Fried cheese sticks are often part of a fried appetizer platter.
Fried cheese sticks are the kind of decadent appetizer that lead to your guests burning their mouths from trying to eat them when they are fresh out of the deep fryer. Although traditionally made with mozzarella cheese, fried cheese sticks can be made with any semi-soft cheese, such as cheddar, Gouda, Monterey Jack or even pepper jack. Pepper jack is Monterey Jack cheese that has been processed with bits of spicy hot peppers for an added kick. Deep-fried pepper jack cheese sticks can be made with ingredients likely found in your kitchen pantry.
Instructions
1. Preheat a deep fryer to 375 F, filed with vegetable or peanut oil.
2. Cut a 1-pound block of pepper jack cheese into 2 1/2- by 1/2-inch strips using a knife or a cheese cutter; alternatively, use premade pepper jack string cheese.
3. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of cornstarch to a large bowl. Mix well using a whisk.
4. Crack two whole eggs and add 1/2 cup whole milk into a small bowl. Mix well.
5. Add 3 cups of plain cornflakes to a food processor and cover with the lid. Pulse the food processor four or five times -- in one-second intervals -- to crush the cornflakes. Add the cornflakes to a bowl.
6. Place a disposable rubber glove on your dominant hand to keep it clean. Dredge a cheese stick in the flour. Dunk the cheese stick in the egg mixture, then dredge in the crushed cornflakes. Repeat for five or six additional cheese sticks.
7. Add the cheese sticks carefully to the oil. Fry them for about 30 seconds, then flip using tongs to brown the other side for 30 additional seconds.
8. Remove the cheese sticks from the oil and drain on paper towels. Repeat Steps 6 and 7 for all remaining pepper jack cheese sticks.
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