Baked Mozzarella Sticks are a tasty twist on the classic fried version, offering all the melty cheese and crispy coating without the extra oil. These sticks are coated in crunchy breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown, giving you that satisfying crunch with gooey mozzarella inside.
I love making these because they’re super easy to prepare and less messy than frying. Pro tip: freeze the sticks first before baking to help the cheese stay firm and avoid any melty disasters while cooking. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference!
They’re perfect as a snack for movie nights, a party appetizer, or just when you’re craving something cheesy and crunchy. I like to serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping—it’s the perfect combo every time. These baked mozzarella sticks always bring smiles around the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: Stick to low-moisture mozzarella for the best melt without too much liquid. Fresh mozzarella is softer and can be too wet for this recipe. String cheese works perfectly here.
Breadcrumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add flavor and crunch. If unavailable, plain breadcrumbs with added garlic powder and herbs work well. Panko can make the coating extra crispy.
Parmesan Cheese: This gives a nice sharpness and helps the crust brown. You can skip it or substitute with Pecorino Romano if you prefer a saltier bite.
Eggs & Flour: These help the coating stick to the cheese sticks. For a dairy-free version, try flax eggs or your favorite egg substitute.
How Do You Stop Mozzarella from Melting Out While Baking?
The biggest challenge is keeping the cheese inside while achieving a crispy crust. Here’s what helps:
- Double Coating: Coat the sticks twice—flour, egg, breadcrumbs, then egg and breadcrumbs again. This seals in the cheese well.
- Freeze Before Baking: Freeze the breaded sticks for at least 30 minutes. This firms up the cheese so it melts slower and won’t ooze out too soon.
- Spray Lightly With Oil: A light mist of oil helps the crust brown nicely without drying out.
- Watch Baking Time: Bake just until golden and crispy—around 10-12 minutes. Overbaking can cause the cheese to leak.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I prefer a rimmed sheet to keep everything in place while baking.
- Cooling rack – helps crisp up the sticks evenly after baking.
- Shallow bowls – one for flour, one for beaten eggs, one for breadcrumb mixture, making the breading process easier.
- Cookie scoop or small spoon – helps you quickly and evenly coat each cheese stick.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Spicy Kick: Mix red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture if you like some heat.
- Different Cheeses: Use pepper jack or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Variations: Add chopped fresh basil or parsley to the breadcrumbs for extra freshness.
- Sweet & Savory: Serve with a honey mustard dipping sauce instead of marinara for a sweet and tangy twist.
Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation, plus 30-60 minutes of freezing the breaded sticks before baking. Baking itself takes around 10-12 minutes. Plan for about 50 to 75 minutes total so the mozzarella sticks turn out crispy and melty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This keeps the sticks from sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
2. Cut and Set Up for Breading:
If you want shorter sticks, cut each mozzarella stick in half. Then, prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
Take each mozzarella stick and dip it first into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs. Finally, press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to evenly coat. For extra crunch and to keep the cheese inside, repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb coating one more time.
4. Freeze Before Baking:
Place the breaded sticks on your prepared baking sheet. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. This step helps the cheese stay in place while baking.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection:
Lightly spray the sticks with cooking spray or olive oil spray for a beautiful golden crust. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the coating is crispy and brown.
6. Let Cool and Serve:
Allow the sticks to cool for a few minutes after baking to avoid burning your mouth with melted cheese. Serve them warm with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and gooey baked mozzarella sticks!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh mozzarella sticks for baking. If you have frozen ones, thaw them completely in the fridge before breading and baking to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture.
How Can I Make These Mozzarella Sticks Extra Crispy?
Double coating the sticks by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps really helps. Also, freezing them before baking and lightly spraying with oil will create a crispier crust.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bread and freeze the sticks in advance. When ready, just bake them straight from the freezer—add a minute or two to the baking time if needed.
How Should I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them again at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness instead of microwaving.