Looking for a delightful snack that’s both nutritious and indulgent? Baby vegetables cheese sticks are the perfect bite-sized treat that blends crisp, tender veggies with gooey, melted cheese.
Whether you’re entertaining guests, preparing a kid-friendly snack, or just craving something crunchy and cheesy, these sticks hit all the right notes. The combination of fresh baby carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers wrapped in a crispy coating offers vibrant colors and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Plus, they’re easy to make and a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies without sacrificing flavor.
In this recipe, we use a blend of baby vegetables and cheese, coated in breadcrumbs and baked or fried to golden perfection. It’s a wonderful appetizer or snack that pairs beautifully with a variety of dips.
If you love experimenting with vegetarian treats, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baby vegetables cheese sticks are a fantastic way to enjoy fresh veggies in a fun, snackable form. They are:
- Nutritious and colorful: Packed with baby carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers that provide vitamins and antioxidants.
- Versatile: Can be baked or fried depending on your preference.
- Kid-friendly: A great way to get children excited about eating vegetables.
- Easy to customize: Substitute with your favorite vegetables or cheese varieties.
- Perfect party food: Ideal for gatherings or as a tasty appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup baby carrots, peeled if necessary
- 1 cup baby zucchini, sliced lengthwise into sticks
- 1 cup baby bell peppers, deseeded and cut into strips
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking oil (for frying or spraying if baking)
Equipment
- Baking sheet (if baking)
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork (for beating eggs)
- Knife and cutting board
- Shallow plates or bowls for coating ingredients
- Deep frying pan or air fryer (optional)
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dry the baby carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers. Cut them into stick-like shapes roughly the size of cheese sticks to ensure even cooking.
- Cut the cheese: Slice the mozzarella cheese into sticks about the same size as your vegetable sticks.
- Set up your coating stations: Place the flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and mix the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a third.
- Coat the cheese sticks: First, roll each cheese stick in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step once more. Place on a tray and freeze for 30 minutes to prevent melting during cooking.
- Coat the vegetable sticks: Similarly, coat the vegetable sticks by rolling them in flour, dipping in egg, and coating with the seasoned breadcrumbs. Unlike cheese sticks, they don’t need freezing.
- Cook the sticks: You can either deep fry in hot oil at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy or bake them on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- Drain and serve: Use tongs to remove the fried sticks and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or a spicy vegan mayo.
Tips & Variations
Freezing the cheese sticks before cooking is key to keeping the cheese from oozing out too quickly during frying or baking.
Here are some ways to mix things up:
- Try different cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda for unique flavors.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Add fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture for an herby twist.
- For a vegan version, substitute cheese with vegan cheese alternatives and use a flax egg instead of real eggs.
- Incorporate other baby vegetables like asparagus or green beans for added variety.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving (4 sticks) |
---|---|
Calories | 220 kcal |
Protein | 12 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Carbohydrates | 18 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sodium | 380 mg |
Vitamin A | 60% DV |
Vitamin C | 35% DV |
Serving Suggestions
Baby vegetable cheese sticks make an excellent appetizer or snack. Here are some ways to serve them:
- Pair with a fresh vegan salad bowl for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside homemade cauliflower vegan cheese sauce or a spicy dip like the chilli powder recipe vegan for a flavor kick.
- Include as part of a vegetarian party platter with other finger foods from A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.
Conclusion
Baby vegetables cheese sticks are a delightful, crowd-pleasing snack that combines the natural sweetness and crunch of fresh vegetables with the irresistible creaminess of melted cheese. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients to your liking or dietary needs.
Whether baked, fried, or air-fried, these sticks deliver satisfying texture and flavor in every bite. Plus, they offer a creative way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet in a fun and tasty form.
Next time you’re looking for a quick appetizer or a tasty snack, give these baby vegetables cheese sticks a try — they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!
If you enjoy recipes like this, be sure to explore other delicious ideas such as Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love or dive into more creative vegetarian snacks with Spring Rolls Recipe Vegetarian: Easy, Fresh, and Delicious.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Baby Vegetables Cheese Sticks
Description: Crispy cheese sticks wrapped with tender baby vegetables make a delicious and healthy snack. Perfect for parties or a quick appetizer.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 baby carrots
- 12 baby zucchini
- 12 baby bell peppers
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry all baby vegetables.
- Cut each vegetable into sticks similar in size to the cheese sticks.
- Wrap one piece of vegetable around each mozzarella stick.
- Set up three bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each wrapped stick in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the sticks until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 10 g
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