Baked Mozzarella Sticks are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, making them a perfect snack or appetizer. They are coated with crunchy breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown, giving you all the fun of fried sticks without the extra oil. The melted mozzarella cheese inside is super stretchy and satisfying with every bite.
I love making these because they come together so easily, and I don’t have to worry about a messy frying pan. Plus, baking them means I can make a big batch and share with friends or family without any fuss. One little tip I’ve learned is to freeze the sticks before baking so the cheese stays put and gets perfectly melty inside.
These mozzarella sticks are fantastic served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping—it really brings out the cheesy goodness. I often put them out when friends come over or during movie nights because everyone loves grabbing a warm, cheesy bite. Trust me, once you try baked mozzarella sticks, they’ll become your go-to snack too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: String cheese is a super convenient choice, but you can also cut a block of mozzarella into sticks. Look for low-moisture mozzarella, as it melts well and won’t make the coating soggy. Fresh mozzarella is creamier but can be more watery.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add flavor and crunch. If you don’t have them, panko breadcrumbs mixed with dried Italian herbs work great and give an extra crispy crust.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan boosts the cheesy flavor in the breading. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano or even finely grated sharp cheddar can work as tasty alternatives.
Flour and Eggs: These help the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese. For an egg-free version, try a milk or plant-based milk dip before the breadcrumbs.
How Do I Make Sure the Mozzarella Sticks Don’t Leak Cheese While Baking?
The biggest challenge with baked mozzarella sticks is keeping the cheese inside the coating so it melts perfectly without oozing out.
- Double coating: Dip the cheese sticks twice in egg and breadcrumbs. This extra layer helps seal the cheese inside.
- Freeze before baking: Freezing the coated sticks for at least an hour firms up the cheese and coating, reducing leaks.
- Spray with oil: Lightly spray the sticks with cooking spray just before baking. This crisps the crust quickly, forming a good seal.
- Don’t overbake: Keep baking time around 10-12 minutes at a high temperature to make the outside crispy but not dry out the cheese inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I recommend lining it with parchment paper to keep cleanup easy and prevent sticking.
- Three shallow bowls – perfect for setting up your flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb coatings.
- Mixing spoons or forks – handy for whisking eggs and mixing seasonings.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredients like breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasonings.
- Cooling rack or plate – for letting the coated sticks rest or cool slightly before baking.
- Spray bottle or aerosol can of cooking spray – to lightly coat the sticks and get that crispy crust.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheese varieties: Swap mozzarella for pepper jack or cheddar for a different flavor punch.
- Spice blends: Add cayenne or paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for a little heat.
- Herb boosts: Mix in chopped fresh basil, oregano, or thyme into the breadcrumb coating for extra flavor.
- Meaty options: Wrap the mozzarella with thin slices of prosciutto or ham before coating for a richer taste.
Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Mozzarella Sticks & Coating:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (or 12 oz mozzarella block cut into sticks)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko mixed with Italian seasoning)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and coat the mozzarella sticks, plus 1 hour freezing time before baking. Baking time is around 10-12 minutes, so plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes overall including freezing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Set Up Your Coating Stations:
In three shallow bowls, place the ingredients as follows:
- Bowl 1: All-purpose flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs mixed with water
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper
3. Prepare the Cheese Sticks:
If you’re using string cheese, unwrap each stick. If using a block of mozzarella, cut it into sticks about 3-4 inches long.
4. Coat the Mozzarella:
First, roll each cheese stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture until fully covered. Then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs stick well.
For a stronger crust and to keep the cheese inside when baking, dip each stick again in egg and breadcrumbs for a double coating.
5. Freeze Before Baking:
Place the coated sticks on the prepared baking sheet and freeze them for at least 1 hour. This step is important to keep the cheese from melting out during baking.
6. Bake to Crispy Perfection:
Once frozen, lightly spray the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray on all sides. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the sticks cool for a couple of minutes so they’re not too hot. Garnish with extra dried parsley if you like, then serve warm with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping. Perfect for snacking!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
Yes! If you’re using store-bought frozen mozzarella sticks, you can bake them directly from frozen—just follow the package instructions for baking time and temperature.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Coat the sticks and freeze them ahead for up to 1 week. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw, which helps keep the cheese from leaking.
What’s a Good Substitute for Italian Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, use plain panko and mix in dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley for flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
Store leftover sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy—avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.
