Baked Mozzarella Sticks Ingredients (Makes about 12 sticks):
12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (or block mozzarella, cut into strips)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon water
1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Olive oil spray (or melted butter, for brushing)
👩🍳 Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Breading Station:
Set up three shallow bowls:
In the first bowl, add the flour.
In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water.
In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Bread the Mozzarella Sticks:
Take each mozzarella stick and dip it first into the flour, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
Next, dip the flour-coated mozzarella stick into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully covered.
Finally, roll the mozzarella stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating.
For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps to double-coat the sticks.
Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks:
Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on the prepared baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. Freezing helps the cheese stay intact while baking.
Bake the Mozzarella Sticks:
After freezing, lightly spray the mozzarella sticks with olive oil or brush with melted butter to help them get golden and crispy.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is starting to ooze out a bit. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Serve:
Serve immediately with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
💡 Tips:
For a Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Double the Breading: If you want extra crispy mozzarella sticks, double-dip them in the egg and breadcrumbs.
Freezing Tip: Don’t skip the freezing step; it’s key to keeping the cheese inside the sticks from melting too much during baking.
Dipping Sauce: Serve with a tangy marinara or spicy ranch sauce for dipping.
These Baked Mozzarella Sticks are easy to make and offer all the gooey, cheesy goodness of the deep-fried version, without the extra grease! Enjoy! 🧀