Baked Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect crispy, cheesy snack that everyone loves. These sticks are packed with gooey mozzarella cheese and coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust that gets golden and delicious in the oven. They’re a great way to enjoy a favorite treat without the mess of frying.
I love making these because they’re so easy to prepare and don’t leave a greasy mess in the kitchen. I usually sprinkle a little Italian seasoning in the breadcrumbs for an extra hint of flavor. Plus, baking them means they come out perfectly crispy on the outside and melty on the inside every time!
My favorite way to serve baked mozzarella sticks is with a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. It really brings out the cheesy goodness and makes for a fun and tasty snack or appetizer. They’re always a hit whenever friends or family come over, and they disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: Use good-quality string cheese for easy handling. If you want a milder flavor, try fresh mozzarella cut into sticks. For a lower-fat option, part-skim mozzarella works well too.
Bread Crumbs: Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs add tasty herbs. If you don’t have them, plain breadcrumbs work fine—just add a pinch of garlic powder and dried Italian herbs yourself.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a sharp, salty kick to the coating. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano or skip it if dairy is a concern, but the crust will be less flavorful.
Eggs & Flour: These help the coating stick well. If you need an egg-free option, try dipping in a plant-based milk mixed with a little flour or cornstarch instead.
How Do You Keep the Cheese from Melting Out During Baking?
Preventing cheese leaks is key for crispy, neat sticks. Here are my tips:
- Chill coated sticks: After breading, freeze the sticks for 30 minutes to firm up the crust and cheese inside.
- Double coating: Dipping twice in egg and breadcrumbs creates a thicker barrier that holds in the melting cheese.
- Don’t overbake: Bake just until golden—about 8-10 minutes—to avoid the cheese getting too hot and runny.
- Let them rest: After baking, let the sticks cool briefly. This helps the cheese thicken so it doesn’t run out when you bite in.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I like it because it provides even heat for crispy sticks without frying.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – keeps the sticks from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Three shallow bowls – for flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture; makes breading simple and tidy.
- Whisk – helps smooth out the egg mixture for even coating.
- Tongs or fork – easy to dip and turn the cheese sticks without getting messy.
- Cooling rack (optional) – allows air circulation to keep the coating crispy as they cool.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a little heat.
- Herb blend: Mix chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano into the breadcrumb coating for fresh flavor.
- Cheese variety: Use shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda instead of mozzarella for different tastes.
- Wrap it up: Wrap the cheese sticks in sliced pepperoni or cooked bacon before breading for extra flavor and texture.
How to Make Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, parsley mix)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 8–10 minutes to bake. You can also chill the coated sticks for about 30 minutes if you want extra crispiness, but this is optional. Overall, it’s a quick and fun snack to whip up in under half an hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, and spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Use three shallow bowls. Put the flour in the first bowl. In the second bowl, whisk eggs and milk together until smooth. In the third bowl, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
Dip each mozzarella stick half in the flour first, shaking off the extra. Then dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture so it’s well covered. For extra crunch, dip the stick once more into the egg, then again into the breadcrumbs.
4. Bake to Perfection:
Place the coated sticks on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help them brown nicely. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them so the cheese doesn’t melt out.
5. Cooling and Serving:
Let the mozzarella sticks cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese firm up so it won’t ooze out too quickly. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy your crispy, cheesy treat!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh mozzarella sticks for baking to get that perfect melty center. If you use frozen sticks, thaw them completely in the fridge before breading to prevent excess moisture from making the coating soggy.
How Can I Make These Mozzarella Sticks Crispy Without Frying?
Double coating the sticks in egg and breadcrumbs, then spraying them lightly with cooking spray before baking helps achieve a crispy crust. Also, baking at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) ensures they get golden and crunchy.
Can I Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks Ahead of Time?
Yes! After breading, place the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for about 30 minutes to firm up. Then bake straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftover Baked Mozzarella Sticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
