Monsterella Stix from Checkers feature crispy, golden-brown breaded mozzarella cheese sticks, perfectly fried to a gooey, melted center and served with a zesty marinara dipping sauce, delivering a satisfying blend of cheesy richness and crunchy texture.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fryer basket
- Tongs
- Sheet pan (for draining)
- Paper towels
- Mixing bowls
- Sauce cups
- Serving tray/plate
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Mozzarella cheese sticks must be cold and firm before breading to prevent melting during frying, ensuring a gooey center with a crispy coating. Use Italian-style breadcrumbs combined with Parmesan cheese and herbs for authentic flavor and enhanced crunch. Maintain the vegetable oil at around 350degF (175degC) to achieve the perfect golden-brown crust without absorbing excess oil. Allow fried sticks to drain on paper towels to keep them crisp and avoid sogginess. You can recreate Monsterella Stix from Checkers by following this copycat recipe with the same blend of herbs, cheese, and marinara sauce for a satisfying homemade version.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare a sheet pan lined with paper towels for draining.
- Set up three mixing bowls:
- Bowl 1: all-purpose flour.
- Bowl 2: whisk eggs and milk together.
- Bowl 3: combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs.
- Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip floured sticks into the egg mixture, coating fully.
- Roll sticks in breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Repeat egg and breadcrumb coating for each stick (double breading).
- Place breaded sticks on prepared sheet pan.
- Using tongs, carefully lower sticks in batches into hot oil.
- Fry 1–2 minutes, turning, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with tongs to drain on prepared sheet pan.
- Spoon marinara sauce into sauce cups.
- Arrange Monsterella Stix on serving tray/plate with sauce cups.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Monsterella Stix from Checkers copycat recipes aim to replicate the crispy, golden-brown breaded mozzarella sticks with a gooey center served alongside zesty marinara sauce. If you don't have Italian-style breadcrumbs, you can substitute with panko mixed with dried herbs to maintain the texture and flavor. When frying, ensure the oil temperature is around 350degF (175degC) to achieve a crispy coating without burning the breadcrumbs. If a deep fryer is unavailable, use a heavy-bottomed pan with enough oil for shallow frying. Your marinara sauce can be store-bought or homemade, with extra garlic or basil added for a personalized zest.
Tips
Make sure the deep fryer is set precisely to 350degF (175degC) to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior without overcooking the mozzarella inside. Double breading the mozzarella sticks by dipping them twice in egg and breadcrumb mixtures ensures a thicker, crunchier coating that holds together during frying. Use tongs to carefully lower and turn the sticks in hot oil to prevent splashing and ensure even cooking on all sides. To avoid soggy breading, immediately drain the fried sticks on paper towels and serve your Monsterella Stix hot with the zesty marinara for the best flavor combination.
Nutritions
Monsterella Stix provide a rich source of protein and calcium from the mozzarella cheese, essential for muscle repair and bone health. The breading, made with Italian-style breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, adds carbohydrates and a modest amount of fat from the frying process, contributing to energy intake. Garlic powder and Italian herbs in the coating offer antioxidants and flavor without added calories. You can enjoy these crispy snacks in moderation as part of a balanced diet, keeping in mind their fried nature and sodium content from the cheese and marinara sauce.
Storage
To maintain optimal freshness, store your Monsterella Stix in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 8-10 minutes to preserve their crispy texture and gooey cheese center. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess and ensure your cheesy snack remains delightfully crunchy.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap Italian-style breadcrumbs for panko to enhance crispiness and achieve an extra crunchy texture. Use smoked paprika or cayenne pepper in the breadcrumb mix for a subtle smoky or spicy kick that complements the gooey cheese. For a baked alternative, place the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined sheet pan, spray lightly with cooking oil, and bake at 400degF (200degC) for 10-12 minutes to reduce oil content. Your Monsterella Stix can also be paired with ranch or garlic aioli dips to diversify flavor options alongside marinara sauce.
Allergies
Monsterella Stix contain dairy products like mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and milk, posing a risk for individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The breading ingredients include wheat-based all-purpose flour and Italian-style breadcrumbs, which can trigger reactions in people with gluten sensitivity or wheat allergies. Your consumption should be cautious if you have known allergies to dairy or gluten-containing ingredients.
Why this recipe?
Monsterella Stix from Checkers restaurant are loved for their crispy golden exterior and gooey, melted mozzarella cheese inside, offering a perfect blend of texture and flavor. The unique seasoning on the breading enhances the taste, making every bite irresistible and satisfying. You can recreate the authentic taste at home with a simple copycat recipe, allowing you to enjoy this popular snack fresh and customized to your preference anytime. Trying the copycat version is worthwhile because it delivers the same delicious experience without the wait and cost of dining out.