Easy Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
Looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fried mozzarella cheese sticks? Look no further than this Healthy and Easy Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks recipe! Baked instead of fried, these cheese sticks are crispy, delicious, and easy to make.
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Ingredients
- 4 oz Plain Panko breadcrumbs , or as needed
- 4 oz regular plain bread or crumbs , or as needed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Homemade Italian Seasoning or store-bought
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 (16-ounce) blocks of pasteurized mozzarella cut into 4 by ½-inch sticks
- 4 large eggs , beaten
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Olive oil cooking oil spray for coating the cheese sticks
- 4 cups Homemade Marinara Sauce or store-bought
Instructions
- Combine both bread crumbs in a shallow dish to blend, and set aside. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper, and set aside. Whisk together the egg and garlic powder in another shallow dish and set aside.
- Working with 1 piece of mozzarella at a time, dredge in the flour mix, dip in egg mixture, allowing the excess egg to drip back into the bowl, and coat in breadcrumbs mix; repeat this process one more time by dipping in the egg mixture again followed by dipping in the bread crumbs again. (Use one hand with the dry mixture and the other with the wet mixture). Place the cheese sticks on a baking sheet.
- Repeat dipping the cheese sticks in the egg and bread crumb mixture to coat a second time. Cover and freeze until frozen, about 2 hours, or up to overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place the mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange breaded Mozzarella sticks in a single layer and thoroughly coat them with the olive oil cooking spray.
- Place on the middle rack of the oven. Bake until golden, about 9 to11 minutes. Transfer the baked cheese to plates and serve with the Homemade Marinara Sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Ensure they have cooled completely. You can either refrigerate or freeze them for later consumption. For refrigeration, place the cooled cheese sticks in an airtight container or zippered bag and store them in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
If you prefer to freeze them, arrange the cooled cheese sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zippered bag and store them in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.
To reheat: When you're ready to enjoy the cheese sticks again, you can reheat them in either the oven or an air fryer. For oven reheating, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the frozen or refrigerated cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake them for about 10 to 12 minutes until they are heated through and crispy.
If using an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C), place the cheese sticks in the basket, and cook for approximately 5 to 6 minutes until they are heated and crispy.
Make-Ahead
To make your Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks ahead of time, prepare and bread them according to the recipe instructions. Once breaded, you have two options for make-ahead preparation: refrigeration or freezing. If serving within a day or two, refrigerate the cheese sticks on a lined baking sheet covered with plastic wrap or foil.
When ready to bake, remove the breaded cheese sticks from the refrigerator and proceed with baking. For longer storage, freeze the breaded cheese sticks on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months. When ready to enjoy them, bake as directed, adjusting the baking time if needed.
How to Freeze
To freeze your Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, bread them as directed in the recipe, then place them on a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cheese sticks to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn, and label them with the date. They can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake them from frozen, adjusting the baking time until they are heated and crispy. Freezing your Mozzarella Cheese Sticks provides a convenient supply of quick and delicious snacks or appetizers.
Nutrition Facts
Easy Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
Amount per Serving
Calories
78
% Daily Value*
Fat
1
g
2
%
Saturated Fat
0.4
g
3
%
Trans Fat
0.003
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.4
g
Cholesterol
27
mg
9
%
Sodium
322
mg
14
%
Potassium
162
mg
5
%
Carbohydrates
13
g
4
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
2
g
2
%
Protein
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
239
IU
5
%
Vitamin C
3
mg
4
%
Calcium
35
mg
4
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
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