Spicy, crunchy, ooey-gooey mozzarella sticks with a Flamin’ Hot Cheeto crust. Let’s go.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melty cheese + spicy crunch = dream team
- Fun and bold twist on a classic appetizer
- Easy to prep, even ahead of time
- Fry, bake, or air-fry—you’ve got options
- TikTok-worthy snack that’ll impress everyone
Prep Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Freeze Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 5–7 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 sticks
- Calories per stick: ~150
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 2 cups Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, crushed into fine crumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Optional: ranch, hot sauce, or marinara for dipping
Crush the Hot Cheetos in a food processor for a fine, even coating—or use a zip-top bag and rolling pin.
How to Make It
1. Cut and Freeze the Cheese
- Slice each mozzarella stick in half (optional, for minis).
- Place on a parchment-lined plate and freeze for at least 1 hour or until solid.
Freezing prevents them from exploding in the fryer or oven. Don’t skip this!
2. Prep Your Breading Station
Grab 3 shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Eggs + milk, whisked together
- Bowl 3: Crushed Hot Cheetos
3. Bread the Mozz Sticks
- Dredge each frozen cheese stick in flour, then dip in egg, then roll in Cheeto crumbs.
- For best results, double dip: return to egg, then roll again in Cheetos for extra crunch.
Double coating = double crunch. Highly recommended.
4. Fry, Bake, or Air-Fry
To Deep-Fry:
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy pot.
- Fry 3–4 sticks at a time for 1–2 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
To Air-Fry:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray sticks with a little cooking spray.
- Air-fry for 5–7 minutes, until crisp and melty.
To Bake:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spray lightly with oil.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, watching closely.
Keep an eye out—once they start oozing, they’re done!
5. Serve Hot!
- Serve immediately with ranch, marinara, or your favorite spicy dip.
- Optional: sprinkle with a little Parmesan or lime zest for a flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
- Game day appetizer
- Late-night snack
- Paired with icy soda, lemonade, or a creamy mocktail
- Serve alongside other party bites like chicken wings or sliders
Feeling extra? Drizzle with hot honey or chipotle mayo.
Tips for Success
- Freeze the cheese – This keeps it from melting too fast.
- Use fine crumbs – A food processor gets the best texture for coating.
- Double coat for max crunch – It holds the cheese in and adds texture.
- Work in batches – Whether frying or air-frying, don’t crowd the pan.
- Serve immediately – They’re best when hot and gooey!
Variations to Try
- Takis Mozz Sticks – Swap Cheetos for crushed Takis
- Dorito Crusted – Try Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho flavors
- Stuffed Mozz Sticks – Add a strip of jalapeño or sun-dried tomato inside
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free flour and puffs or chips
Storage & Reheating
Store:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
Air-fry or bake at 375°F for 4–5 minutes. Avoid microwaving—they’ll get soft and sad.
Freeze Uncooked:
You can freeze breaded sticks before cooking. Just bake or fry straight from frozen—add 2–3 extra minutes.
FAQ
Can I use regular Cheetos?
Yes, but they won’t have the spicy kick of Flamin’ Hot. Still delicious!
Do I need to freeze the cheese sticks?
Yes—this step is key to keeping them intact while cooking.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Bread and freeze the sticks up to 1 month in advance.
Are they spicy?
They have a noticeable kick! To tone it down, mix Hot Cheetos with regular Cheetos or use ranch for dipping.
Final Thoughts
These Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are crispy, melty, and unapologetically bold. They’re the kind of snack you make once and immediately wonder why you haven’t been making them all your life. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something a little extra.
Tag me when you make them—I need to see that cheese pull!
Print
Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks
- Total Time: 25 min
Description
Take classic mozzarella sticks up a notch with a spicy, crunchy Hot Cheeto coating! These cheesy, gooey snacks have a fiery twist that’s perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you want a fun, flavorful appetizer. Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside—these Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks will be your new favorite snack.
Ingredients
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12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
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2 cups crushed Hot Cheetos (about 1 small bag)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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3 large eggs
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1 tbsp water
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Vegetable oil, for frying
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Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the coating: Place the Hot Cheetos in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed. Transfer to a shallow bowl. Put the flour in a separate shallow bowl. In a third bowl, whisk together eggs and water.
2️⃣ Prepare the cheese sticks: Cut each mozzarella stick in half for smaller portions if desired. Freeze the sticks for at least 30 minutes to prevent melting too quickly during frying.
3️⃣ Coat the sticks:
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Dredge each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess.
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Dip into the egg mixture, then roll thoroughly in the crushed Hot Cheetos, pressing gently to adhere.
4️⃣ Double coat for extra crunch: Repeat the egg and Hot Cheeto coating once more for a thicker crust.
5️⃣ Fry the sticks: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6️⃣ Serve: Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
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Freezing the mozzarella sticks is key to prevent cheese from oozing out too quickly.
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For a baked version, place coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
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You can swap Hot Cheetos with Flamin’ Hot Doritos or any spicy crunchy snack for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min