Why Make This Recipe
Baked Mozzarella Sticks are a fun and delicious snack that everyone loves. They are cheesy, crispy, and easy to make. Making these mozzarella sticks at home means you can enjoy them fresh from the oven and just the way you like them. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, so they’re a bit healthier!
How to Make Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients:
- 6 Mozzarella String Cheese Sticks
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Dash of cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add panko crumbs and stir until they are fully coated with butter. Keep stirring until the panko turns a golden brown color. Then, transfer the mixture to a heat-safe bowl.
- Mix in the salt, garlic powder, oregano, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare for assembly by beating the egg in one bowl and placing the cornstarch on a plate.
- Take one unwrapped cheese stick and dip it into the cornstarch, coating it fully. Next, dip it in the egg and then coat it in the panko mixture. Place the finished mozzarella stick on a baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Repeat step 5 until all the cheese sticks are coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. Serve them hot!
How to Serve Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Serve your baked mozzarella sticks warm, straight from the oven. They taste great on their own but can be even better with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. You can also pair them with a fresh salad or some veggies for a tasty snack or appetizer.
How to Store Baked Mozzarella Sticks
If you have any leftovers, let the mozzarella sticks cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.
Tips to Make Baked Mozzarella Sticks
- Make sure the cheese sticks are fully coated in the cornstarch, egg, and panko for the best texture.
- Let the melted butter cool a little before mixing in the spices.
- For extra flavor, you can add more spices to the panko mixture according to your taste.
Variation
You can experiment with different types of cheese sticks, like cheddar or pepper jack, for a twist on the classic recipe. You could also try different seasonings, such as Italian herbs or spicy chili powder, to change things up.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko will give you a crispier texture.
2. Can I freeze the mozzarella sticks before baking?
Absolutely! Just flash freeze them on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. How can I make these mozzarella sticks spicier?
You can add more cayenne pepper or mix in some red pepper flakes to the panko for an extra kick!
Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
For the coating
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs Use panko for a crispier texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter Melted butter for coating.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 dash cayenne pepper Adjust to taste for spiciness.
For the assembly
- 1/4 cup cornstarch For coating the cheese sticks.
- 1 large egg Beaten for dipping.
- 6 pieces Mozzarella String Cheese Sticks Unwrapped for coating.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add panko crumbs and stir until they are fully coated with butter and turn golden brown. Transfer the mixture to a heat-safe bowl.
- Mix in the salt, garlic powder, oregano, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly.
Assembly
- Prepare for assembly by beating the egg in one bowl and placing the cornstarch on a plate.
- Take one unwrapped cheese stick and dip it into the cornstarch, coating it fully. Next, dip it in the egg and then coat it in the panko mixture. Place the finished mozzarella stick on a baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Repeat until all cheese sticks are coated.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. Serve them hot!