Crisp fried cheese on the outside, molten inside, this shelf's colby jack sticks go straight from freezer to pan. A quick weeknight dinner when you have nothing else in hand, best eaten hot with dipping sauce and greens alongside.

Serves 2. 20 minutes, 15 at the stove.

About 720 calories a serving, 40 g protein, 43 g carbohydrate, 43 g fat. From USDA figures for 100% of the ingredients; amounts are the recipe's.

Cook mode

1. Keep the 8 cheese sticks in the freezer until the moment you cook them. Put 1/4 cup flour in one shallow dish and beat 1 egg in another. Set both near the stove.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. While the oil heats, dip each cheese stick in egg, then roll in flour to coat all sides, working quickly so the cheese stays cold.
3. When the oil is hot, lay the 8 cheese sticks in the pan in a single layer and cook until golden on the bottom, about 2 minutes, then turn and cook another 2 minutes until all sides are crisp. The cheese should be warm inside but still hold its shape.4 min
4. Warm 3/4 cup marinara in a small pot or skillet over low heat while the cheese fries. Transfer the cheese sticks to a plate.3 min
5. Serve the fried cheese sticks immediately with the warm marinara for dipping and a side salad or greens dressed with oil, salt, and pepper.

Note Swap in breadcrumbs mixed with grated parmesan for extra crust if you have them on hand. Leftovers keep in the fridge for two days and can be reheated gently in a low oven; they will not be as crisp. Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to make a full meal.