Oven-Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Oven-Baked Mozzarella Sticks are a delicious and healthier alternative to the fried version, offering melty cheese wrapped in a crispy seasoned coating. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these sticks are easy to prepare and bake right in your oven.

Ingredients

• 24 mozzarella string cheese sticks
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs (gluten-free, if needed)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour (gluten-free, if needed)
• Marinara sauce (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Unwrap all the mozzarella sticks and set aside. Whisk the eggs in a medium bowl until smooth.
2. Step 2: Combine the bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, and salt in a resealable plastic bag. Shake well to mix evenly.
3. Step 3: Spread the bread crumb mixture on a large, rimmed plate. On another large, rimmed plate, spread the flour evenly.
4. Step 4: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Take one mozzarella stick and coat it lightly with flour.
5. Step 5: Dip the floured stick into the whisked eggs, shaking off any excess egg.
6. Step 6: Using your other dry hand to keep things neat, place the egg-coated stick into the bread crumb mixture and cover completely. Place the coated stick on the prepared cookie sheet.
7. Step 7: Repeat the flour, egg, and bread crumb coating with all the mozzarella sticks, placing each on the cookie sheet.
8. Step 8: Freeze the coated sticks for at least 2 hours. This prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during baking.
9. Step 9: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the frozen sticks directly on the cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes until the coating is crispy and the cheese is soft but still holds its shape.
10. Step 10: Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy your crispy, cheesy snack!

Tips & Variations

• Keep one hand dry and one hand wet during the coating process to avoid clumping and mess.
• Use gluten-free bread crumbs and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the bread crumb mixture for extra flavor.
• Try serving with different dipping sauces such as ranch, spicy mayo, or pesto for variety.

Storage

Unbaked, coated mozzarella sticks can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month before baking. After baking, they are best enjoyed immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-6 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these mozzarella sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can coat the sticks and freeze them for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen when ready to serve.

What if my mozzarella sticks leak cheese while baking?

Freezing the coated sticks before baking helps keep the cheese inside. Also, avoid baking for too long and watch that the oven temperature is correct to maintain a crispy crust without melting the cheese too much.

Oven-Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 59 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 mozzarella sticks 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Oven-Baked Mozzarella Sticks are a healthier alternative to traditional fried versions, featuring gooey melted mozzarella coated in a crispy Italian-seasoned breadcrumb crust. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they are baked to golden perfection and served with a savory marinara sauce for dipping.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 24 mozzarella string cheese sticks
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs (gluten-free, if needed)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour (gluten-free, if needed)
• Marinara sauce (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Unwrap and whisk eggs: Unwrap all mozzarella sticks. In a medium bowl, whisk the 3 large eggs until fully combined.
2. Combine breadcrumb mixture: In a Ziploc bag or bowl, mix the Italian seasoned bread crumbs, 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon salt, shaking or stirring well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
3. Prepare coating plates: Spread the breadcrumb mixture on a large, rimmed plate. On another large, rimmed plate, spread the 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour.
4. Coat mozzarella sticks: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Take one mozzarella stick and dredge it in flour, ensuring an even coating. Then dip it into the whisked egg mixture, shaking off excess egg.
5. Bread the sticks: Using your other dry hand, coat the egg-dipped cheese stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated stick on the prepared cookie sheet. Repeat this process with all remaining sticks.
6. Freeze before baking: Freeze the prepared mozzarella sticks on the cookie sheet for 2 hours. This step is essential to prevent cheese from melting too fast during baking.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Bake the frozen mozzarella sticks directly on the parchment-lined cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes, or until they are soft but still hold their shape and the coating is golden and crisp.
8. Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious oven-baked mozzarella sticks!

Notes

• Freezing the mozzarella sticks before baking prevents the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
• Use a dry hand and a wet hand during coating to keep the breading process clean and effective.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free bread crumbs and flour.
• Serve fresh and hot for the best texture and flavor experience.
• You can double coat the sticks by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps for an extra crispy crust.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, oven baked mozzarella sticks, appetizer, Italian snacks, baked cheese sticks, vegetarian snack