Baked Mozzarella Sticks

If you’ve ever indulged in the crispy delight of mozzarella sticks from your favorite restaurant, you know just how addictive they can be. Now, imagine recreating that magic in your own kitchen without the guilt of frying! These Baked Mozzarella Sticks are incredibly easy to whip up, and they bring all the cheesy, gooey goodness you crave—without all the calories and mess of traditional frying. Whether you’re serving them up as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or a fun side dish for your kids, these baked wonders will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive right into this delicious recipe!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Baked mozzarella sticks are a fantastic alternative to the fried version, offering the same wonderful flavors and textures without the excess oil. In this recipe, we will use simple and accessible ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. The use of Panko breadcrumbs not only ensures a wonderfully crispy outside but also keeps the preparation light and scrumptious. Plus, these mozzarella sticks are perfect for dipping into marinara sauce, adding a burst of flavor to each bite. They are simple to prepare, fun to eat, and absolutely irresistible!

Ingredients

• 12 sticks mozzarella string cheese, cut in half and frozen
• 1 egg
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour, divided
• ⅔ cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Marinara sauce for dipping

How To Make Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese

Start by cutting the mozzarella string cheese into halves. To ensure the mozzarella sticks hold their shape during baking, it’s crucial to freeze them before coating. Lay the cheese halves on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step will keep the cheese from melting too quickly in the oven.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

While the cheese is freezing, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line another baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help the sticks cook evenly. Next, set up your breading station. In one shallow bowl, place ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour. In another bowl, beat the egg. In a third bowl, combine the remaining ⅓ cup of flour with the Panko breadcrumbs, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix these ingredients well so that everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Coat the Cheese Sticks

Retrieve the frozen mozzarella sticks from the freezer. Taking one stick at a time, dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip off, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the cheese stick gently to create a thick coating. Repeat this process with all the cheese sticks.

Step 4: Bake the Mozzarella Sticks

After all the sticks are coated, place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced apart to allow even cooking. Lightly spray the sticks with non-stick cooking spray for extra crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until they are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!

Step 5: Serve with Marinara Sauce

Once the mozzarella sticks are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve them with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the cheesy, gooey goodness!

Expert Tips

• For guaranteed crunch, use Panko breadcrumbs, as they create a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
• Make sure the cheese sticks are frozen solid before breading; this helps maintain their shape while baking.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the breadcrumb mixture to customize the flavor to your liking.
• If you have leftover breading, save it and toss it on vegetables or chicken for an added crunch in your other meals.

Variations and Customizations

• Add a bit of garlic powder or onion powder to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra flavor kick.
• For a spicy version, include crushed red pepper flakes in the breadcrumbs.
• You can swap in different types of cheese, like pepper jack or cheddar, for a unique twist on the classic mozzarella stick.
• Try dipping them in a variety of sauces such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy aioli.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for added crunch!

FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mozzarella sticks up to the baking step, then freeze them on the baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from the freezer when you are ready to eat—just add a couple more minutes to the baking time.

What if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have Panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs. However, the final result might not be as crispy. You could also try making your own Panko-style breadcrumbs by processing stale bread until coarse.

Can I use a gluten-free alternative for this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.

What type of cheese can I use for this recipe?

While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheese types such as cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda. Just keep in mind that melting points vary, so adjust your baking time accordingly based on the cheese you choose.

Conclusion

These Baked Mozzarella Sticks are not just a healthier alternative to the traditional fried version; they are also easy to prepare and give you that satisfying crunch paired with melty cheese goodness. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy night in, or looking for a family-friendly snack, this recipe is bound to impress and delight. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a tasty treat that will disappear faster than you can say “cheese!” So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the cheesy bliss!