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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Unwrap and whisk eggs: Unwrap all mozzarella sticks. In a medium bowl, whisk the 3 large eggs until fully combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
