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This super simple wonton-wrapped cheese stick recipe turns just two basic ingredients into the most mouthwatering cheesy snack you'll ever whip up at home. The crunchy wonton shell makes the perfect contrast with the stretchy, melted cheese inside, making these impossible to resist for anyone who loves snacks.
These cheese sticks became my go-to party trick after I first made them for game night. My buddies couldn't believe I hadn't spent forever in the kitchen, when it only took me a few minutes to get everything ready!
Ingredients
- Cheese strings: Slice each into three chunks for the ideal size and guaranteed meltiness
- Wonton wrappers: Make an amazingly crisp outer layer that's thinner than regular breadcrumb coverings
- Water: Helps seal the edges so your cheese stays safely inside while frying
- Oil for frying: Go with vegetable or canola oil since it doesn't have a strong taste and won't burn easily
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get the cheese ready:
- Grab 6 cheese strings and cut each into 3 equal chunks to make 18 bite-sized pieces. This gives you the perfect cheese stick size that'll cook evenly and give you that awesome stretchy cheese pull.
- Bundle the cheese:
- Put a cheese piece at one edge of a wonton wrapper. Roll it halfway, then fold in the sides like you're making a tiny wrap. Add a drop of water on the last corner and finish rolling to close it up. The water works like glue to keep cheese from leaking during frying.
- Get the oil hot:
- Fill a deep pot with oil about 2 inches deep and heat it to around 350°F. If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping in a tiny bit of wrapper—it should bubble right away but not turn black.
- Cook in small groups:
- Gently drop 4 to 5 wrapped cheese sticks into the hot oil. Cook for about one minute, turning now and then until they're a nice golden brown all over. Keep an eye on them because they cook super fast!
- Dry and flavor:
- Take out the fried cheese sticks with a slotted spoon and put them on paper towels to soak up extra oil. While they're still hot, add a little salt if you want. The salt tastes amazing with the mild cheese.
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I really love how the wonton wrappers give these a different feel than normal breadcrumb-covered cheese sticks. The first time I made these for my sister who's crazy about cheese, she said they were better than her favorite restaurant ones, which is a big deal!
Dipping Sauce Ideas
Though marinara or pizza sauce works great with these crunchy cheese sticks, trying different dips can totally change the experience. Sweet chili sauce adds a spicy-sweet kick that works well with the rich cheese. For something unexpected, try some raspberry jam—the fruity sweetness tastes amazing against the savory cheese. Ranch dressing, garlic mayo, or even a balsamic drizzle can turn these simple cheese sticks into something fancy.
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Make-Ahead Tips
These cheese sticks are great for making ahead of time. You can put them all together, then freeze them on a baking sheet for about 1-2 hours until they're hard. Once frozen, put them in a freezer bag where they'll stay good for up to three months. When you want to eat them, just fry them straight from the freezer, adding about 30 seconds to the cooking time. This makes them perfect for surprise visitors or when you need a late-night snack without all the prep work.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If cheese is leaking out while frying, your wrappers probably aren't sealed right. Make sure to use enough water on all the edges and press down firmly when sealing. If the wrappers are getting too brown before the cheese melts, your oil is too hot—turn down the heat a bit. If your cheese sticks are coming out soft instead of crispy, your oil might not be hot enough. Always let the oil get back to the right temperature between batches for the best results.
Common Questions
- → How do I seal the wonton wrappers?
Just dab some water along the edges before you fold them up to keep the cheese from leaking out.
- → What oil is best for frying these?
Go with something plain like canola, veggie, or peanut oil for the tastiest results.
- → Can I bake these instead of frying?
Sure thing, pop them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, turning them over halfway, until they turn nice and golden.
- → What sauces pair well with these sticks?
They taste amazing dunked in tomato sauce, chunky salsa, or even sweet stuff like berry jam.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
You can put them together ahead of time, stick them in the fridge, and fry them right before you want to eat them.