Baked Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect crunchy and cheesy snack that everyone loves. Instead of frying, these sticks get baked to a golden crisp, making them a little lighter but still super tasty. The melted mozzarella inside melts perfectly while the outside stays crunchy with a seasoned breadcrumb coating.
I like making these for movie nights or as a quick appetizer when friends come over. They’re really easy to prepare and bake, so I don’t have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. A little tip I’ve learned is to freeze the sticks for a short time before baking to help keep the cheese from oozing out too much while they cook.
These mozzarella sticks are always a hit because they’re warm, cheesy, and crunchy all at once. I like serving them with classic marinara sauce or even a little ranch dip for extra flavor. They’re perfect for sharing or just enjoying as a little treat whenever you’re craving something cheesy and satisfying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: The main star here is fresh mozzarella string cheese. It melts beautifully and has just the right stretch. If you can’t find string cheese, block mozzarella cut into sticks works too.
Bread Crumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add flavor and crunch. If you only have plain ones, no problem—just add some Italian herbs, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt for taste.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice sharpness to the coating. You can swap with Pecorino Romano or skip it if you want a milder flavor.
Cooking Spray: Using spray helps the sticks crisp without deep frying. Olive oil spray is lovely, but vegetable oil spray works fine, too.
How Do You Keep the Cheese from Melting Out While Baking?
The biggest challenge is keeping the cheese inside its crispy coat during baking. Here’s my simple trick:
- Dry the cheese well – moisture makes breading soggy.
- Double coat the sticks by dipping them twice in the egg and breadcrumb mix for a thicker shell.
- Freeze the coated sticks for 30 minutes or more before baking. This firms up the cheese and helps the breading stick better.
- Use cooking spray on top before baking to get a nice golden crunch.
- Bake at a high temperature (400°F) but watch closely; 10-12 minutes is usually enough.
Following these steps really helps the mozzarella stay put, so you get perfectly gooey sticks with a crisp outside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I recommend lining it with parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
- Three shallow bowls – for assembling your breading station, making each step smoother and less messy.
- Whisk – perfect for mixing eggs and water, ensuring a smooth coat on the cheese sticks.
- Peanut butter or ice cream scoop (optional) – helpful if you want to shape or handle the cheese sticks easily.
- Cooling rack (optional) – for letting cooked sticks stay crispy and drain excess moisture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Spicy twist: add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb flavor: mix dried oregano, thyme, or basil into the breadcrumbs for extra aroma and flavor.
- Cheese variety: replace mozzarella with pepper jack or cheddar for a different cheese flavor and mild heat.
- Protein boost: add cooked, crumbled bacon or mini pepperoni pieces into the breadcrumb mixture before coating.
Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese), cut in half if desired
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 ½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs with 1 tsp Italian seasoning)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray (olive oil or vegetable oil spray)
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, plus 30 minutes freezing time, and 10-12 minutes for baking. Altogether, you’re looking at around 55 minutes from start to finish, with most of that time being hands-off while the sticks freeze and bake.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Set Up Breading Stations:
Place the flour in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until smooth. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dry and Coat Mozzarella Sticks:
Pat the mozzarella sticks dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Dredge each stick in flour first, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg mixture. Next, coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness and to help keep cheese inside, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating one more time.
4. Freeze Before Baking:
Arrange the coated sticks in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch. Place the sheet in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to help the coating set and prevent the cheese from leaking out when baking.
5. Bake Until Golden and Crisp:
After freezing, lightly spray the tops of the sticks with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Watch carefully so cheese doesn’t leak out.
6. Cool and Serve:
Remove from oven, let cool for a couple of minutes—these will be hot! Serve warm with marinara sauce and sprinkle chopped basil or parsley over the top if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh mozzarella sticks for coating and baking, but if you use frozen, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before breading to prevent sogginess.
How Should I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! After coating the sticks, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
What Dipping Sauces Work Best with Baked Mozzarella Sticks?
Classic marinara sauce is a favorite, but ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo also pair wonderfully for a flavor boost.
