Baked Mozzarella Sticks are a crispy, cheesy treat that’s perfect for snacking or sharing. These golden sticks have gooey melted mozzarella inside, surrounded by a crunchy breadcrumb coating that bakes up nice and crispy without needing to fry. They’re a lighter twist on a classic favorite.
I love making these because they’re so easy to prepare and feel a little bit special. One tip I’ve learned is to freeze the sticks before baking — it helps the cheese stay inside without melting too fast and leaking out. It’s such a simple step but makes a big difference.
These tasty sticks are great served with marinara sauce for dipping, and I often bring a tray of them to parties or family nights because everyone can’t get enough. There’s just something so satisfying about the crunchy outside and the warm, stretchy cheese inside that makes these a real crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Sticks: Using string cheese makes this recipe easy. You want low-moisture mozzarella for best results. If you can’t find string cheese, a block mozzarella cut into sticks also works well.
Breading: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add flavor and crunch. If you don’t have seasoned breadcrumbs, mix plain panko with garlic powder, dried parsley, and Italian seasoning.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice salty, nutty flavor to the coating. You can skip it or use Pecorino Romano if you like a sharper taste.
Marinara Sauce: Perfect for dipping—homemade or store-bought works. For a twist, try ranch or spicy marinara.
How Can You Keep the Cheese from Leaking While Baking?
The biggest challenge with baked mozzarella sticks is stopping cheese from melting out. Here’s what I do:
- Double coat the cheese sticks by dipping twice in egg and breadcrumbs for a thicker crust.
- Freeze the breaded sticks for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the coating set and keep cheese inside while cooking.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella or string cheese that holds shape better under heat.
- Bake at a high temperature (400°F) but only for 8-10 minutes—just long enough to crisp the coating without melting the cheese too much.
Following these steps means you’ll get crunchy outside and melty inside without mess. Plus, letting them cool briefly after baking helps the cheese firm up a bit.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat – I like it because it keeps the sticks from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Three shallow bowls or plates – perfect for organizing flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs.
- Mixing bowls – for mixing and holding the ingredients.
- Fork or tongs – to dip the cheese sticks without getting messy.
- Spray bottle or cooking spray – helps crisp up the coating without added oil.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy or sharper flavor.
- Add herbs like basil or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for extra aromatics.
- Swap marinara for aioli or a spicy dipping sauce to change up the flavor.
- Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika in the coating for a smoky or spicy kick.
Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese), cut in half
For Breading and Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko mixed with Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total time is about 45 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the sticks, then freezing them for at least 30 minutes to keep the cheese from leaking. Baking takes about 8-10 minutes, plus a few minutes to cool before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Use three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with water, and one with the breadcrumbs combined with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, parsley flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
First, dip each mozzarella stick into the flour, shaking off any extra. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crispy crust, repeat dipping in egg and breadcrumbs one more time.
4. Freeze Before Baking:
Place the breaded sticks on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cheese from melting out while baking.
5. Bake Until Golden:
Once frozen, lightly spray the sticks with cooking spray on all sides. Bake them in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully so the cheese doesn’t ooze out.
6. Cool and Serve:
Remove from oven and let the mozzarella sticks cool for a couple of minutes—they’ll be hot inside! Sprinkle extra dried parsley on top for a fresh look. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh string cheese that you cut yourself. Frozen sticks might release too much moisture and affect the crispiness. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before breading.
How Do I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness without melting the cheese too much.
Can I Air Fry These Instead of Baking?
Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air fryer crisps them nicely and is a great alternative if you want to skip the oven.
What Are Some Good Dipping Sauces Besides Marinara?
Try ranch dressing, garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or even honey mustard for a different twist. These all complement the cheesy, crispy mozzarella deliciously.