Quick Description
These Baked Mozzarella Sticks are golden brown on the outside, with a gooey, melty cheese center. Coated in crispy breadcrumbs and baked to perfection, they’re the perfect healthier alternative to deep-fried mozzarella sticks. Serve with marinara sauce or a tangy ranch dip for the ultimate snack or appetizer.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4 (8–10 sticks)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients List
For the Mozzarella Sticks
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (cut in half for 24 pieces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray (for a crispy finish)
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks
- Freeze the Cheese – Begin by freezing your mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour (this helps keep them from melting too fast during baking).
Step 2: Set Up the Dipping Station
- Flour: In one shallow bowl, place the flour.
- Egg: In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
- Roll each frozen mozzarella stick in the flour, coating it fully.
- Dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- For extra crunch, dip each stick back into the egg and breadcrumbs to double coat.
Step 4: Bake the Mozzarella Sticks
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place a cooling rack on a baking sheet to allow air circulation around the sticks, ensuring crispiness on all sides.
- Arrange the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer on the rack. Lightly spray the sticks with olive oil spray.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning — you want the cheese to stay melty inside.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the baked mozzarella sticks hot, with marinara sauce or ranch for dipping. Garnish with fresh basil or red pepper flakes if desired.
Additional Notes
- Freezing Tip: Freezing the mozzarella sticks before baking is key to getting them to stay intact and prevent the cheese from spilling out while baking.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Cheese Options: You can use regular mozzarella blocks (cut into sticks), but string cheese is ideal for even portions.
- Spicy Version: Add some chili powder or cayenne to the breadcrumb mix for extra heat.
Dietary Info
- Vegetarian
- Can be made Gluten-Free (with appropriate breadcrumbs)
- Lighter than Fried Mozzarella Sticks
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Cheddar-Stuffed Mozzarella Sticks – Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a melty, cheesy surprise.
- Buffalo Mozzarella Sticks – After baking, toss the sticks in buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
- Pesto Dipping Sauce – Swap the marinara for pesto sauce for a herbaceous dip.
- Herb-Infused – Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a crispy result (avoid microwaving).
- Freezing: Freeze fully cooked mozzarella sticks for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought frozen mozzarella sticks instead of homemade?
Yes, but homemade versions are often lighter and crispier, without all the added preservatives.
Q: Why are my mozzarella sticks leaking cheese?
This happens when they’re not frozen long enough or if the oven temperature is too high. Make sure to freeze them for at least 1 hour and bake at the correct temperature.
Q: How can I make them extra crispy?
Spray the sticks with olive oil or cooking spray right before baking, and bake them on a wire rack to allow air circulation around all sides.
Optional Personal Story
“Growing up, mozzarella sticks were always a treat, but I wanted a version that was a bit lighter and easier to make at home. These baked mozzarella sticks have become my go-to snack for game days or movie nights — they’re so crispy and satisfying, and you won’t believe they’re baked, not fried!”
Call-to-Action
“Save this Baked Mozzarella Sticks recipe for your next snack attack! Tag a friend who loves cheesy treats and join my community for more healthy-ish snack ideas like this!”
