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Crispy Baked Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara: Easy Homemade Recipe

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These crispy baked mozzarella sticks are a healthier, oven-baked alternative to the classic deep-fried appetizer. With a crunchy golden coating and a gooey, stretchy cheese center, they’re perfect for game day, parties, or a weeknight treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8 oz) block whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • For the quick homemade marinara (optional):
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut the mozzarella block into sticks about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick (about 12-16 sticks).
  2. Set up a breading station: In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs with water. In the third bowl, mix together Italian breadcrumbs, panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place the cut mozzarella sticks on a plate lined with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Working with one stick at a time, coat in flour, then dip in egg wash, then roll in breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb steps for a double coat. Place on a clean plate.
  5. Arrange the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, not touching. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until solid.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  7. Arrange frozen sticks on the rack, spray tops with cooking spray. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flip, spray the other side, and bake for another 5-8 minutes until golden brown and cheese starts to bubble.
  8. While sticks bake, make the marinara: In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Let sticks cool for 2 minutes before serving with warm marinara.

Notes

Freeze the sticks twice: once before breading to keep the cheese firm, and once after breading to prevent leakage. Use a wire rack for even crisping. Do not skip the double coating for extra crunch. Let sticks rest 2 minutes after baking to avoid burning your mouth.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked mozzarella sticks, homemade mozzarella sticks, crispy mozzarella sticks, easy appetizer, game day snack, baked not fried

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