into the egg and, lastly, Cheeto crumbs. The mozzarella stick should be fully coated.
• Place onto a parchment paper lined tray until all sticks are coated.
• Fry in batches. Heat a pan with vegetable oil until hot, then, one by one, place your coated cheese sticks. Fry for about 1 minute, flip, and fry for another minute. Fry in batches.
• Place fried cheese sticks on a paper towel-lined tray to cool slightly before serving.

How To Fry Cheese Sticks

Add about 2 inches of oil to a heavy-bottomed pan or fryer to fry cheese sticks. Heat to about 350 degrees. Once hot, add a few cheese sticks to the oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 30 seconds to a minute on one side, then flip and fry for another minute or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cheese sticks from the oil to a paper towel-lined baking sheet or plate. Fry the remaining cheese sticks.

Are These Cheese Sticks Good Served Cold

Honestly, no. I do not like cold cheese sticks. This is an easy recipe and a fast snack recipe. Therefore, I make this recipe and serve it quickly. You can keep the sticks warm on a baking tray in a 200-degree oven until all of the cheese sticks have been fried. This keeps the crunch as well as the sticks warm. While cheese sticks are traditionally enjoyed warm and freshly fried for the best taste and texture, they can still be eaten cold. Cold cheese sticks may lose some of their crunch and the gooey texture of the cheese.

Can I Prepare This Recipe In Advance

You can prepare Flamin’ Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks in advance, and they can still be enjoyed cold, though they are typically best when served warm and freshly fried. You can set up your breading stations ahead of time, and by doing this step, you will be prepared when you are ready to fry. Early Prep: Crush your Cheetos, place them in a bag or covered bowl, and set aside. Add your eggs to a bowl and beat, cover, and refrigerate. Add your flour and seasonings to a bowl, cover, and set aside. When ready, remove the cheese from the refrigerator and begin the process.

Dipping Sauces For Mozzarella Sticks

Feel free to mix and match your dipping sauces until you find the right combination for your cheese sticks.

Marinara Sauce – The classic choice for cheese sticks, for it provides a rich contrast to the cheese filling.

Buffalo Sauce – Add fire to fire. Dip your cheese sticks into some buffalo sauce for added heat.

Hot Sauce – Kick up the heat even more. Add some hot sauce to mayo for a hot mayo dipping sauce.

Ranch Dressing – Creamy and tangy ranch dressing compliments the heat from these mozzarella sticks and balances the heat nicely.

Tips for Making Homemade Cheese Sticks

By following these easy tips, you’ll be well on your way to making perfectly crispy and delicious Flamin’ Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks that are sure to impress your friends and family! The perfect snack for those who love a little spice.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences! These are some suggestions to get your creative juices flowing.

How To Store Leftovers

Store all leftover cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To Reheat: Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper in the oven at 350 degrees and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warm.

Recipe FAQs

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