Who says snack time can’t feel like a party? These Baked Cheddar Cheese Sticks are crispy, golden, and downright addictive — all without the deep fryer. Made with real cheddar string cheese, a crunchy breadcrumb coating, and baked until bubbly, they’re a fun twist on the classic mozzarella sticks we all know and love.
What I love most? They’re baked, not fried, which means less mess, less oil, and a lighter bite you can feel good about serving any time. They’re kid-approved, crowd-pleasing, and totally versatile. Perfect as a game day appetizer, an after-school snack, or even a quick party starter when you need something everyone will grab in seconds. Trust me, once these cheesy sticks hit the table, they disappear fast!
Try these cheddar cheese sticks with Homemade Marinara Sauce, creamy Ranch Dressing, or even a spicy Chipotle Mayo for dipping.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cheddar twist on a classic. Forget mozzarella, these cheese sticks are made with cheddar string cheese, giving them a sharper, bolder flavor that’s extra satisfying and pairs so well with herbs and garlic. It’s a fresh take on the snack everyone already loves.
- Crispy, golden perfection. Thanks to a simple flour, egg, and seasoned panko breadcrumb coating, these cheddar sticks bake up with that crave-worthy crunch. No soggy coating here — just crispy, crunchy bliss with every bite.
- Oven-baked, not fried. No oil splatters, no greasy mess, and no guilt. Baking keeps them lighter while still delivering the crunchy outside and gooey inside we’re after. They’re healthier than fried cheese sticks but still taste indulgent.
- Fun for kids and adults. These are the kind of snacks that disappear in minutes at parties, after school, or even at family movie night. Kids love the gooey cheese pull, while adults appreciate the flavor upgrade from cheddar.
- Quick and easy to prep. Just dredge the cheese, coat it, and bake. That’s it. You can even prep them ahead, keep in the freezer, and bake from frozen for whenever a snack craving strikes.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
To make these easy Baked Cheddar Sticks, you will need the following ingredients (see recipe card below for quantities):
- cheddar string cheese – The star of the recipe! Using string cheese keeps the portion size just right and makes breading easy. You can swap in mozzarella string cheese or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.
- flour – Helps the coating stick. All-purpose flour works best, but you can use gluten-free flour if needed.
- salt and pepper – Simple seasoning to enhance the flavor of both the cheese and coating.
- eggs – Beaten eggs act as the glue that helps the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese.
- panko breadcrumbs – The secret to that light, crispy coating. Regular breadcrumbs work too, but panko makes them extra crunchy.
- parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor to the coating. Romano or Asiago would also work.
- garlic powder – A must for savory flavor in the coating. Onion powder can be substituted if you want a different flavor balance.
- dried oregano – Classic Italian herb that pairs beautifully with cheddar. You could also try dried basil or thyme.
- dried parsley – Adds freshness and color to the breading mix. Optional but recommended.
Equipment
You’ll also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a wire rack (optional, for extra crispiness).
Instructions
- Cut the cheese. Take each cheddar cheese string cheese and use a sharp knife to cut it in half to create 2 shorter strips. Set aside.
- Set up the breading station. Use three shallow bowls: in the first bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. In the second, add the beaten eggs. In the third, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, and parsley.
- Coat the cheese sticks. Working one piece at a time, dredge the halved cheddar sticks in the flour to coat, then dip into the eggs, making sure all sides are covered. Finally, roll in the breadcrumb mixture until completely coated. Repeat until all are breaded.
- Freeze. Place the coated cheddar cheese sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet (this prevents sticking). Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until completely solid.
- Bake. When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F and position the rack in the lower third of the oven. Bake the frozen cheddar cheese sticks for 8–10 minutes, until the coating is golden and crispy. Keep a close eye on them — they’ll start to ooze if baked too long!
- Serve. Enjoy hot with marinara, pizza sauce, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Expert Tip: Freeze Before Baking
Don’t skip the freeze step! It keeps the cheese from oozing out before the coating crisps up, ensuring gooey centers and crunchy outsides.
More Tips and Tricks
- Double coat for extra crunch. Dip each cheese stick twice in the egg and breadcrumb mixture for a thicker crust. The extra coating locks in the cheese for a more dramatic cheese pull.
- Don’t skip parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy, especially since cheese can sometimes ooze a little in the oven.
- Bake on a rack if possible. Setting the cheese sticks on a wire rack over your baking sheet helps them crisp evenly all around, no soggy bottoms.
- Watch the oven closely. These go from perfect to melty mess fast. Start checking at the 8-minute mark. Keeping them just golden ensures the cheese stays inside.
- Serve hot and fresh. Cheese sticks are best eaten right away for maximum gooeyness. Reheating works, but nothing beats that fresh-from-the-oven pull.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy cheddar sticks. Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a little kick that balances beautifully with extra sharp cheddar cheese. Other spices like smoked paprika are another variation to try.
- Different cheeses. Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby Jack string cheese instead of cheddar. Each will give a slightly different flavor and meltiness.
- Gluten-free version. Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a fully gluten-free snack that everyone can enjoy.
- Extra cheesy coating. Mix in more Parmesan (or even shredded cheddar) to the breadcrumb coating for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
- Herb lovers. Add dried basil, thyme, or Italian seasoning for a more herb-forward crust. Perfect if you want a classic Italian appetizer vibe.
See this mozzarella version of this recipe on my website!
Storage
How to Store
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To absorb extra moisture, consider lining the container with paper towels.
How to Reheat
Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes until crispy again.
How to Freeze
Coat the cheese sticks, then freeze unbaked on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.
How to Serve
These baked cheddar cheese sticks are a party favorite! Serve them hot with marinara sauce, ranch, or any dip you love. They’re perfect for game days, after-school snacks, or even as a fun appetizer at casual get-togethers.
We like serving them alongside pizza night, burgers, or wings, for the ultimate comfort food spread. Some of my favorite dishes to serve with baked cheddar cheese sticks are:
Easy Appetizers
If you’re planning a larger appetizer spread, browse our collection from bite-sized finger foods and shareable snack platters to creamy dips, holiday appetizers, and more. These recipes are perfect for entertaining, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a delicious, crowd-pleasing starter.
FAQ
Yes! Cheddar is fantastic for cheese sticks, offering a richer and sharper taste than mozzarella. The cheddar string cheese melts just enough to stay gooey inside while the crunchy breadcrumb coating adds texture. This combo makes them both flavorful and fun to eat.
Yes — in fact, string cheese makes this recipe almost foolproof. It’s portioned, holds its shape well, and melts into a perfectly gooey center without completely spilling out in the oven. Cheddar string cheese works especially well for flavor and texture.
Absolutely! Baking is an easy, mess-free alternative to frying. You’ll still get that golden, crispy coating without the heavy oil. It’s a healthier, weeknight-friendly method, and the best part is that cleanup is quick.
Yes, cheddar bakes beautifully! It melts into a creamy, gooey texture while still holding enough structure to create that irresistible cheese pull in recipes like cheese sticks. Unlike mozzarella, which is super stretchy, cheddar develops a richer, sharper flavor as it bakes, making it perfect for oven-baked snacks and casseroles. Just remember that because cheddar has a slightly lower melting point, freezing it before baking helps keep everything intact and prevents the cheese from leaking out too quickly.
Compared to fried cheese sticks, baked cheddar cheese sticks are definitely a lighter option. By skipping the oil and baking instead, you cut down on calories and fat while keeping all the cheesy satisfaction. They’re not health food, but they’re a smarter indulgence that feels balanced when paired with fresh sides like salad or veggies.
They can if overbaked, which is why freezing before baking is key. It slows down the melting process so the coating crisps up first. As long as you keep a close eye on them, you’ll get perfect results every time with gooey centers and crispy shells.
Classic marinara is the go-to, but cheddar cheese sticks also shine with ranch dressing, honey mustard, buffalo ranch, or even a smoky BBQ dip. For a fun spread, serve a few different sauces so everyone can pick their favorite.
More Cheese Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Recipe
Baked Cheddar Cheese Sticks
- Total Time: 2 hours 23 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Who says snack time can’t feel like a party? These Baked Cheddar Cheese Sticks are crispy, golden, and downright addictive — all without the deep fryer. Made with real cheddar string cheese, a crunchy breadcrumb coating, and baked until bubbly, they’re a fun twist on the classic mozzarella sticks we all know and love.
Ingredients
- 12 cheddar cheese strings or sticks
- ½ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Take each cheddar cheese string cheese and cut it in half to create 2 shorter sticks. Set aside.
- Use three shallow bowls: in the first, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. In the second, add the beaten eggs. In the third, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, and parsley.
- Working one piece at a time, dredge the halved cheddar sticks in the flour to coat, then dip into the eggs, making sure all sides are covered. Finally, roll in the breadcrumb mixture until completely coated. Repeat until all are breaded.
- Place the coated cheddar cheese sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet (this prevents sticking). Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until completely solid.
- Bake. When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F and position the rack in the lower third of the oven. Bake the frozen cheddar cheese sticks for 8–10 minutes, until the coating is golden and crispy. Keep a close eye on them — they’ll start to ooze if baked too long!
- Enjoy hot with marinara, pizza sauce, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
How to store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To absorb extra moisture, consider lining the container with paper towels.
How to reheat: Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes until crispy again.
How to freeze: Coat the cheese sticks, then freeze unbaked on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Freezing Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
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