Description
These Cottage Cheese Cheese Sticks offer a delightful twist on a beloved classic, combining creamy cottage cheese with a crispy exterior. Perfect for a quick snack or unique appetizer, they are lighter and packed with protein.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese, well-drained
- 1/2 cup shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 to 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- Neutral oil for cooking (vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Cottage Cheese – Place your full-fat cottage cheese in a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl. Let it drain for at least 30 minutes, pressing gently with the back of a spoon to help release more liquid.
- Step 2: Combine the Cheese Mixture – Transfer the drained cottage cheese to a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until evenly incorporated.
- Step 3: Chill the Mixture – Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to form into sticks.
- Step 4: Form the Sticks – Remove the mixture from the fridge. Roll about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture into log shapes, about 3-4 inches long and ½-¾ inch thick. Place each stick on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 5: Set up the Breading Station – In three shallow dishes, place ½ cup of all-purpose flour, whisk 1-2 large eggs with a splash of water or milk in the second, and pour 1-1.5 cups of Panko breadcrumbs in the third. Season the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and garlic powder if desired.
- Step 6: Bread the Sticks – Dredge each cheese stick in flour, dip it in the egg wash, and roll it in the Panko breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg wash and breadcrumbs.
- Step 7: Cook Your Cottage Cheese Cheese Sticks – Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray or brush the breaded sticks with oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Ensure to drain the cottage cheese well to avoid soggy sticks. Chilling the mixture helps in forming the sticks easily. A double coat of breadcrumbs can enhance crispiness. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara or ranch.