Baked Mozzarella Sticks are a crispy, cheesy treat that’s perfect when you want something warm and gooey without the mess of frying. These sticks are coated in a crunchy breadcrumb topping that bakes up golden and crisp, while the mozzarella inside stays nice and melty. They make a great snack or appetizer for any time you’re craving some cheesy goodness.
I love making these because they’re so easy and less greasy than fried versions, but still just as satisfying. A little tip I always follow is freezing the sticks for a bit before baking—this helps the cheese stay inside and not ooze all over the place. It’s like a fun little trick to get perfectly cheesy sticks every single time.
My favorite way to enjoy baked mozzarella sticks is dipping them in a big bowl of marinara sauce. There’s something about that mix of tangy tomato and melted cheese that makes the whole thing feel special. They’re great for sharing with friends or snacking on during movie nights, and I always keep some in the freezer for when a cheesy craving hits!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: String cheese is super handy for making sticks, but you can use block mozzarella cut into strips. For a twist, try part-skim mozzarella for less fat or a whole-milk version for extra creamy melt.
Bread crumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add great flavor, but plain breadcrumbs with added dried herbs like oregano and basil work fine too. Panko breadcrumbs give an extra crunch if you like it extra crispy.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice salty kick and pairs well with breadcrumbs. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can be tasty substitutes.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and parsley flakes bring extra flavor to the coating. Fresh parsley can be used, but dry herbs are easier to mix in evenly and last longer in the pantry.
Marinara Sauce: A simple tomato sauce works perfectly as a dip. You can use store-bought or homemade. For a change, try dipping in ranch or a spicy aioli for a flavor twist.
How Do You Keep Cheese from Oozing Out During Baking?
One of the trickiest parts is making sure the cheese stays inside the crispy coating when baking. Here’s how to avoid melted cheese mess:
- After breading, freeze the cheese sticks for at least 30 minutes. This firms up the cheese and helps it hold its shape.
- Double bread the sticks by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps. This builds a thicker protective shell.
- Use cooking spray or olive oil spray right before baking to help the coating crisp evenly.
- Keep an eye on the sticks in the oven and bake until golden brown—usually 10-12 minutes is enough.
These simple steps help the cheese melt just right inside, without leaking out onto your baking sheet. Patience and careful prep make all the difference!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I recommend lining it with parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
- Three shallow bowls – perfect for setting up your breading station and keeping things organized.
- Cooling rack (optional) – helps the sticks stay crispy after baking by allowing air to circulate around them.
- Small whisk or fork – quick for beating the eggs so they coat the mozzarella evenly.
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray – helps get that crispy, golden coating without extra fat.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different cheeses like provolone or pepper jack for extra flavor or spice.
- Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon or chopped herbs into the breadcrumb coating for a savory twist.
- Swap marinara with spicy buffalo sauce or ranch dressing for dipping to change up the flavor.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to spice things up or add more herbs.
Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Mozzarella Sticks & Coating:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (or block mozzarella cut into sticks)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus 30 minutes freezing time to set the coating well. Baking takes another 10-12 minutes, so plan for about 50 minutes from start to serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly to keep the sticks from sticking.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour; one with beaten eggs; and one with a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Cheese Sticks:
If using string cheese, cut each stick in half. Coat each mozzarella stick with flour first, then dip it fully into the eggs, and finally roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to stick. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step one more time.
4. Freeze Before Baking:
Place the breaded sticks on your baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cheese stay in place while baking.
5. Bake to Crispy Perfection:
Spray the frozen sticks lightly with cooking spray, then bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid cheese leaking out.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the mozzarella sticks cool for a couple of minutes after baking. Serve warm with marinara sauce and sprinkle a bit of dried parsley on top for a fresh look and taste.
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just thaw them in the fridge before breading for best results, then follow the recipe steps as usual. Freezing after breading is essential to prevent cheese from melting out during baking.
How Do I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and bread the sticks, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to baking time.
What Can I Use Instead of Marinara Sauce?
Try ranch dressing, spicy buffalo sauce, or garlic aioli for dipping. Each adds a unique twist to complement the crispy cheese sticks.