Cheese Sticks Recipe: Crunchy, Cheesy & Low-Calorie Filipino Snack | Amber’s Style
What activities do individuals prefer to engage in on diet cheat days? If given the opportunity, I would choose cheese sticks and other dishes that prominently feature cheese, as was the case during my previous cheat day when I relished them. Although I am aware that indulgent foods may contribute to weight gain, I believe that indulging occasionally is acceptable.
I began enjoying these deep-fried cheese rolls following a lunch gathering with my colleagues at Amber Golden Chain of Restaurants. These crunchy sticks are served as appetizers at the establishment, and since that occasion, I have been longing for them.
Fortunately, I was able to fulfill my cravings on my cheat day. Today, I will share a method for preparing these Amber-style cheese sticks, enabling others to enjoy their preferred snacks without undue concern.
Price and serving options on Amber’s menu:
| Serving Size | Price |
| 10 pieces | ₱ 150.00 |
Cheese Sticks Nutritional Info & Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Cheese Sticks |
| Cuisine | Filipino, Snack, Appetizer |
| Main Ingredients | Cheese, Lumpia Wrapper, Egg, Breadcrumbs, Mayonnaise, Ketchup |
| Calories (Per Serving) | 150–200 kcal (Standard) / Under 100 kcal (Low-Calorie Option) |
| Macronutrients (Per Serving) | Protein: 6–8g, Carbs: 10–15g, Fats: 10–12g |
| Serving Size | 10 pieces |
| Allergens | Dairy, Gluten, Eggs, Soy, Cross-Contact (Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Seafood, Shellfish, Sesame) |
| Best Paired With | Tetra Juice, Orange Juice, Soda, Jasmine Rice, Garlic Rice, Stir-fried Veggies |
| Cooking Method | Deep-Fried (Option for Air-Fried or Grilled) |
| Diet-Friendly Options | Air-Fried, Gluten-Free Batter, Low-Sugar Dipping Sauce |
| Price (Amber Restaurant) | ₱150 for 10 pieces |
| Nutritional Profile (Per 100g) | Calories: 150–200 kcal, Protein: 6–8g, Carbs: 10–15g, Fats: 10–12g, Fiber: 0.5–1g |
| Low-Calorie Option | Under 100 kcal (60–70g serving, Grilled or Air-Fried with Low-Sugar Sauce) |
Why I Love Amber’s Cheese Sticks
Filipino-style cheese Sticks are characterized by several appealing aspects, including their crunchy exterior, creamy filling, and accompanying savory dipping sauce. These elements can enhance the overall dining experience.
Crunchy Wrapper Coating:
Each stick is enveloped in a lumpia wrapper coated with egg wash and breadcrumbs, creating an ultra-crisp crust once deep-fried.
Creamy Cheese Core :
At the center lies a generous strip of processed cheddar or quick-melt cheese, delivering rich, molten texture with each bite.
Signature Dipping Sauce :
Healthy cheese sticks are often served with a unique dipping sauce that combines elements beyond traditional ketchup or mayonnaise, providing a creamy texture with a sweet and tangy tomato flavor. Paired with a house-blend dip, typically a mix of ketchup, mayo, or honey mustard, the sauce brings a sweet, tangy, and creamy balance to the cheese’s richness.
Customization :
Pairing cheese sticks with beverages such as tetra juice can enhance the meal. Tetra juice offers a refreshing, tangy, and sweet profile that complements the crunchy sticks. Alternatives like orange juice or soda are also common choices.
Amber’s Crunchy Cheese Sticks Recipe at Home
Key-Ingredients :
- One pound block of cheese (2 blocks for 1 cheese stick)
- 12 egg wrappers (lumpia wrapper)
- 2 eggs
- One tbsp salt
- One tbsp water
- One cup of breadcrumbs
How to Make Crunchy Cheese Sticks (Step-by-Step) :
- The cooking process for cheese sticks is straightforward and can be broken down into a few key steps. Begin by placing a block of cheese on a clean, stable surface.
- Cut the cheese into sticks, ensuring they are of medium thickness, approximately 6 inches in length, and less than 1 inch in diameter.
- Next, take a lumpia wrapper and lay it flat on the kitchen counter. Position two cheese sticks horizontally at one end of the wrapper.
- Roll the wrapper over the sticks once, then fold the sides in to secure the filling before continuing to roll it to the opposite end. To seal the wrapper, use a small amount of water or egg white.
- In a separate bowl, mix the remaining water and salt into an egg to create a coating. This mixture will be essential for preparing the cheese sticks.
- Now, immerse the wrapped cheese sticks first in the egg mixture, followed by a dip in bread crumbs, ensuring a thorough coating.
- Fry the coated sticks in hot oil over low heat for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown color.
- For a dipping sauce, combine equal parts of mayonnaise and ketchup. This dish makes for a delicious snack to enjoy with family!
Cheese Sticks Under 100 Calories
For health-conscious snackers, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy cheese sticks under 100 calories without compromising flavor or texture. By using part-skim mozzarella, rice paper, or thin lumpia wrappers, and cooking with an air fryer or oven, each stick can be brought down to 90–100 kcal per serving. These lighter alternatives retain the essential savory, creamy cheese core while dramatically reducing fat content and oil absorption. Ideal for individuals on calorie-restricted diets, diabetic meal plans, or macro-conscious eating routines, these crunchy cheese snacks offer a satisfying crunch and indulgent flavor without exceeding your daily caloric budget.
Amber Cheese Sticks Calories Per 100g
When analyzing cheese sticks’ caloric value per 100 grams, the average ranges from 280 to 320 calories, depending on the type of cheese, coating thickness, and frying method. Traditional preparations, such as those served at Filipino restaurants like Amber, use full-fat processed cheese, wheat-based lumpia wrappers, and deep-frying in oil, resulting in a high energy density.
This calorie estimate also includes contributions from refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and sodium content present in both the cheese and the dipping sauces. For a lighter option, substitutions such as reduced-fat cheese, whole-grain wrappers, and air-frying techniques can significantly reduce the caloric load per 100g while maintaining the signature cheesy taste and crisp texture.
Amber’s Cheese Sticks Allergen Info
| Allergen | Source |
|---|---|
| 🥛 Dairy | Cheese (main filling) |
| 🌾 Gluten | Lumpia wrappers and breadcrumbs |
| 🥚 Eggs | Used in coating mixture |
| 🌱 Soy | Used in the coating mixture |
Cross-contact warning: May be processed in kitchens that handle peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, and sesame.
Cheese Sticks Allergen Information may contain:
Dairy: The primary ingredient is cheese, which contains milk.
Gluten: The Low-fat cheese sticks are often coated in breadcrumbs or a flour-based batter.
Eggs: Eggs may be included in the batter or coating process.
Soy: Some cooking oils or seasoning blends may contain soy.
Cross-Contact Warning:
Prepared in a kitchen that also handles the following allergens:
– Peanuts
– Tree Nuts
– Seafood
– Shellfish
– Sesame
– Celery
Important Note: Ingredients and preparation methods may vary by location. Please inform our staff of any allergies or dietary requirements before placing your order.
Amber Cheese Sticks Calories/Nutritional Profile
| Nutrient | Approximate Value (Per 2 Sticks) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150–200 kcal |
| Protein | 6–8 g |
| Total Fat | 10–12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10–15 g |
| Fiber | 0.5–1 g |
| Sodium | 300–400 mg |
FAQ’s
Conclusion
Cheese sticks remain an iconic part of Filipino merienda culture, offering a satisfying combination of golden-fried crispiness and creamy dairy richness. Whether you’re indulging in Amber Restaurant’s cheese sticks or crafting a homemade cheese snack, they deliver nostalgic comfort and culinary delight. With options like air-fried Cheese sticks recipe, Filipino gluten-free coatings, and low-calorie cheese stick recipes, they cater to both indulgent cravings and diet-conscious Filipino food lovers. These cheesy appetizers are more than a snack, they’re a flavorful celebration of tradition and taste.
