Name: Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 mozzarella string cheeses; ½ cup flour; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 eggs, beaten; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; 1 cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce (for dipping)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 29 reviews

If you love cheesy, crunchy snacks but want to keep things a little lighter and less greasy, then you’re in for a treat with this Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe. I’ve tried a bunch of ways to make mozzarella sticks at home, and baking them—rather than frying—gives you that golden, crispy exterior with melty cheese inside, without the mess or guilt. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through my favorite method that’s foolproof and utterly delicious!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfectly Crispy Crust: The combo of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan creates a golden, crunchy coating that bakes beautifully.
No Frying, No Fuss: Baking keeps your kitchen cleaner and the cheese sticks less greasy while still achieving great texture.
Freeze Ahead Convenience: Freezing the coated sticks before baking means you can prep in advance and bake fresh anytime.
Balanced Flavor Boost: Garlic, oregano, and parsley seasoning in the crust add subtle herby notes that elevate every bite.

Baked Mozzarella Sticks, cheesy baked mozzarella sticks, crispy baked cheese sticks, homemade baked mozzarella snacks, healthy mozzarella sticks - A close-up photo of a person's two fingers pulling apart a crispy, crumb-coated fried piece of food, showing melted white, stretchy cheese inside. The crumb coating is golden brown with small black specks, and the background is a soft, blurry white marbled texture. The photo focuses tightly on the texture of the crunchy outside and the smooth cheese inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together to give you that iconic mozzarella stick with a crispy, flavorful outer layer and ooey-gooey cheese inside. When you choose good-quality mozzarella string cheese and fresh seasonings, the results are downright irresistible.

Mozzarella string cheese: Easy to handle and perfect size for homemade sticks; choosing full-fat yields wonderfully melty cheese.
Flour: Helps the egg mixture stick to the cheese and creates a base layer for the breading.
Salt and black pepper: Essential basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor and balance the cheese’s richness.
Eggs: Act as a glue to firmly hold the breadcrumb coating in place while baking.
Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that light, crunchy texture unlike regular breadcrumbs which can be softer.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a nutty, salty element that deepens flavor and browns beautifully.
Garlic powder, dried oregano, dried parsley: Classic Italian herbs and garlic powder bring savory depth to the crust.
Marinara or pizza sauce: A tangy, herbaceous dip that complements the mild mozzarella perfectly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts about this Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. I love to experiment with different herb combos or add a touch of spice, depending on my mood or what I’m serving it with.

Variation: Sometimes I mix in a little smoked paprika for a subtle smoky kick, which pairs amazingly with a spicy marinara.
Dietary twist: Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs work great here, so feel free to swap those and keep the crispy crust intact.
Cheese upgrade: Occasionally, I add a bit of shredded mozzarella or provolone mixed into the breading for extra cheese flavor around the crust.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Cheese Sticks

Start by cutting your mozzarella string cheese in half to create smaller sticks. This not only helps them cook evenly but also makes dipping a breeze. If you try baking long whole sticks, they risk melting too quickly and oozing everywhere. Trust me—halving them is a game-changer.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Grab three shallow bowls—one for flour mixed with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and the last with your panko breadcrumb mix (including parmesan and herbs). This classic “dredge, dip, and coat” method ensures every inch of cheesy goodness is wrapped in a perfect crust.

Step 3: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks

Dredge each mozzarella half in the flour mixture first—this helps the egg stick better. Then fully coat in egg, and finally toss thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mix. Work in small batches so you don’t lose the coating. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to avoid any sticky situations later.

Step 4: Freeze Before Baking

This is a crucial step! Pop your breaded cheese sticks into the freezer for at least two hours. I’ve skipped this before, and the cheese melted out all over the baking sheet. Freezing firms them up so they bake crispy without a cheese disaster. Do yourself a favor and don’t skip it!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the baking rack in the lower third. Bake your frozen sticks for around 8-10 minutes, keeping a close eye so they get beautifully golden but the cheese doesn’t ooze out. It’s a fine line, but you’ll get it with practice. Serve warm with your favorite marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Freeze Completely Before Baking: Don’t rush! Freezing the coated sticks solid prevents cheese leakage during baking.
Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: This avoids sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—trust me, it saves frustration.
Watch the Oven Closely: These sticks can go from perfect to melty mess in a minute, so stay nearby during the last few minutes.
Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For crunchaholics like me, dipping one more time in egg and breadcrumbs adds that irresistible extra crunch.

How to Serve Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Garnishes

I personally like sprinkling a little extra parmesan and chopped fresh parsley on top right before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and flavor. A light dusting of red pepper flakes also brings a nice kick for spice lovers.

Side Dishes

These mozzarella sticks pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a simple Caesar salad to balance the richness. If you’re going all out, some garlic knots or crusty bread on the side make the perfect combo for a casual game day or movie night.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun idea I tried was serving the sticks upright in a tall glass with marinara sauce pooled at the bottom for dipping—makes for a cute party appetizer! You can also arrange them on a platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces like ranch or spicy arrabbiata for variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any moisture and keep the crust crispy-ish. They usually last 3-4 days in the fridge and still taste great cold or reheated.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver with this recipe! Freeze your breaded sticks on a tray first so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. From frozen, you can bake them straight—no need to thaw. This way, you’ve always got a quick snack on hand.

Reheating

To keep the breading nice and crispy on reheating, I use my air fryer or toaster oven set to 400°F for a few minutes. Microwaving leads to a soggy crust, and the cheese gets weirdly dense instead of stretchy. Air frying is my secret weapon here!

FAQs

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of string cheese for this recipe?

It’s best to use mozzarella string cheese because it holds its shape well after breading and freezing, ensuring you get those classic stick shapes. Shredded mozzarella tends to melt too fast and won’t give you the same gooey pull and structure.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

Freezing your coated mozzarella sticks for at least two hours before baking is key to preventing leaks. This gives the cheese time to firm up so it melts slower in the oven, letting the crust crisp perfectly without a mess.
Can I make these ahead for a party?

Absolutely! Prepare and bread the sticks ahead of time, freeze them on a tray, then store in an airtight container or bag. When it’s party time, just pop them into the oven straight from the freezer. Easy, delicious, and stress-free!
What dipping sauces go best with baked mozzarella sticks?

Classic marinara or pizza sauce are the top contenders in my book, but ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo can add exciting twists depending on your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

I’ll be honest—there’s something so satisfying about biting into a warm, crisp, cheesy stick that hits both the comfort and snack cravings at once. This Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe has become my go-to whether for casual family nights or impressing guests with minimal mess. I hope you give it a whirl, and once you taste how crispy and flavorful these are, you might find yourself making them again and again, just like me!