Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe -

This baked Mozzarella sticks recipe is perfect for parties, holidays, and family gatherings! From my cookbook! Checkout my other cookbooks here.

Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Recipe from Budget Friendly Work Party Recipes: Sweet & Savory Appetizers for Work, Holidays, Game Days, & Family Gatherings

Prep: 5 min Cook: 3 min Yield: 8-10

Ingredients

1/2 cup panko crumbs

3 Tbs flour

1 Tbs finely ground Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp kosher salt

12 Mozzarella string cheese sticks, wrapper removed

1 egg, lightly beaten

Directions

Preheat oven to 425° Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Make a workstation: Line 3 shallow bowls next to each other on the counter.
In the first bowl, add the beaten egg.
In the second bowl, add the flour.
In the third bowl, add the panko crumbs.
Toast the panko: In a large skillet, add the panko crumbs and toast on medium-high heat until lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the toasted panko crumbs to the third bowl and let cool slightly, about 2 minutes. Add the Parmesan cheese and salt to the panko and stir to combine well.
Coat the cheese sticks: Take one cheese stick and roll it in the flour.
Knock off excess flour and dip into the egg mixture.
Dip the cheese stick into the panko crumbs until well coated.
Place on the baking sheet and repeat with the remaining cheese sticks.
Bake for 3 minutes, just until panko is golden and the cheese is gooey. Don’t bake for too long or the cheese will melt through the breading.
Remove from oven. Transfer to a wire rack and cool for 2 minutes before serving.
Serve with your favorite sauce: Marinara, Ranch, Honey Mustard, or Garlic Aioli.

Tip!

For this recipe, Mozzarella string cheese sticks work best, since they are firm and pre-portioned. If you use block cheese, you will need to cut it into sticks and freeze for up to 2 hours before coating and baking.