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Crispy Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe Easy Homemade Snack with Marinara Sauce

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A lighter, crispy baked version of classic mozzarella sticks with a gooey center and a crunchy breadcrumb coating, served with a tangy marinara sauce. Perfect for quick snacks or parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) block mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) Italian-seasoned or plain breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
  • ¼ cup (25 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil spray
  • 1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Cut the mozzarella block into 3-inch (7.5 cm) sticks, about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thick. Place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 30 minutes.
  2. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumb mixture (breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper).
  3. Dredge each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in egg, letting extra drip off, and coat thoroughly with breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently.
  4. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating step for a double coat.
  5. Place coated sticks back on the tray and freeze for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) about 15 minutes before baking.
  7. Arrange frozen sticks on a wire rack over a baking sheet and lightly spray with olive oil spray.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, carefully flip sticks, spray again, and bake another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  9. Let cool for 2 minutes and serve with warm marinara sauce.

Notes

Freeze mozzarella sticks before and after coating to prevent cheese from oozing out. Double coating with egg and breadcrumbs is key for a crispy crust. Use a wire rack for even crispiness. Watch oven closely to avoid burning. For vegan version, substitute mozzarella and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives and eggs with flax egg or aquafaba.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, baked mozzarella sticks, crispy mozzarella sticks, homemade snack, easy appetizer, marinara sauce, baked snack, cheesy snack

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