Crispy Baked Mozzarella Sticks with Herb Breadcrumbs

Mozzarella sticks coated in an herby breadcrumb mixture and baked until golden and melty—no frying needed. Serve with marinara or dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy outside, melty cheese inside
• Baked (not fried) for lighter indulgence
• Herb breadcrumbs elevate flavor
• Easy to assemble and bake
• Great for parties, game day, or snacks

Ingredients

• Mozzarella string cheese or block cut into sticks
• Flour
• Eggs (or egg substitute)
• Italian-style breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan
• Fresh or dried herbs (parsley, oregano, basil)
• Garlic powder, salt, pepper
• Cooking spray
• Marinara or ranch for dipping

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 220 °C (425 °F). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil and spray lightly.
2. Coat in flour: Dredge cheese sticks in flour.
3. Dip in egg: Dip floured sticks in beaten egg.
4. Breadcrumb coating: Roll in breadcrumb mixture (breadcrumbs + herbs + Parmesan) and press to adhere.
5. Double coat (optional): Repeat egg and breadcrumb step for extra crispiness.
6. Freeze: Freeze for 15–20 minutes to help cheese maintain shape.
7. Bake: Place on baking sheet and spray tops with cooking spray. Bake 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cheese begins to ooze.
8. Serve: Serve hot with marinara or chosen dip.

Servings & timing

• Servings: ~6 (2–3 sticks each)
• Prep time: 15 minutes + freeze
• Bake time: 8–10 minutes
• Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

• Use jalapeño, sun-dried tomato, or pesto inside cheese
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs
• Spice breadcrumb mix with chili flakes or paprika

Storage / Reheating

• Best eaten fresh
• Reheat in oven or air fryer to re-crisp
• Not recommended to freeze after baking

FAQs

• Why freeze? Freezing helps cheese not fully melt out during baking.
• Can I fry instead? Yes, for classic result—but you can stay baked for lighter option.
• Can I use different cheese? Yes—provolone, cheddar works, though melting behavior differs.

Conclusion

Crispy Baked Mozzarella Sticks with Herb Breadcrumbs deliver all the satisfaction of classic cheese sticks—without deep frying. Crisp exterior, gooey interior, and herb-forward flavor make them irresistible for any snack or gathering.

Crispy Baked Mozzarella Sticks with Herb Breadcrumbs

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Golden and crispy baked mozzarella sticks coated in flavorful herb-seasoned breadcrumbs. A healthier take on the classic appetizer, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes (+1 hour freeze time)
• Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American-Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil spray
• Marinara sauce, for serving

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Instructions

1. Unwrap mozzarella sticks and freeze for at least 1 hour until firm.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Prepare a dredging station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with milk, and one with breadcrumbs combined with Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Dip each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, then egg mixture, then breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
5. Place coated sticks on the baking sheet and lightly spray with olive oil spray.
6. Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cheese is melted but not oozing out.
7. Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Freezing the cheese before breading helps prevent melting during baking.
• Double-coating improves crunch and prevents cheese leaks.
• Can be made ahead and frozen; bake directly from frozen for a few extra minutes.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 sticks
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 360mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg