Crunchy Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Craving something cheesy, gooey, and satisfying without the mess of deep frying? Crunchy Baked Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate solution.

At dishfoody.com, I believe comfort food can be both delicious and made a little lighter, and this recipe proves it. These golden, crispy bites have all the cheesy pull and crunch you love but are baked to perfection instead of fried.

Whether you’re hosting a game night, making an after-school snack, or serving appetizers for friends, these mozzarella sticks are a crowd favorite that never disappoints.

Why This Crunchy Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe Works

• Crispy outside, gooey inside just like your favorite restaurant version.
• Baked, not fried, meaning fewer calories and less mess.
• Can be made ahead and stored in the freezer for quick, satisfying snacks anytime.

Choosing the Right Cheese for Crunchy Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Best Cheese for This Recipe

Use mozzarella string cheese or a block of low-moisture mozzarella cut into 4-inch sticks. Part-skim mozzarella melts beautifully while still holding its shape during baking. Avoid fresh mozzarella it releases too much moisture and can get soggy instead of crisp.

Buying Tips

When choosing string cheese, go for individually wrapped sticks for convenience. Check labels for “low-moisture” and “part-skim” these ensure the cheese melts slowly and stays firm enough for that irresistible pull.

Substitutions

Can’t find mozzarella? Try provolone or Monterey Jack both melt evenly while giving a subtle flavor twist. For a dairy-free option, use vegan mozzarella sticks designed for baking.

Ingredients & Prep for Crunchy Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Prep Essentials

You’ll need:

• 12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese or cut from block)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray

Preparing the Coating

In one bowl, mix flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In another, whisk eggs and milk until well blended. In a third, combine panko, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasonings. This triple-layer setup ensures a crispy, golden shell every time.

Freezing Before Baking

One crucial step freeze your coated mozzarella sticks before baking. This helps the coating set and prevents cheese leakage while baking. Freeze for at least 30–45 minutes.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Crunchy Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Pre-Baking Prep for Crunchy Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil spray.

Breading the Mozzarella

1. Roll each mozzarella stick in flour and shake off excess.
2. Dip in the egg mixture, coating completely.
3. Roll in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even layer.
4. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps a second time for a thicker crust.
5. Arrange coated sticks on the prepared baking sheet.

Cooking Method for Crunchy Baked Mozzarella Sticks

1. Once frozen, spray the tops of the mozzarella sticks lightly with olive oil spray.
2. Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden and crisp.
3. Keep an eye on them; if overbaked, cheesy interiors might burst slightly.

Doneness Check for Crunchy Baked Mozzarella Sticks

The mozzarella should be melting inside but not oozing out. When the exterior turns golden brown, and you see gentle bubbling around the edges, they’re ready.

Resting for Crunchy Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Let them rest for a minute before serving. This allows the cheese to cool slightly and prevents accidental “molten cheese burns.”

Pro Tips for Perfect Crunchy Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Avoiding Soggy Sticks

Freezing is your secret weapon! Always freeze the coated sticks before baking; this keeps the cheese firm and ensures the crust crisps beautifully without splitting open.

Tool Recommendations

Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and a wire rack on your baking tray if you want even browning underneath. A pastry brush works wonders for applying a light olive oil coating.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5 minutes for a fresh crunch. Avoid microwaving this softens the exterior coating.

Flavor Variations for Crunchy Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Spicy Twist

Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a kick. Serve with spicy marinara or buffalo sauce for a bold combo.

Keto/Paleo

Use almond flour instead of regular flour and crushed pork rinds or almond meal for the coating. Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-light, umami flavor.

Global Flavors

• Italian Classic: Add dried basil and oregano with extra Parmesan.
• Asian-Inspired: Mix sesame seeds and a drizzle of soy sauce into the batter.
• Mexican Flair: Combine chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for a fiesta twist.

Serving Suggestions for Crunchy Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Pair with classic marinara sauce, creamy garlic aioli, or pesto dip. They’re perfect alongside tomato soup or salads for a satisfying meal. For game nights or parties, serve them on a platter with dipping options ranch, sriracha mayo, and honey mustard to please all palates.

FAQs for Crunchy Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Can I use air fryers instead of ovens?
Yes! Bake at 390°F (200°C) for 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Freeze breaded sticks up to a month before baking. Bake directly from frozen for 12–13 minutes.

Why did my cheese leak out?
This can happen if they weren’t frozen long enough or overbaked. Freeze thoroughly to help the coating seal around the cheese.

Conclusion

Crunchy Baked Mozzarella Sticks make the perfect cheesy, crispy snack with none of the guilt from deep-frying. Simple to prepare, endlessly versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser, they bring restaurant-quality finger food straight to your kitchen. Whether dunked in marinara or eaten plain, every bite is pure cheesy bliss. Explore more easy comfort foods like Crispy Pizza Chips on dishfoody.com and keep your snack game strong!

Crunchy Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Print Recipe

These Crunchy Baked Mozzarella Sticks are golden, crispy, and cheesy the perfect guilt-free snack or appetizer that’s oven-baked instead of fried!

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins (including freezing)
• Yield: 24 mozzarella sticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Cooking spray
• Marinara sauce, for dipping

Instructions

• 1. Cut mozzarella sticks in half and freeze for at least 1 hour to firm.
• 2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
• 3. In one bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
• 4. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• 5. Place flour in a third bowl.
• 6. Coat each frozen cheese stick in flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more.
• 7. Arrange sticks on the prepared baking sheet and spray tops lightly with cooking spray.
• 8. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
• 9. Serve warm with marinara sauce.

Notes

• Freezing the cheese sticks helps prevent them from melting too quickly while baking.
• For extra crispiness, broil the sticks for 1–2 minutes at the end.
• Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven with warm dipping sauce.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 sticks
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 410mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Crunchy Baked Mozzarella Sticks, oven baked cheese sticks, easy appetizer, healthy snack