Name: Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 12 sticks Part-skim mozzarella string cheese; 1/4 cup Whole wheat or plain breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Dried parsley; 1/4 teaspoon Dried basil; 1/8 teaspoon Dried oregano; 1/8 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1/4 cup All-purpose flour; 1 large Egg; Easy Marinara Sauce (for serving)

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There’s something special about crispy, gooey cheese that just hits the spot, don’t you think? That’s why I absolutely love making Baked Mozzarella Sticks at home. Every time I prepare this dish, it takes me back to my childhood when I used to enjoy appetizers at family parties. The anticipation while waiting for those cheese sticks to bake is almost unbearable! The moment they come out of the oven, golden and bubbling, I can hardly wait to dive in. Paired with a zesty marinara sauce, these sticks are not just a treat, they’re a nostalgic experience. It’s wonderful to gather friends and family around, sharing stories and laughter while indulging in these delicious bites. Trust me, once you try making Baked Mozzarella Sticks from scratch, you’ll never look at store-bought ones the same way again!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
10 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
15 g

Diet:
Standard

Fat:
20 g

Tools Used:
Grater, Mixing Bowl, Frying Pan, Whisk, Baking Sheet, Oven

Why This Baked Mozzarella Sticks Works

Comfort Food at Its Best

One of the greatest things about Baked Mozzarella Sticks is their comfort food appeal. They remind us of casual gatherings, movie nights, and family celebrations. There’s something inherently satisfying about biting into a crispy exterior to reveal that stretchy, melted cheese inside.

Easy to Make

Let’s face it; cooking can sometimes feel overwhelming, but this recipe keeps things simple. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these cheesy delights without breaking a sweat. The steps are straightforward, making it a perfect choice for beginner cooks or anyone looking to impress guests with minimal effort.

Perfect for Sharing

Whether it’s a game night or a casual get-together, Baked Mozzarella Sticks are an appetizer that everyone can enjoy. Their shareable nature makes them ideal for parties where you want to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Watching your friends pull apart the cheesy goodness is a sight to behold!

Versatile and Customizable

This recipe is not set in stone. You can easily tweak it to suit your tastes. Want a little kick? Add some chili flakes to the breadcrumbs. Prefer a different type of cheese? Go ahead and experiment! The possibilities are endless, making it fun to create your version of Baked Mozzarella Sticks.

Great for Meal Prep

Another reason to love this recipe is its meal prep potential. You can prepare these cheese sticks in advance, freeze them, and bake them as needed. It’s a fantastic solution for busy days when you need a quick snack or appetizer. Just pop them into the oven, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready in no time!

Ingredients Overview for Baked Mozzarella Sticks

When it comes to the ingredients for Baked Mozzarella Sticks, simplicity is key. Each component plays a vital role, contributing to the crispy exterior and gooey interior that we all love. The mozzarella cheese is undoubtedly the star of the show, while the breadcrumbs provide that satisfying crunch. Each herb and spice adds depth and flavor, making this dish irresistible.

Part-skim mozzarella string cheese: 12 sticks of this cheese are the heart of the dish, giving you that melty, creamy goodness.
Whole wheat or plain breadcrumbs: 1/4 cup helps to create a deliciously crunchy coating that contrasts beautifully with the soft cheese.
Panko breadcrumbs: 1/4 cup adds an extra crunch to the coating, elevating the texture of your mozzarella sticks.

Grated Parmesan cheese: 2 tablespoons provide a savory depth that enhances the overall flavor.
Dried parsley: 1 teaspoon adds a touch of freshness and color to the coating.
Dried basil: 1/4 teaspoon brings a hint of aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese.

Dried oregano: 1/8 teaspoon contributes an earthy note that rounds out the flavor profile.
Garlic powder: 1/8 teaspoon gives an extra layer of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup is essential for helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese.

Large egg: 1 egg acts as a binder in the breading process, helping to create a crispy exterior.
Easy marinara sauce: for serving, this classic pairing completes the dish, providing a tangy contrast to the rich cheese.

Preparation Steps for Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Are you ready to bring cheesy goodness into your kitchen? Preparing Baked Mozzarella Sticks is an enjoyable process, and I’m excited to guide you through each step. Let’s get those sticks ready for the oven!

Start by cutting the mozzarella sticks in half and placing them in the freezer. You want them to freeze until hard, which should take about 30 minutes. This step is crucial, as it prevents the cheese from oozing out while baking.
While the cheese is freezing, grab a small bowl and combine the whole wheat or plain breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, oregano, and garlic powder. Mixing these will create the flavorful coating for your mozzarella sticks.
In another small bowl, add the all-purpose flour. This is where your cheese sticks will get their first layer of coating. You can set this aside for now.

In a third small bowl, crack open the large egg and whisk it well. This will be your binding agent to make sure the breadcrumbs stick nicely to the cheese.
Next, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While that’s heating up, get a large baking sheet and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Once the cheese sticks are frozen solid, take them out of the freezer. Dip each stick into the flour, ensuring to shake off any excess. This layer of flour will help the egg and breadcrumbs adhere properly.

After that, dip the floured cheese sticks into the whisked egg. Make sure they’re well-coated, as this will help the breadcrumbs stick.
Now, roll the sticks in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they’re fully covered. Take extra care to coat the ends well, as these tend to be exposed and need that extra crunch.
Place the coated sticks onto your prepared baking sheet. Once you’ve coated all the cheese sticks, put them back in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. This step is essential to ensure they don’t lose their shape while baking.

Once they’re ready to bake, place the sticks in the preheated oven. Bake them for about 4 to 5 minutes, then carefully turn them over and bake for an additional 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they appear golden brown and soft, but be careful not to let the cheese ooze out!
Finally, serve your Baked Mozzarella Sticks warm with the easy marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the deliciousness!

Things Worth Knowing

Freezing is Key: Freezing the cheese sticks before baking is crucial. It helps maintain their shape and prevents the cheese from oozing out.

Uniform Coating: Ensure even coverage of the breadcrumbs for consistent texture. This will give you that perfect crunch every time.
Don’t Skip the Flour: The flour layer is important. It helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick, so don’t forget this initial step!
Watch Your Baking Time: Keep an eye on the sticks while they bake. Overbaking can lead to the cheese leaking out, so checking them is essential.

Make It Your Own

Feeling adventurous? Here are some tips to customize your Baked Mozzarella Sticks experience. You can personalize them to fit your taste and dietary needs!

Storage: After baking, store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked sticks right after breading. Once frozen, transfer them to a Ziploc bag and they will last for up to a month.

Pairing: Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, like ranch or a spicy aioli, for added flavor options.
Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to try different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a kick.
Add Spices: Mix in some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy twist!

What Goes Well With This Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Looking for the perfect accompaniments for your Baked Mozzarella Sticks? Here are some ideas to enhance your serving experience:

Side Salads: A light, crisp salad pairs wonderfully. Consider a Caesar salad or a fresh garden salad with vinaigrette.
Soups: Serve your cheese sticks alongside a bowl of tomato soup for a classic combination that never disappoints.

Game Day: These mozzarella sticks are perfect for game day gatherings. Set them out on a platter with dipping sauces for everyone to enjoy!
Kids’ Parties: They make a fantastic snack for children’s parties, keeping the kids happy and filled with cheesy goodness.
Casual Dinners: Serve them as a fun appetizer for a casual dinner with friends or family.

Movie Nights: Perfect for snacking while binge-watching your favorite shows or movies. They add a touch of excitement to your viewing experience.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can prepare the Baked Mozzarella Sticks in advance and freeze them before baking. Just follow the recipe up to the point of coating them, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a Ziploc bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, you can cook them straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

The classic choice is a warm marinara sauce, which pairs perfectly with the cheesy sticks. However, you can also serve them with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a spicy buffalo sauce for those who like a bit of heat. Feel free to get creative and offer a variety of sauces for your guests to enjoy!

Yes! While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or even gouda for a unique twist. Just keep in mind the melting properties of the cheese you choose. Some cheeses may not melt as well, but they can definitely add interesting flavors to your Baked Mozzarella Sticks.

To prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking, it’s essential to freeze the cheese sticks after breading. This step firms up the cheese and allows it to hold its shape while baking. Additionally, don’t overbake them. Keep an eye on them and pull them out of the oven as soon as they are golden brown and soft.

Conclusion

In summary, Baked Mozzarella Sticks are a beloved comfort food that brings joy and nostalgia to any gathering. Their crispy exterior and melty interior make them irresistible. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of making them from scratch. You’ll find that they’re not only fun to make but also a delicious treat that everyone will love. Enjoy every bite!

Baked Mozzarella Sticks

The ultimate comfort food, Baked Mozzarella Sticks are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Perfect for sharing and an easy weeknight treat, they're sure to satisfy your cravings. Try making them tonight!

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Cook Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Appetizers

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

Grater
Mixing Bowl
Frying Pan
Whisk
Baking Sheet
Oven

Ingredients

12 sticks Part-skim mozzarella string cheese
1/4 cup Whole wheat or plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon Dried basil
1/8 teaspoon Dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon Garlic powder
1/4 cup All-purpose flour
1 large Egg
Easy Marinara Sauce for serving

Instructions

Cut cheese sticks in half and freeze until hard, about 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, oregano, and garlic powder.
In a separate small bowl, add the flour.
In a third small bowl, add the egg and whisk well.

Spray a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
Dip frozen cheese sticks into the flour, shaking off any excess flour.
Next, dip into the egg and then coat with the breadcrumbs mixture.
Place sticks on prepared baking sheet.
When all of the sticks are coated, freeze on the sheet for at least 15 minutes, or until ready to bake.

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place the cheese sticks in the oven and bake for 4-5 minutes.
Turn sticks over and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until sticks are golden brown and soft. Serve warm with marinara sauce.

Notes

Tip 1: You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Tip 2: Freeze uncooked sticks right after breading, and they will last for up to a month.
Tip 3: Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces for more fun.
Tip 4: Try different cheeses for a unique twist!
Tip 5: Add spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick!