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Mozzarella sticks have become a staple in American cuisine, often found on restaurant menus and at sporting events. Their origins can be traced back to Italy, where cheese was first enjoyed in various forms. However, it wasn’t until the cheese made its way to the United States that mozzarella sticks as we know them began to take form. The classic combination of stretchy cheese and a crispy outer layer quickly gained popularity, leading to the creation of both fried and baked versions.

Crispy Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Discover the joy of homemade baked mozzarella sticks with this easy recipe! These crowd-pleasers feature a crispy exterior and a gooey, delicious center, making them perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Learn how to create the ideal breading, use high-quality ingredients, and achieve a satisfying crunch without the extra calories of frying. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces for a tasty treat everyone will love. Get the recipe and start baking your own crunchy delights today!
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Ingredients
  

12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (cut in half to make 24 shorter sticks)

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1/4 cup milk

1 cup seasoned bread crumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing)

Instructions
 

Prep the Cheese: Start by cutting each mozzarella string cheese stick in half, yielding 24 shorter, easy-to-handle sticks.

    Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three separate bowls on your countertop. In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second, whisk together the two large eggs and milk until well combined. In the third bowl, mix the seasoned bread crumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create your flavorful coating mixture.

      Bread the Cheese: Take one mozzarella stick and first coat it in the flour, making sure to shake off the excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any extra egg to drip back into the bowl. Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good layer adheres. Repeat this process for all the mozzarella sticks.

        Chill the Sticks: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the breaded mozzarella sticks on it. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and let the sticks chill for 30 minutes. This is an important step to help maintain the shape of the cheese while baking.

          Preheat Oven: While the cheese sticks chill, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when you are.

            Prepare for Baking: Once the mozzarella sticks have chilled, take them out of the freezer. Lightly spray them with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil to help create a beautifully golden, crispy exterior when baked.

              Bake: Arrange the prepared mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. After the first bake, flip the sticks over and return to the oven for another 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

                Serve: Once baked, allow the mozzarella sticks to cool for a couple of minutes. Serve them warm alongside marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful snack or appetizer.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour (includes chilling time) | Makes 24 sticks