Baked Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect way to enjoy a classic snack without the mess of frying. These golden, crispy sticks have gooey melted mozzarella inside and a crunchy breadcrumb coating on the outside that makes every bite super satisfying.
I love making baked mozzarella sticks because they come out crispy and cheesy without needing a big pot of oil. It’s much easier to pop them in the oven and wait for that irresistible cheese pull. Plus, I like to mix in a little Italian seasoning with the breadcrumbs to add an extra layer of flavor that everyone notices.
My favorite way to serve these is with a warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping—that tangy tomato sauce really brings out the cheese’s creaminess. They’re fantastic for movie nights, quick snacks, or sharing with friends. I promise, once you try these, you’ll want to keep them on your regular snack list!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella cheese sticks: The star of this recipe! Use firm string cheese for the best melt without leaking. For a twist, try mozzarella pearls or even halloumi for less melt.
Bread crumbs: Italian seasoned crumbs bring great flavor, but plain crumbs with added Italian herbs work just as well. Panko breadcrumbs offer extra crunch if you prefer a lighter texture.
Parmesan cheese: It adds a nice salty, nutty flavor to the coating. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast can be tasty substitutes.
Garlic powder & herbs: These boost flavor without adding moisture. Fresh herbs can be used, but dry ones stick better to the crumbs and give an even flavor.
How Do You Keep Mozzarella Sticks from Melting Too Fast?
One of the biggest challenges is preventing cheese from oozing out during baking. Here are some tips:
- Freeze sticks for at least 30 minutes before breading and baking. This helps cheese hold its shape longer under heat.
- Double coat the sticks—dip twice in egg and breadcrumbs for a thicker crust that traps the cheese inside.
- Bake on a lined baking sheet with space between sticks, so hot air circulates evenly and crisps the coating.
- Don’t overbake! Watch closely starting around 8 minutes to catch them golden but still melted inside.
- Let them rest a minute after baking; this helps the cheese firm up slightly before biting.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat – I recommend this to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- Three shallow dishes or bowls – perfect for setting up your breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Mixing bowls for beating the eggs and combining the breadcrumbs with seasonings – keeps everything organized.
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray – helps get that golden crispy coating without added fat.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for halving the mozzarella sticks, if needed.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different cheeses like pepper Jack or cheddar for varied flavors and heat levels.
- Add a touch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes in the breadcrumb mix for some spice.
- Mix in chopped fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme into the breadcrumb coating for extra aroma.
- Try wrapping the mozzarella sticks in thin slices of cooked bacon before breading for a smoky crunch.
Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese), cut in half for smaller sticks if you like
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 ½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (or plain plus 1 tsp Italian seasoning)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping and breading the mozzarella sticks. Baking takes another 8-10 minutes. Plan on a few extra minutes for cooling before serving so the cheese stays inside and doesn’t ooze out. Overall, this snack is ready in about 25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, and give it a light spray of cooking spray so your mozzarella sticks don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls. Put the flour in one, whisk together the eggs and water in the second, and mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper in the third.
3. Coat the Mozzarella
Take each mozzarella stick and dip it first in the flour, shaking off the extra. Next, dunk it in the egg mixture, then roll it well in the breadcrumb mixture. For a super crispy crust, dip each stick back into the egg and again in the breadcrumbs for a double coating.
4. Bake to Crispy Perfection
Place the coated mozzarella sticks evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Spray their tops lightly once more with cooking spray to help them get golden brown. Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the coating is crispy and golden. Keep an eye on them so the cheese doesn’t leak out.
5. Cool and Serve
Let the baked mozzarella sticks rest for a minute or two after removing them from the oven. This helps the cheese set and prevents the mess. Serve warm with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your crispy, gooey, baked mozzarella sticks — perfect for snacking or sharing!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh mozzarella sticks for baking. If using frozen, thaw them completely in the fridge and pat dry before breading to prevent sogginess.
How Can I Make These Mozzarella Sticks Extra Crispy?
Double-coating the sticks by dipping them twice in egg and breadcrumbs helps create a thicker, crunchier crust. Also, spraying them with cooking spray before baking promotes golden crispiness.
Can I Prepare Mozzarella Sticks Ahead of Time?
Yes! After breading, freeze the sticks on a baking sheet until firm, then store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes for best texture—microwaving can make them soggy.