Fried Cheese Sticks with Tomato Dipping Sauce

To make crispy fried cheese sticks, start by cutting string cheese in half. Prepare three bowls: one with flour and Emeril’s Essence, another with beaten eggs and milk, and the last with panko crumbs mixed with parsley, salt, and pepper. Dip each cheese stick in flour, then egg, and finally panko. Freeze for 20-30 minutes before frying in hot canola oil until golden brown. For the tomato dipping sauce, sauté minced garlic in olive oil, then add tomato sauce, crushed red pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, simmering for 15 minutes.

Yes, you can make fried cheese sticks gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free panko crumbs. Ensure that the string cheese you use is also gluten-free, and follow the same cooking process for delicious results.

To store leftover fried cheese sticks, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they can be reheated in the oven for a crispy texture.

Fried cheese sticks pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, such as a Caesar or mixed greens salad, to balance the richness. You can also serve them with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping, and some crispy garlic bread for a delightful appetizer spread.

If you don't have string cheese, you can substitute it with mozzarella cheese sticks or even cheddar cheese sticks. Just ensure that the cheese is firm enough to hold its shape during frying. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties for unique flavors.