How to Make Cottage Cheese Sticks
1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Drain the cottage cheese well — the drier, the better. (Tip: Press it between paper towels or cheesecloth to remove excess liquid.)
In a bowl, combine the drained cottage cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well blended and form a thick, scoopable mixture.
2. Shape and Chill
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape into short sticks or logs (about finger-length). Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.
Freeze for 30–45 minutes — this helps them hold their shape during coating and cooking.
3. Coat for Crispiness
Set up a coating station: one plate with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. Roll each chilled stick first in flour, then in egg, and finally in breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coat.
4. Cook to Golden Perfection
For frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the sticks in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
For baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place sticks on a parchment-lined tray, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce — marinara for a classic feel, ranch for creaminess, or a spicy sriracha mayo for a kick.
✨ Tips for the Best Cottage Cheese Sticks
Drain, drain, drain: Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Make sure your cottage cheese is well-drained.
Go panko: For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.
Freeze before cooking: Don’t skip the freezing step — it keeps the sticks firm and ensures that cheesy, molten center stays intact.
Air fryer option: Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes for a lighter version.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cottage Cheese Sticks are a beautiful contradiction — crispy yet creamy, indulgent yet high in protein, familiar yet refreshingly different. They take the comfort of classic fried cheese snacks and make them feel a little lighter, a little more modern, and completely satisfying.
Perfect for kids, game nights, or a cozy night in, they’re a snack that bridges the gap between comfort and nourishment— something that feels like a treat but fuels you right.
🧀 Final Thoughts
In a world of store-bought snacks and complicated appetizers, Cottage Cheese Sticks are a reminder that sometimes, the best things come from the simplest ingredients. With just a few pantry staples and a little creativity, you can turn a tub of cottage cheese into something extraordinary — golden, crispy, and absolutely irresistible.
So next time you’re craving something cheesy and crunchy, skip the freezer aisle.
Make these Cottage Cheese Sticks — and rediscover just how delicious “simple” can be.
