Crispy Baked Mozzarella Sticks with Herb Breadcrumbs
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.
- 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
- 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
Instructions
- Unwrap mozzarella sticks and freeze for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 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.
- Dip each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, then egg mixture, then breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- Place coated sticks on the baking sheet and lightly spray with olive oil spray.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cheese is melted but not oozing out.
- 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