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Easy Baked Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe

Easy Baked Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Crispy oven-baked mozzarella sticks are made with refrigerated string cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a double coating that helps prevent cheese from leaking. Serve them immediately with warm marinara sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 sticks, about 12 ounces total Mozzarella string-cheese sticks
Coating
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs Large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Water
  • 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, preferably panko or a panko blend
  • 1/4 cup Finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
For Baking and Serving
  • As needed Nonstick cooking spray
  • For serving Marinara sauce

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Unwrap the 12 mozzarella sticks. Leave them whole for classic portions, or cut each one in half for smaller appetizer-size pieces.
  2. Set out three shallow bowls. Place the flour in the first, beat the eggs with the water in the second, and stir the Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs with Parmesan and garlic powder in the third.
  3. Coat each cheese stick in flour, shaking away excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, then roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
  4. Dip each coated stick in the egg and breadcrumbs a second time. Press the crumbs gently around the cheese so the coating is complete, especially at the ends.
  5. Arrange the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until firm for at least 30 minutes; chilling for 45 to 60 minutes is even more reliable.
  6. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the chilled cheese sticks with nonstick cooking spray so the crumb coating browns evenly.
  7. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, turning once if desired, until the coating is golden and the cheese is just beginning to soften. Watch closely and do not overbake.
  8. Let the baked mozzarella sticks rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.

Notes

Freezing is essential because thoroughly chilled cheese is less likely to melt and escape before the coating browns. Low-moisture string cheese works best, while panko provides a crisp exterior and finely grated Parmesan adds savory flavor and helps the crust brown.