Go Back

Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Golden, crispy, and full of gooey cheese—these Baked Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect snack for game nights, kids, and midnight cravings. No frying, no mess, just pure cheesy goodness straight from your oven!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 15 stick
Calories 65 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cheese & Coating:

  • 1 lb block mozzarella cheese Low-moisture is key!
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free alternative
  • 3 eggs or flax eggs for a vegan twist—if you believe in vegan cheese magic
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs Panko = extra crunch; regular = classic comfort
  • 1 tsp garlic powder or onion powder, ranch seasoning, or mystery spice mix
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning optional, but makes you feel like a real chef
  • ½ tsp salt for flavor boost
  • ½ tsp black pepper because balance

Dipping Sauce:

  • 1 cup marinara sauce for dunking—because rules are important sometimes

Optional Extras:

  • Crunch Upgrade: Crushed pretzels cornflakes, or everything bagel seasoning.
  • Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne or a buffalo sauce drizzle.
  • Cheese Remix: Swap in cheddar or pepper jack for extra flavor.

Instructions
 

Cheese Prep (Size Matters!)

  • Cut the mozzarella into sticks, about ½-inch thick. If you go too thin, they’ll melt into a sad puddle.
  • Freeze the cheese sticks for at least 1 hour. This step is non-negotiable unless you enjoy watching cheese lava spill all over your baking sheet.
  • Coating Station (Messy but Worth It)

Set up 3 bowls:

  • Flour: Lightly coat each frozen cheese stick. Shake off excess.
  • Eggs: Beat eggs in a bowl. Dip each floured cheese stick, making sure it’s fully coated.
  • Breadcrumbs: Mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Roll egg-coated sticks in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to stick.
  • Pro Move: Double-coat by dipping back into the egg and breadcrumbs for an extra crispy armor.

Bake to Golden Perfection

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (grease = no bueno).
  • Arrange sticks 1 inch apart. Overcrowding = soggy cheese sadness.
  • Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Keep an eye on them—cheese waits for no one.

Serve & Enjoy

  • Let them cool for 5 minutes (burnt cheese tongue = regret).
  • Dunk in warm marinara, ranch, or even sriracha mayo.
  • Eat immediately. Or don’t. But melted cheese waits for no one.

Notes

  • 🔥 Cheese Explosion Prevention: If they leak, your cheese wasn’t frozen enough. Next time, freeze longer.
    🍞 No Breadcrumbs? No Problem: Crush crackers, tortilla chips, or cereal. Crunch is a state of mind.
    🧊 Meal Prep Magic: Freeze coated sticks in a single layer, then store in a bag. Bake straight from frozen.
    ❄️ Air Fryer Version: 375°F for 6–8 minutes. Spray with oil for extra crispiness.
    👶 Kid-Friendly Hack: Use cookie cutters to shape cheese into stars or hearts. Major parenting win.
    🧀 Salvaging Fails: If a stick breaks, crumble it over pasta or salad. Boom—cheese croutons.