Go Back

mozzarella sticks

Hot baked mozzarella sticks – I can't think of a more popular finger food for both kids and adults alike. My oldest daughter Karina LOVES them and these never disappoint! Made lighter with part-skim mozzarella then coated with crispy seasoned breadcrumbs and baked (not fried!) until hot and golden. Serve them with my quick marinara sauce and you have yourself an appetizer everyone will love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 sticks part-skim mozzarella string cheese reduced sodium (like Sargento)
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 5 tablespoons Italian seasoned breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 5 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • as needed olive oil cooking spray

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Cut cheese in half to give you 24 pieces. Place cheese in the freezer until cheese is frozen.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk the egg. Place the flour on another small dish.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine bread crumbs, panko, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley.
  4. Dip the frozen sticks in flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg, then coat with the crumbs.
  5. Repeat this process with the remaining cheese, placing them on a tray with wax paper.
  6. Place cheese back into the freezer for at least 1 hour until ready to bake (this is a MUST or they will melt before the crumbs get golden).
  7. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 400° F.
  8. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with oil. Place frozen cheese sticks on baking sheet. Spray the tops of the mozzarella sticks with a little more oil and bake in the bottom third of your oven until crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  9. Turn and bake an additional 4 to 5 minutes, watching them closely so they don't melt.

Notes

The trick to making Baked Mozzarella Sticks in the oven, is to make sure they are frozen before you bake them! Make a batch and keep them frozen, so you can whip some up whenever you need a snack!