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This super simple mozzarella stick hack using wonton wrappers turns just two basic items into the most addicting cheesy snack you'll ever whip up at home. The crunchy wonton shell perfectly complements the stretchy, melted cheese inside, making these totally irresistible for anyone who loves a good snack.
These cheese sticks became my go-to party trick after I first threw them together for game night. Everyone thought I'd slaved away for ages, when really I'd just spent a few minutes putting them together!
Ingredients
- Cheese strings: Slice each into three chunks for the ideal size and guaranteed meltiness
- Wonton wrappers: Make a super crispy outer layer that's much lighter than regular breadcrumb coatings
- Water: Helps seal the edges so your cheese stays tucked inside while frying
- Oil for frying: Go with vegetable or canola oil since they don't have much taste and can get really hot without smoking
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the cheese:
- Grab 6 cheese strings and cut each into 3 same-sized pieces to make 18 snackable bites. This size cooks evenly and gives you that awesome stretchy cheese pull.
- Wrap the cheese:
- Put a cheese chunk at one edge of your wonton wrapper. Roll it halfway, then fold in both sides like you're making a tiny burrito. Wet the last corner with water and finish rolling to lock it up. The water works like glue to keep cheese from leaking during frying.
- Heat the oil:
- Fill a deep pot with oil about 2 inches deep and heat until it reaches around 350°F. No thermometer? Just drop in a tiny wonton piece—it should bubble right away but not turn dark too fast.
- Fry in batches:
- Gently drop 4 to 5 wrapped cheese sticks into the hot oil. Cook for about a minute, flipping now and then until they turn a nice golden brown all over. Keep an eye on them as they cook super fast!
- Drain and season:
- Take out your 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. That hint of salt really makes the mild cheese taste amazing.
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I really love how these wonton wrappers give a totally different crunch than the normal breadcrumb-covered cheese sticks. The first time I made a batch for my sister who's crazy about cheese, she said they beat her restaurant favorite hands down, which is pretty huge!
Dipping Sauce Ideas
While regular marinara or pizza sauce works great with these crunchy cheese sticks, trying different dips can really change things up. Sweet chili sauce gives a spicy-sweet kick that works nicely with the rich cheese. For something unexpected, try some raspberry jam—the fruity sweetness tastes surprisingly good with the savory cheese. Ranch, garlic mayo, or even some balsamic glaze can turn these simple cheese sticks into something really fancy.
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Make-Ahead Tips
These cheese sticks work great for prepping early. You can put them all together, then stick them in the freezer on a baking sheet for about 1-2 hours until they're hard. Once they're frozen, toss them in a ziplock bag where they'll stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, just fry them straight from the freezer, adding maybe 30 extra seconds to the cooking time. They're perfect when friends show up without warning or when you need a late-night snack without all the work.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If cheese keeps breaking out while frying, you probably didn't seal the wrappers tight enough. Make sure you wet all the edges and press them firmly when closing. If your wrappers turn brown too fast before the cheese gets melty, your oil's too hot—turn down the heat a bit. Getting soggy sticks instead of crispy ones? Your oil might not be hot enough. Always let the oil come back up to temperature between batches for the best results.
Common Questions
- → How do I seal the wonton wrappers?
Dab a little water around the edges before rolling them up to keep the cheese safely tucked inside.
- → What oil is best for frying these?
Go for something with little flavor like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil to get the best results.
- → Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can definitely bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Don't forget to flip them halfway so they get evenly browned.
- → What sauces pair well with these sticks?
They taste amazing with marinara, chunky salsa, or if you're feeling adventurous, try something sweet like berry jam.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
You can put them together ahead of time, pop them in the fridge, and fry them right before you're ready to eat.