These Baked Cheese Sticks are made with the addition of leek and chives. They are great as an appetizer dipped in marinara sauce.
It's the end of February! If it were up to me, spring could start March 1.
We got a little appetizer of warmer weather over the last few days. And then everything changed in an instant. From 12C (53F) degree weather at noon to snow showers at supper time.
Calgary weather is crazy, but at least we get a break from the cold from time to time. However, I wouldn't mind to be done with winter for good.
Baked Cheese Sticks Inspiring Us To Stray From the Norm
I am still trying to get back into a proper routine since we returned from our trip to BC. I haven't been cooking and experimenting as much as usual.
Instead, Konrad and I are heavily relying on the slow cooker. We set on one giant pot full of soup or stew on the weekend, and then we draw from it during the whole week.
But straying from that, I've made these awesome cheese sticks. They are an amazing appetizer and a fantastic snack food. These aren't your regular plain mozzarella sticks rolled in breadcrumbs. These cheese sticks are baked and they also include leek and chives for an oh.so.delicious flavor surprise. They aren't ooey gooey on the inside, but crisp from the outside and chewy throughout! They're fantastic. I'm a big fan.
We are only using the center part of on small leek. So cut off the root end as well as the green tops. Slice the leek open half-way and clean the layers thoroughly. Leeks are notorious for trapping sand and dirt.
Then, chop the leek finely and sauté with butter on low until softened. We don't want the leek to actually brown.
While the leek is cooking, you can prepare your other ingredients: eggs, seasonings, finely grated cheese (I used a mozzarella + cheddar mix), breadcrumbs and chives.
Furthering the Baked Cheese Sticks Recipe
Add the softened leeks and stir the mixture together. Turn it out onto a floured surface and press into a rectangular shape.
Cut into 14-16 pieces and roll each piece into a stick. Place the cheese sticks onto a lined baking sheet and chill in the fridge (20 minutes) or freezer (10 minutes) to firm up.
In the meantime, preheat the oven to 400 F and then bake the sticks for about 10 minutes. Turn them once about half way through.
Serve hot with marinara sauce.
Prep Baked Cheese Sticks Ahead of Time!
You can also prep the cheese sticks ahead of time and store them in a Ziploc bag in the freezer.
Then just bake them from frozen (add a few minutes to baking time) when you have friends over to watch a game or when a cheesy carb craving hits you 🙂
Random Questions
Yes, you can! Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying and can produce crispy mozzarella sticks with less oil.
Yes, string cheese will melt in the oven, making it a convenient and readily available option for making homemade mozzarella sticks.
The calorie count can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but typically, a baked cheese stick can have around 100-150 calories per stick.
To enhance the flavor of mozzarella sticks, consider incorporating additional seasonings and ingredients such as herbs, spices, or even vegetables like leek and chives as seen in this recipe.
If the cheese has disappeared while baking, it might be due to overcooking or using a low-moisture cheese variety. Ensuring proper cooking time and using the right type of cheese can prevent this issue.
Yes, string cheese can be used to make homemade mozzarella sticks. Simply coat the string cheese in breadcrumbs and seasonings, then bake or fry them until crispy.
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
Similar to these chewy cheese sticks, check out these recipes that are sure to sate your hunger and cheese cravings.
Recipe
Baked Cheese Sticks with Leek & Chives
Ingredients
- 1 small leek
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 eggs
- salt and black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
- 8 chives
- 4 ounces cheese finely grated (I used a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1 cup bread crumbs white or whole wheat to taste
Instructions
- Cut off the root end and green tops from the leek. Slice open half-way lengthwise and wash thoroughly (leeks tend to trap a lot of sandy dirt).
- Finely cute the cleaned leek. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add cut leek and cook on medium-low until softened for about 5 minutes. Don't let the leek brown.
- Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl. Add some salt, pepper and mustard powder and whisk lightly to combine and break up the eggs.
- Using kitchen scissors, cut the chives into the bowl. Add the finely grated cheese, breadcrumbs and cooked leeks. Stir together with a wooden spoon.
- Dump the mixture onto a floured surface and press into a rectangular shape. Cut into 14-16 pieces. Using your hands form each piece into a stick and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Chill cheese sticks for at least 20 minutes in the fridge (or 10 minutes in the freezer) to firm up.
- Preheat oven to 400 F. Bake cheese sticks for about 10 minutes. Turning once halfway through.
- Serve right away with marinara sauce.
Notes
Pin Baked Leek & Chives Cheese Sticks recipe for later?
Sharon @ savormania
I was trying to figure out what to do with the last leek left in my fridge, and these baked cheese sticks definitely caught my attention! The combination of leek and chives is always amazing!
Jacquee | I Sugar Coat It!
These look and sound sooo GOOD! Surprised any were left for the shoot...;)
Regina
Haha...I had to make a new batch for pictures 😉
Paula
These look amazing and the flavours must be wonderful.
Regina
Thanks so much Paula. Yes, the leek and chive give these an awesome unique flavor
Angie@Angie's Recipes
I could finish the whole batch all by myself. No kidding! They look so good!
Regina
I know what you mean 🙂 Had to hold myself back from doing exactly that!
Gina Duffy
Do you think it could work with vegan cheese?
Regina
Hi Gina, I am not too familiar with vegan cheese. If the variety kind of melts like regular cheese, I think it should work.
Gina Duffy
Thanks I' will give it a try and see what happens
Regina
Great. Would love to hear how it turns out 🙂