Crispy Baked Mozzarella Sticks (Printable)

Irresistibly crunchy outside, melty inside baked mozzarella sticks with golden seasoned crust—less oil, same flavor.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese

01 - 14 oz low-moisture mozzarella cheese sticks (about 20 sticks)

→ Breading

02 - 2 large eggs
03 - 1/4 cup milk
04 - 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
06 - 1/2 cup fine dry Italian breadcrumbs
07 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
08 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp dried basil
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ For Baking

12 - Olive oil spray

# How To Make:

01 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and cheese removal.
02 - Slice mozzarella cheese into stick shapes if not pre-cut, ensuring uniform sizing.
03 - Arrange sticks in a single layer on the baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour until very firm to prevent melting during baking.
04 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Place a wire rack on a second baking sheet and lightly coat with olive oil spray.
05 - Set up three shallow bowls: Bowl 1 with flour, Bowl 2 with whisked eggs and milk, Bowl 3 with panko, Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper mixed together.
06 - Working quickly with a few sticks at a time, coat each frozen mozzarella stick in flour shaking off excess, dip in egg mixture, then roll in breadcrumb mixture pressing to adhere. For extra crunch, repeat egg and breadcrumb coating once more.
07 - Arrange breaded sticks on the prepared wire rack, spacing them apart to allow even air circulation.
08 - Generously spray the tops with olive oil spray to promote golden browning.
09 - Bake for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway and spraying the other side, until golden and crisp. Watch closely to prevent cheese from oozing out.
10 - Let cool 2 minutes before serving to allow cheese to set slightly. Serve warm with marinara sauce.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • That satisfying crunch sound when you bite through the golden crust into warm melty cheese
  • Way less guilt than the fried version but honestly just as addictive
02 -
  • Skip the freezing step and I promise you'll have cheese escaping everywhere in your oven
  • Work with only 4 or 5 sticks at a time so they stay frozen through the breading process
03 -
  • Add smoked paprika or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a kick
  • The double coating is non-negotiable for that satisfying crunch

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