Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy, crunchy twist on the classic appetizer that’s easy to make at home. These sticks feature melty mozzarella cheese coated in crushed Hot Cheetos for a fiery, crispy crust that’s irresistible. Perfect as a family-friendly snack or quick appetizer. If you love comfort food with a kick, this recipe is beginner-friendly and budget-friendly too. Pair it with my easy dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing combo.
Why You'll Love Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe – Easy Homemade Crispy Snack
Make Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks at home with this easy, crispy, and spicy recipe perfect for quick snacks or party appetizers. Ready in 40 minutes!
- Bold, spicy flavor combined with gooey melted mozzarella cheese.
- Crunchy Hot Cheetos coating that's easy to make with pantry staples.
- Perfect for game days, parties, or quick weeknight snacks.
- Simple steps that beginners can follow with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients for Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe – Easy Homemade Crispy Snack
Mozzarella sticks: Use string cheese for convenience. Full-size mozzarella sticks can also be sliced into smaller pieces.Hot Cheetos: Regular Hot Cheetos work best for crispy texture; you can substitute with Flamin' Hot Doritos if desired.
- Mozzarella sticks: Use string cheese for convenience. Full-size mozzarella sticks can also be sliced into smaller pieces.
- Hot Cheetos: Regular Hot Cheetos work best for crispy texture; you can substitute with Flamin' Hot Doritos if desired.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe – Easy Homemade Crispy Snack are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe – Easy Homemade Crispy Snack
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the coating: Place the crushed Hot Cheetos in a shallow bowl. In separate shallow bowls, put the flour in one, and beat the eggs with milk in another. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt into the flour bowl and mix well.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Coat the cheese sticks: Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour mixture, covering all sides. Then dip into the egg wash, and finally roll it in the crushed Hot Cheetos to coat completely. For extra crunch, double-dip by repeating the egg wash and Hot Cheeto crumbs steps.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Freeze the sticks: Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent melting during frying.
Expert Tips for Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe – Easy Homemade Crispy Snack
- Crush the Hot Cheetos finely for an even crispy coating.
- Double coat the sticks by repeating egg wash and crumbs for extra crunch.
- Freeze before frying to keep cheese from oozing out.
Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe – Easy Homemade Crispy Snack
Make Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks at home with this easy, crispy, and spicy recipe perfect for quick snacks or party appetizers. Ready in 40 minutes!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 2 cups crushed Hot Cheetos (about 1 bag)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
How to Make Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks
- Prepare the coating: Place the crushed Hot Cheetos in a shallow bowl. In separate shallow bowls, put the flour in one, and beat the eggs with milk in another. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt into the flour bowl and mix well.
- Coat the cheese sticks: Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour mixture, covering all sides. Then dip into the egg wash, and finally roll it in the crushed Hot Cheetos to coat completely. For extra crunch, double-dip by repeating the egg wash and Hot Cheeto crumbs steps.
- Freeze the sticks: Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent melting during frying.
- Fry until golden and melty: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F. Fry the sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes until crispy and golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe – Easy Homemade Crispy Snack FAQs
Yes! Coat the sticks but don’t fry them yet. Freeze for up to a month and fry directly from frozen when ready to serve.
You can use Flamin' Hot Doritos or spicy tortilla chips crushed finely, but Hot Cheetos offer the best crunch and flavor.
Keep leftover sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.
Sogginess usually happens if you skip freezing before frying or if the oil temperature is too low. Make sure oil is hot enough and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Before You Go
If you try this Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe – Easy Homemade Crispy Snack, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.