Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Coating and Cooking
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups fine bread crumbs (gluten-free if desired)
- Olive oil or cooking spray, for frying or baking
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella or cheddar, eggs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Shape the Sticks: With clean hands, form the cheese mixture into rectangular sticks about the size and shape of traditional mozzarella sticks. Place these shaped sticks onto a lined plate or tray for coating.
- Coat the Sticks: Roll each stick in the fine bread crumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere evenly on all sides, creating a consistent crispy crust.
- Chill Before Cooking: Refrigerate the coated sticks for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up, making them easier to handle and helping them retain their shape when cooked.
- Cook Until Golden: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the sticks for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes for a lighter, less oily option.
Notes
- Chill the sticks well before cooking to prevent them from falling apart and to minimize cheese leakage.
- Use fine bread crumbs for an even, crunchy coating.
- For extra crunch, dip sticks again in beaten egg and roll in bread crumbs for a double coating.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to ensure even cooking and a golden crust.
- Serve with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli to enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking or Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free bread crumbs)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: cottage cheese sticks, cheesy snack, appetizer, gluten-free cheese sticks, baked cheese sticks, mozzarella sticks alternative