Who doesn’t love crispy, cheesy goodness? Baked Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect snack when you’re craving something warm and cheesy but want to keep it a bit lighter than the fried version. 🧀🔥 I make these often when my kids are home from school, and they’re always gone before I know it! Plus, they’re easy to make, healthier (since we bake them instead of frying), and just as delicious. It’s the ideal snack for parties, movie nights, or just when you’re feeling snacky!
The gooey cheese on the inside and the crispy coating on the outside make each bite feel like a little piece of heaven. And the best part? You don’t need to deep fry them, so they’re a little lighter but still full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love Baked Mozzarella Sticks
These Baked Mozzarella Sticks are a great way to satisfy your cheese cravings without the added guilt of frying. They have the same crispy, cheesy texture as the ones you’d get at a restaurant, but with fewer calories and less mess. Plus, they’re easy to customize—dip them in marinara sauce or ranch dressing, or add a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor!
What You’ll Need to Make Baked Mozzarella Sticks
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray (for greasing)
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping
How to Make Baked Mozzarella Sticks
- Prepare the cheese: Cut the mozzarella string cheese sticks in half if you prefer smaller bites.
- Prepare the breading: In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Dip the cheese: In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each piece of mozzarella first into the beaten eggs, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the cheese is well coated.
- Freeze: Arrange the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes—this step helps the cheese stay intact while baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the frozen mozzarella sticks with cooking spray, then bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let them cool slightly, then serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping!
More Sides & Snacks:
- Homemade Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
- Sticky Chicken Meatballs
- Refreshing Blueberry Mojito
- Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
Fun Variations
If you want to get creative, you can add different herbs to the breadcrumb mixture, like garlic powder, paprika, or chili flakes for a little heat. You can also try adding a bit of shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the breadcrumbs for extra cheesy flavor. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
Perfect for Parties and Gatherings
These Baked Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re hosting a party, game night, or just a cozy family dinner, these cheesy snacks will be gone in no time. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces.
FAQs
- Can I make these mozzarella sticks ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the cheese sticks and freeze them ahead of time. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. - Can I fry these instead of baking them?
Yes, if you prefer a fried version, heat some oil in a pan and fry the mozzarella sticks until golden and crispy. Just be sure to drain them on paper towels afterward. - Can I use other types of cheese for these sticks?
Definitely! You can use cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a different flavor. Just make sure the cheese is firm enough to hold up when baking. - Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?
Yes! Store-bought breadcrumbs work perfectly fine for this recipe, but you can make your own by toasting some bread and crushing it in a food processor. - How do I keep the cheese from melting out while baking?
Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks before baking is key. It helps the cheese stay inside while they cook. Don’t skip this step!
These Baked Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and delicious. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and sure to satisfy your snack cravings. Enjoy!
Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup breadcrumbs preferably panko for extra crunch
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning optional
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray for greasing
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese:
- Cut the mozzarella string cheese sticks in half if you prefer smaller bites.
- Prepare the breading:
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Dip the cheese:
- In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each piece of mozzarella first into the beaten eggs, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
- Freeze:
- Arrange the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes—this helps keep the cheese intact while baking.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the frozen mozzarella sticks with cooking spray, then bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Let them cool slightly, then serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping!
Notes
- Make-ahead tip: You can bread the cheese sticks ahead of time and freeze them. Just bake when you’re ready to serve. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
