Description
Crispy and golden baked mozzarella sticks, coated with a flavorful breadcrumb mixture and served warm with marinara sauce. This easy recipe delivers a delicious appetizer or snack that’s perfect for parties or cozy nights in, with a crispy exterior and gooey melted cheese inside.
Ingredients
Scale
Mozzarella Sticks
- 12 mozzarella string cheeses
Breading
- 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
Serving
- 1 cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese: Take each mozzarella string cheese and cut it in half to create 24 smaller pieces. Set them aside for breading.
- Set up breading stations: Arrange three shallow bowls – in the first, mix flour, salt, and black pepper; in the second, add beaten eggs; in the third, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried parsley.
- Bread the mozzarella sticks: Dredge each halved mozzarella stick first in the flour mixture, coating thoroughly. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage. Finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating on all sides.
- Freeze the coated sticks: Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking. Freeze them for at least 2 hours or until they’re completely firm and hard.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and position the rack in the lower third to ensure even baking.
- Bake the mozzarella sticks: Arrange the frozen sticks on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to prevent the cheese from melting too soon and leaking.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite pizza dipping sauce for a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Place paper towels inside the container to absorb excess moisture and keep the coating crisp.
- To reheat leftovers, use a toaster oven or air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as that can make the coating soggy and cheese rubbery.
- Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks before baking by placing them on a baking sheet until frozen solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen to enjoy fresh, crispy sticks anytime.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
