Description
Crispy and gooey baked mozzarella sticks coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, perfect as a delicious appetizer or snack served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Mozzarella Sticks
- 12 mozzarella string cheeses
Breading
- ½ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the mozzarella sticks: Take each mozzarella string cheese and cut it in half to create two smaller pieces. Set aside.
- Set up breading stations: Arrange three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, mix flour, salt, and black pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried parsley.
- Coat the mozzarella sticks: Dredge each halved mozzarella stick first in the flour mixture, coating all sides thoroughly, then dip into the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage. Finally, toss them in the panko breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly on all sides.
- Freeze the coated sticks: Arrange the coated mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking, then freeze them for at least 2 hours until they are firm.
- Preheat and bake: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and position the oven rack in the lower third. Bake the frozen mozzarella sticks for 10 minutes or until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Watch closely to avoid cheese leakage from overbaking.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven and serve the mozzarella sticks warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container lined with paper towels in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to absorb excess moisture.
- Reheating: For the best texture on leftovers, reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it reduces crispiness and stretchiness.
- Freezing: Freeze the mozzarella sticks only after breading and before baking. Freeze individually on a baking sheet then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
