Beer Battered Cheese Sticks (Mozzarella or Provolone)

Beer-Battered Fried Cheese Sticks: A Crispy, Cheesy Delight

Is there anything better than melty cheese wrapped in a crisp, golden coating? Enter: Beer-Battered Fried Cheese Sticks! These addictive bites are perfect for game day, a party appetizer, or just an indulgent snack. If you're a cheese lover, this recipe will soon become one of your go-to favorites. With the perfect blend of crunchy exterior and gooey inside, this snack is pure comfort food heaven.

Why Beer Batter?

You might wonder what makes beer batter so special. The carbonation in beer creates a light and airy texture, resulting in a beautifully crisp outer layer when fried. Plus, the subtle beer flavor adds an extra depth of taste without being overpowering. The combination of savory batter and rich, melted cheese is pure bliss.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• Provolone Cheese Sticks: You can also substitute with mozzarella, cheddar, or any semi-hard cheese you prefer.
• Cold Beer: The colder, the better! Any light lager or pale ale works great.
• Self-Rising Flour: This gives the batter its body.  Start with 1 cup per bottle of beer and adjust to your prefered thickness of the batter.
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper and any of your favorite spices to enhance flavor.
• Oil for Frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil.

The Process:

1. Prep the Cheese:

Start by prepping your cheese sticks. If using block cheese, cut them into uniform sticks, around ½ inch thick. For best results, freeze them for at least 30 minutes before frying. This ensures they hold their shape when fried and don’t melt too quickly.

2. Make the Beer Batter:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and seasonings. Gradually add in the cold beer, stirring until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter—not too thick, but not too runny.

3. Heat the Oil:

In a deep frying pan, heat about 2 inches of oil to 375°F (190°C). To test if it’s ready, drop a small bit of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and turns golden, you're good to go.

4. Fry the Cheese Sticks:

Working in batches, dip each cheese stick into the beer batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Carefully drop it into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your fried cheese sticks hot with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli. 

Tips for Success:

• Keep the beer cold: The colder the beer, the better the batter’s crispiness.
• Freeze the cheese: A short time in the freezer helps keep the cheese intact while frying.
• Fry in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Too many cheese sticks at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy instead of crispy sticks.

Final Thoughts:

Beer-battered fried cheese sticks are the ultimate indulgence, combining crunchy, cheesy, and savory flavors in every bite. Whether you're serving them up at a party, enjoying them with friends, or treating yourself to a solo snack, these fried cheese sticks are sure to satisfy your cravings.

What are you waiting for? Grab your favorite beer and get frying—these cheesy bites of heaven won’t last long once they hit the table!