If you’ve ever looked at a bag of Cheetos and thought, these could probably coat something delicious and questionable, then welcome—you’re my people. This started as a “let’s just try it for fun” situation with the kids, but it has since turned into a full-blown family tradition. We’re talking mozzarella sticks, but with a glorious, crunchy, bright orange Cheetos crust. I’m not claiming it’s gourmet, but it is the kind of snack that makes you feel like you’ve outsmarted the freezer aisle.
The first time we made them, Jeremy crushed the Cheetos with way too much enthusiasm, and we basically ended up with neon orange dust everywhere. It looked like a crime scene, but cheesier. William was in charge of the egg dipping, which meant my kitchen counter became a slip zone of yolk and crumbs. Jared just stood in the corner laughing—until he tasted one, and then suddenly he was “helping” by taste-testing every batch.
Here’s the deal: grab some mozzarella sticks (string cheese totally works), dip them in flour, then egg, then roll them in crushed Cheetos. Regular if you like mellow crunch, Flamin’ Hot if you want your tongue to question its life choices. Then you can fry them in oil until golden and crispy or bake them if you’re trying to convince yourself it’s healthier (it’s not, but I respect the effort).
The sound they make when you bite into them? Perfection. Crunch, stretch, cheese pull. Pure magic. The boys always try to see who can get the longest cheese stretch—Jeremy usually wins, probably because he talks less during the attempt. And yes, they will 100% fight over the last one, so make extra.
The smell alone makes you feel like you’ve done something slightly reckless but totally worth it. A little salty, a little spicy, and completely satisfying. And if you’re feeling wild, dip them in ranch or marinara. Or both. No rules here.
By the time we’re done, everyone’s fingers are stained bright red, the kitchen’s a disaster, and I’m usually laughing so hard I forget to take pictures for the blog. But honestly? That’s my favorite kind of mess—the delicious kind that ends with happy faces and zero regrets.