Name: Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 mozzarella string cheeses; ½ cup flour; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 eggs, beaten; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; 1 cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 48 reviews

If you’re craving that classic gooey, crunchy snack without the guilt of deep frying, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe is one of my all-time favorites—it’s crispy on the outside, melty and dreamy on the inside, and baked to perfection. Trust me, once you try these, you might never go back to the fried version again. I’m excited to share all my tips to help you nail these mozzarella sticks every single time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Coating: Combining panko with parmesan and herbs gives a crunchy, flavorful crust without being overwhelming.
Freezing Step: Freezing the breaded cheese sticks prevents cheese leakage and keeps the coating intact during baking.
No Frying Needed: Baking creates a healthier snack with less mess, yet still hits that satisfying crispiness we love.
Simple Ingredients: Using common pantry staples means you can whip these up anytime without a special trip to the store.

Baked Mozzarella Sticks, crispy baked mozzarella sticks, healthy mozzarella sticks recipe, cheesy baked snacks, easy baked appetizer - A close-up photo of a person's two fingers pulling apart a crispy, crumb-coated fried piece of food, showing melted white, stretchy cheese inside. The crumb coating is golden brown with small black specks, and the background is a soft, blurry white marbled texture. The photo focuses tightly on the texture of the crunchy outside and the smooth cheese inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk about the magic behind the ingredients—you want a perfect contrast of crispy coating and melty cheese every time. Each component has a specific role that, together, makes this baked mozzarella sticks recipe a winner. Here’s why I picked them and a few tips for shopping.

Baked Mozzarella Sticks, crispy baked mozzarella sticks, healthy mozzarella sticks recipe, cheesy baked snacks, easy baked appetizer - Flat lay of fresh mozzarella string cheeses with smooth white texture, golden panko breadcrumbs mixed with grated parmesan cheese showing a crumbly, light yellow texture, bright red marinara sauce in a small glass bowl, whole eggs with glossy brown shells, a heap of finely ground garlic powder, dried oregano and parsley flakes with green and earthy tones, and a small pile of white all-purpose flour, all beautifully arranged with natural spacing and varied heights, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Mozzarella string cheese: Easily portioned and perfect melty texture when baked, plus it’s affordable and convenient.
Flour: Helps the egg stick better to the cheese, creating that essential base layer for the breadcrumbs to cling to.
Salt & black pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out the mozzarella’s mild flavor and enhances the breading mix.
Eggs: Acts as the glue for the breadcrumbs—use beaten eggs for even coating.
Panko breadcrumbs: These give you that light, super-crispy crunch that’s a step above regular breadcrumbs.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps brown the crust beautifully.
Garlic powder: Brings a subtle, savory punch without overpowering.
Dried oregano and parsley: Fresh herbal notes that brighten the overall flavor and make it more complex.
Marinara or pizza sauce: Essential for dipping! Look for a good-quality sauce with a nice balance of acidity and sweetness to complement the cheese sticks.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this recipe is super customizable—depending on what you’re craving or what you have in your pantry, you can mix it up a little. Give these tweaks a try to make the recipe truly your own.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a pleasing heat—perfect if you like a little zing.
Gluten-Free: Swap the flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives; I’ve done this with almond flour and gluten-free panko with great results.
Herb Variations: Fresh basil or thyme can be substituted for dried oregano and parsley if you want to experiment with fresh herbs.
Cheese Swap: For a richer bite, try using smoked mozzarella sticks or mixing half string cheese with chunks of provolone before breading.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Cheese

Start by cutting each mozzarella string cheese in half—this makes smaller, finger-friendly sticks that bake evenly. I prefer this size because it’s easier to bread without getting overwhelmed, and the smaller sticks reheat better too. Set them aside so you’re ready for coating.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations

Use three shallow bowls for the classic dredging process: one with flour mixed with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and a third with the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, and parsley. This setup helps you efficiently coat each cheese stick without getting messy.

Step 3: Coat & Freeze

One by one, dredge your mozzarella halves in flour to give the egg something to cling to, then dip thoroughly in the egg, and finally toss them in the seasoned panko mixture until every side is coated. Then lay them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freezing for at least 2 hours is a game-changer here—it prevents the cheese from oozing out while they bake. I keep mine in the freezer until they’re rock solid before popping them in the oven.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the rack on the lower third to get that perfect heat circulation. Slide in your frozen sticks and bake for about 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye after the 8-minute mark, because while you want golden crusts, you don’t want the molten cheese running all over your pan. Once they’re golden and crispy, pull them out and get ready to dunk.

Step 5: Serve Warm with Sauce

Serve your baked mozzarella sticks hot with a side of marinara or your favorite pizza sauce. The dip really ties the whole thing together, so don’t skimp here! I usually warm my sauce slightly to elevate the whole experience—it’s all about those little touches.

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Freeze Thoroughly: Don’t rush the freezing step—baking frozen prevents the cheese from melting out too quickly.
Double Coat for Crunch: If you want extra crispness, dip the sticks in egg and breadcrumbs twice before freezing.
Use Parchment Paper: It keeps your baking sheet clean and prevents the sticks from sticking or breaking when you flip them.
Watch the Baking Time: Cheese can go from melty to a hot mess fast, so set a timer and check often towards the end for golden perfection.

How to Serve Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Baked Mozzarella Sticks, crispy baked mozzarella sticks, healthy mozzarella sticks recipe, cheesy baked snacks, easy baked appetizer - The image shows many crispy coated sticks piled together, each stick having a rough and crunchy light golden-brown outside with green herb specks visible in the coating. The coating looks crumbly and textured with some parts more browned than others. The sticks are resting closely together, filling the frame with a few parts showing a creamy melted layer inside the sticks. In the bottom left, part of a round white bowl with a red sauce inside is visible. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or basil on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the cheese. Sometimes a light drizzle of good quality olive oil with a sprinkle of chili flakes takes things up a notch too.

Side Dishes

For a full snack setup, I love pairing these baked mozzarella sticks with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to keep things balanced. On game day, they’re terrific alongside buffalo wings or loaded nachos. Totally a crowd-pleaser!

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m serving these for a party, I arrange the sticks upright in a tall glass or mason jar, with the dipping sauce in the center—like an edible centerpiece. It’s fun and makes grabbing a stick effortless. For a more elegant spread, I use small dipping bowls with various sauces (ranch, spicy marinara, pesto) for a flavor adventure.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your mozzarella sticks, store any leftovers in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days—this helps maintain that crispy crust without getting soggy.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, freeze your cheese sticks right after breading and before baking. Lay them out on a tray so they don’t stick together, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can bake them straight from frozen, making last-minute snack prep a breeze.

Reheating

When reheating, avoid the microwave—it tends to make the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery. Instead, pop them into a toaster oven or air fryer at 400°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. It’s the closest you’ll get to fresh-baked magic!

FAQs

Can I use regular mozzarella cheese instead of string cheese for this baked mozzarella sticks recipe?

You can, but string cheese is easier to handle and portion for this recipe. If you use a block of mozzarella, cut it into uniform sticks and ensure they’re well chilled or partially frozen before breading to help maintain their shape during baking.
How can I keep the cheese from leaking while baking?

Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks before baking is key—it firms up the cheese, minimizing leaks. Also, don’t overbake, as heat causes the cheese to melt beyond the crust and ooze out.
Is it possible to make these mozzarella sticks vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a vegan mozzarella alternative (like cashew-based cheese sticks) and substitute eggs with flax or aquafaba for the coating. Make sure your breadcrumbs don’t contain dairy to keep it vegan-friendly.
What dipping sauces go best with baked mozzarella sticks?

Traditional marinara or pizza sauce are classics, but I also enjoy ranch, spicy arrabbiata, pesto, or even a creamy garlic aioli for dipping. Mix it up depending on your mood or the occasion!

Final Thoughts

This baked mozzarella sticks recipe has been a game changer for me whenever I want that flaky crunch with warm, melty cheese but without the mess and oil of frying. It’s comforting, straightforward, and so satisfying—plus, you can make a big batch ahead of time and bake whenever the craving hits. I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do; they’re the perfect snack to share (or not!). Cozy up with a good movie or your favorite company, and don’t forget the dipping sauce!