Crispy Baked Mozzarella Sticks with Herb Dipping Sauce
Savor the delightful crunch of these baked mozzarella sticks, a healthier alternative to the classic deep-fried version. Made with fresh mozzarella cheese and coated in a blend of seasoned breadcrumbs, these sticks deliver an irresistible flavor without the guilt! Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party food, they pair beautifully with a warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the cheesy goodness while keeping calories at bay!
20
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (cut into 1/2" x 1/2" x 3" sticks)
all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons
eggs
2 (beaten)
water
1 tablespoon
dry breadcrumbs
1 cup
Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon
melted butter
4 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the mozzarella cheese into sticks measuring 1/2" x 1/2" x 3".
2
Toss the cheese sticks in flour, ensuring they are evenly coated, and set aside.
3
In a small bowl, beat together the eggs and water until thoroughly mixed; set this mixture aside.
4
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the dry breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, blending them well to create a flavorful coating.
5
Dip each cheese stick into the egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off, and then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture to coat completely. Repeat this process for extra crunch.
6
Once all the cheese sticks are coated, lay them in a single layer on a plate, cover with foil, and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours to firm up.
7
After chilling, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
8
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the chilled cheese sticks on the baking sheet in a single layer.
9
Drizzle the sticks with melted butter for a golden finish.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through (after about 5 minutes) to ensure even crispness.
11
Once golden and crispy, remove from the oven and serve with warmed marinara sauce for perfect dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Baked Mozzarella Sticks?
They are a healthier, baked alternative to traditional deep-fried mozzarella sticks, featuring a seasoned breadcrumb coating.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 20 mozzarella sticks.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F or 200°C.
How long do the mozzarella sticks need to bake?
The sticks should bake for a total of 8 to 10 minutes.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese.
How should I cut the mozzarella cheese?
Cut the cheese into sticks measuring 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch by 3 inches.
Why do the cheese sticks need to be chilled?
Chilling the sticks for 2 hours helps them firm up so the cheese doesn't melt too quickly during baking.
What is the first step in the coating process?
The first step is to toss the cheese sticks in all-purpose flour until they are evenly coated.
What ingredients are in the egg mixture?
The egg mixture consists of 2 beaten eggs and 1 tablespoon of water.
What seasonings are added to the breadcrumbs?
The breadcrumbs are seasoned with 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How do I get an extra crunchy coating?
You can repeat the dipping process in the egg mixture and breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Do I need to flip the mozzarella sticks while baking?
Yes, flip the sticks halfway through the baking process, around the 5-minute mark, for even crispness.
What is the best way to serve these?
Serve the golden and crispy sticks with warmed marinara sauce for dipping.
Is this recipe healthier than frying?
Yes, baking the sticks instead of deep-frying them reduces the oil content and overall calories.
Should I use a liner on the baking sheet?
Yes, lining the baking sheet with aluminum foil is recommended for easy cleanup.
What is the purpose of the melted butter?
Drizzling the sticks with 4 teaspoons of melted butter helps them achieve a golden brown finish.
How much flour is required for this recipe?
You will need 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
How many cups of breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of dry breadcrumbs.
Can these be served as party food?
Yes, they are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party food.
How long should I chill the coated sticks?
The coated mozzarella sticks should be chilled in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
What should I do with the excess egg mixture?
Allow any excess egg mixture to drip off the cheese stick before rolling it in the breadcrumbs.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized as an Appetizer.
What are the primary flavor components of the crust?
The crust is flavored with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
How should I arrange the sticks on the baking sheet?
Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Are these mozzarella sticks vegetarian?
Yes, they are vegetarian-friendly as they contain cheese, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 8 ingredients in this recipe.
What should I cover the plate with during refrigeration?
Cover the plate with foil while the sticks are chilling for 2 hours.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe for home cooks.
Can I use these for Italian cuisine night?
Absolutely, they are tagged as Italian cuisine and pair well with marinara.
When do I add the melted butter?
Drizzle the melted butter over the sticks just before putting them into the preheated oven.