Description
Delicious baked mozzarella sticks with a crispy breadcrumb coating, perfect for a tasty appetizer or snack. These homemade mozzarella sticks are coated with a seasoned breadcrumb mix, baked until golden and crispy, and served with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 6 string cheese sticks (mozzarella and jalapeno work well)
Coating
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Serving
- 1 cup marinara or spaghetti sauce (warmed)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cut the cheese sticks: Halve each string cheese stick crosswise so they become shorter pieces suitable for dipping and snacking.
- Set up dredging stations: Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl. In a second bowl, beat together the eggs and water. In a third shallow bowl, whisk the seasoned bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs, melted butter, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
- Coat the cheese sticks: Roll each cheese piece first in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat dipping into the egg and breadcrumb mixtures again, pressing the breadcrumbs firmly to ensure the coating adheres well. You will apply a total of five coatings to create a thick, crispy crust.
- Freeze the coated cheese sticks: Arrange the coated sticks on the prepared baking sheet. Cover and place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, to help the coating set and prevent melting during baking.
- Preheat the oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 415°F (about 210°C) and position the rack in the middle of the oven. Remove the frozen cheese sticks from the freezer as the oven heats up.
- Bake the mozzarella sticks: Bake the sticks for 10 to 20 minutes, until they are heated through, crispy on the outside, and golden brown. Turn them halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness on all sides.
- Serve: Remove the baked mozzarella sticks from the oven and serve immediately with warm marinara or spaghetti sauce on the side for dipping.
- Enjoy your snack: Delight in your homemade baked mozzarella sticks, a perfect crispy and cheesy treat!
Notes
- Freezing the coated sticks before baking is crucial to keep the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out during baking.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy coating.
- Feel free to add spices such as garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately for best texture and taste.
- To make it spicier, jalapeno string cheese can be used or add some chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
