These crispy, golden cheese sticks are a delightful snack or appetizer that everyone will love. Made with vegan cheese and coated in panko breadcrumbs, they offer a satisfying crunch with every bite. Perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce, they are a great addition to any gathering or simply as a treat for yourself.
If you're not familiar with vegan cheese, it's a dairy-free alternative that melts and tastes similar to traditional cheese. You can find it in the refrigerated section of most supermarkets, often near other plant-based products. Panko breadcrumbs are a Japanese-style breadcrumb that is lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, usually found in the baking aisle.
Ingredients For Cheese Sticks Recipe
All-purpose flour: A versatile flour used for coating the cheese sticks to help the other ingredients adhere.
Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs that provide a light and crispy texture.
Vegan cheese: A dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese, cut into sticks for this recipe.
Non-dairy milk: Used to help the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese sticks.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the coating.
Onion powder: Adds a hint of onion flavor to the coating.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cheese sticks.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
For an extra crispy texture, try double-coating the vegan cheese sticks. After the initial coating with breadcrumbs, dip them back into the non-dairy milk and then coat with breadcrumbs again. This will give them an additional layer of crunch when baked.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with chickpea flour: Chickpea flour is a great gluten-free alternative that also adds a slight nutty flavor and additional protein.
panko preferred breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a similar crunch and are naturally gluten-free.
vegan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast and cashew mixture: A blend of nutritional yeast and soaked cashews can mimic the creamy and cheesy texture of vegan cheese sticks.
non-dairy milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk is a common non-dairy milk that works well in recipes without adding extra sweetness.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can offer a fresh and slightly sweet flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and contains trace minerals that table salt lacks.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to avoid black specks in the final dish.
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How To Store / Freeze This Recipe
Allow the cheese sticks to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
Place the cooled cheese sticks in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.
To freeze, arrange the cheese sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for 1-2 hours or until solid.
Once frozen, transfer the cheese sticks to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
When ready to enjoy, reheat the cheese sticks directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
For a quicker option, use an air fryer. Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and cook the frozen cheese sticks for 5-7 minutes.
Always serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce for the best experience.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again.
Use an air fryer for a quick and efficient method. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cheese sticks in a single layer. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Place the cheese sticks in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are heated through and crispy.
If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Place the cheese sticks on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as other methods.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the cheese sticks until they are golden brown and crispy.
Baking sheet: A flat sheet used to place the cheese sticks on for baking.
Parchment paper: Lined on the baking sheet to prevent the cheese sticks from sticking.
Mixing bowl: Used to mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Mixing bowl: Used to hold the non-dairy milk for dipping the cheese sticks.
Mixing bowl: Used to hold the breadcrumbs for coating the cheese sticks.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the flour, breadcrumbs, and non-dairy milk.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Knife: Used to cut the vegan cheese into sticks.
Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the vegan cheese into sticks.
Tongs: Used to dip and coat the cheese sticks in the different mixtures.
Cooling rack: Used to cool the cheese sticks slightly after baking before serving.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
Use pre-cut cheese: Buy vegan cheese that is already cut into sticks to save prep time.
Line up bowls: Arrange the flour mixture, non-dairy milk, and breadcrumbs bowls in a row for a smooth assembly line.
Double batch: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick snack later.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven while you prepare the ingredients to save waiting time.
Use parchment paper: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cheese Sticks Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs Panko preferred
- 1 cup Vegan cheese Cut into sticks
- 1 cup Non-dairy milk
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, pour the non-dairy milk.
- In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Dip each vegan cheese stick into the flour mixture, then the non-dairy milk, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Place the coated cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutritional Value
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