This post is sponsored by Knorr, Best Foods and Unilever, but the opinions and text are all mine.
It’s that time of year again, when bundling up is an everyday thing. It happens to be my favorite time when the temps get chilly and sweaters, scarves and jackets make their way into a regular rotation. It also means Sopa lives rent free in my kitchen all winter long since my family can’t bear the cold without it. I’m not complaining.
My son is a big fan of the @knorr Sopa Mexicana Minestrone. I stock up on it whenever I’m in the bouillon/soup aisle at Northgate Market so it’s ready to make the instant his cravings arise. What I especially like is that it’s made with real vegetable pieces and no artificial ingredients. It works out perfect because it’s a Hearty and authentic meal rooted in Mexican heritage and a quick meal solution that could be on the table in under 30 minutes. Latina Mom WIN!
While my Knorr Sopa Mexicana is cooking on the stove I like to make a side of fried cheese sticks. It’s such a delicious way to add melty cheese and crunch to my soup. I can use them as dunkers or switch off between the two, a spoon of soup and a bite of cheese stick. Their flavors play off one another exceptionally well. I can’t really go on with this post without divulging one key factor. I’m willing to share my secret ingredient with you to making the most amazing cheese sticks…. Best Foods Real Mayonnaise….there I said it. It’s America’s #1 Mayonnaise made with real, simple ingredients: eggs, oil and vinegar. That’s all great but the truth is it enhances the flavor of my cheese sticks and makes for the crispiest coating, and who doesn’t want that!? I usually make a big batch and have them in the freezer ready to go at a moment’s notice.
My son loves the combo of his Knorr Sopa Mexicana Minestrone and Best Foods Cheese Sticks. I gotta admit I love this combo too! It’s super tasty, affordable, quick to make, and will keep you warm all chilly season.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 package Knorr Sopa Mexicana-Minestrone (cook according to package)
- 16 – 2 inch rectangle sticks of cheese ( I use Monterey Jack, Oaxaca or Mozzarella – any melty cheese works)
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup Best Foods Real Mayonnaise
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup panko
- Vegetable oil
DIRECTIONS:
- Cook Knorr Sopa Mexicana Minestrone according to the package. While the soup is cooking, make the cheese sticks by following steps 2 – 8.
- Cut cheese into 2 inch thick rectangle pieces.
- Use three separate bowls. In bowl one (1) mix together flour and salt. In bowl two (2) fill with Best Foods Real Mayonnaise. In bowl three (3) combine bread crumbs and panko together.
- Dredge 1 cheese stick in flour mixture, shake off excess. Using a small rubber spatula smear cheese stick with mayonnaise to cover completely. Dredge in breading mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Place on a parchment paper lined tray. Repeat process until all cheese sticks are coated.
- Freeze cheese sticks for a few minutes to get cold.
- Pour oil to a 4 inch depth in a small pot or Dutch oven. Heat oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Working in batches, fry cheese for 60 seconds or until golden on the outside.
- Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel lined plate to drain.
- Allow to cool for 1 to 4 minute depending on how far you like your fried cheese to have a melty cheese pull.
- Serve with Knorr Sopa Mexicana Minestrone.
The following items will be available at Northgate for $0.99 from 12/8 – 12/28.
- Knorr Sopa Mexicana – Mestiza 12 2.4oz
- Knorr Sopa Mexicana – Minestrone 12 2.75oz
- Knorr Sopa Mexicana – Chicken with Rice 12 2.4oz
