These Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are the perfect snack or appetizer—crispy on the outside, melty on the inside. Coated with a flavorful breadcrumb mixture and served with marinara sauce, they’re a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Best of all, they’re easy to make and bake up golden brown in no time. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Directions:
1. Prepare the Cheese:
- Cut the mozzarella sticks in half to create 24 pieces of cheese.
2. Mix Breadcrumbs:
- In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Sticks:
- Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured sticks into the beaten eggs, ensuring they’re fully coated.
- Roll the egg-coated sticks in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
4. Freeze:
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes. This helps the cheese firm up and prevents it from melting too quickly during baking.
5. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line another baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Bake:
- Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. You’ll notice them puffing up and turning golden as they cook.
7. Serve:
- Serve the mozzarella sticks immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Serving Suggestions:
- These mozzarella cheese sticks make a fantastic appetizer or snack for parties, game days, or family gatherings.
- Pair them with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- For extra flavor, try dipping them in a spicy marinara or ranch dressing.
Helpful Tips:
- Freezing: Freezing the coated cheese sticks before baking ensures that the cheese stays in place and doesn’t ooze out while baking.
- Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy coating, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Oven Temperature: Make sure the oven is preheated to 400°F to get that perfect golden brown finish.
Description:
These Irresistible Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are the perfect combination of crunchy, cheesy, and flavorful. With a light, crispy crust and gooey mozzarella filling, each bite is pure comfort. Whether you’re making them for a family snack or a party treat, they’re sure to be a hit!