Description
Crispy baked mozzarella sticks coated with seasoned panko and parmesan for a delicious appetizer served with marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Mozzarella Sticks
- 12 mozzarella string cheeses
Breading
- ½ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Mozzarella Sticks: Cut each mozzarella string cheese in half to create 24 smaller pieces. Set aside.
- Set up Breading Stations: In three shallow bowls, add the following – first bowl: flour, salt, and pepper; second bowl: beaten eggs; third bowl: panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and parsley mixed together.
- Coat the Mozzarella: Dredge each halved mozzarella stick first in the flour mixture, then coat thoroughly with the beaten eggs, and finally toss in the panko breadcrumb mixture until evenly covered.
- Freeze the Coated Sticks: Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for at least 2 hours until the sticks are firm and hard.
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F and position the rack in the lower third. Bake the frozen mozzarella sticks for 10 minutes or until the breadcrumb coating turns golden brown. Keep an eye to prevent melting of cheese.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container lined with paper towels in the fridge for 3-4 days to absorb moisture.
- Reheating: Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer at 400°F for a few minutes to retain crispiness; cheese won’t be as stretchy.
- Freezing: Freeze coated mozzarella sticks before baking on a large sheet, then transfer to airtight container or freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
