Print

Crispy Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe Easy Homemade Snack with Marinara Sauce

crispy baked mozzarella sticks - featured image
Print Recipe

This recipe delivers crispy baked mozzarella sticks with a golden crust and gooey cheese inside, paired with a fresh homemade marinara sauce. It’s a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to fried mozzarella sticks, perfect for snacks or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese), cut in half for 16 pieces
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • 1½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing and crisping
  • For the marinara sauce:
  • 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Optional pinch of sugar

Instructions

  1. Unwrap and cut each mozzarella stick in half to yield about 16 pieces. Set aside.
  2. Prepare three shallow bowls: one with ½ cup flour, one with beaten eggs and water, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dredge each mozzarella piece first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg wash, letting excess drip off, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture for even coating.
  4. Repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb coating once more for a double layer to prevent cheese leakage.
  5. Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up the cheese.
  6. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet with a wire rack or parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
  7. Arrange frozen sticks spaced apart on the rack. Lightly spray tops with cooking spray.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then flip and bake another 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy with no cheese oozing out.
  9. While baking, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  10. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  11. Add torn fresh basil leaves and adjust seasoning. Optionally add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
  12. Serve mozzarella sticks hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Do not skip freezing the coated sticks before baking to prevent cheese from leaking. Use a wire rack for even crisping. Flip halfway through baking for uniform color and crunch. For gluten-free, substitute flour and breadcrumbs accordingly. Air fryer can be used as an alternative cooking method.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/crispy-baked-mozzarella-sticks-recipe-easy-homemade-snack-with-marinara-sauce/