Name: Easy Baked Mozarella Sticks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1/2 Cup Wondra flour; 4 Lg. Eggs, beaten; 1 Cup Panko; 1 Cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs; 1 Tsp. Onion Powder; 1/2 Tsp. Garlic Powder; 2 Tbsp. Dried Oregano; 12 String Cheese sticks (Mozzarella), plastic wrappers removed; Kosher Salt and Freshly ground black pepper; Cooking Spray; 1 Cup Marinara Sauce; Fresh Basil Leaves for garnish (optional)

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OK, this is another oldie but goodie appetizer: Easy Baked Mozzarella Sticks. Typically, these are made with sliced mozzarella and they are usually deep fried. I have made this easy for everyone and just using string cheese. Genius, right? LOL The hardest part of this recipe is getting the plastic wrapping off each cheese stick.

I’ve also lighted this recipe up significantly by baking them instead of frying them. I start with a much lighter flour called Wondra…it keeps things lighter and won’t clump. There are a few tricks that will help you get that golden brown and super crunchy crust when baking.

1. Always use panko. These bread crumbs are crunchier than traditional bread crumbs and do the trick every time. You’ll note I mixed them with Italian seasoned breadcrumbs to get some flavor in there. This mix is a good combo.

2. Preheating your oven to a high temperature is a must.

3. Then, preheating your baking sheet so it is screaming hot will really help toast the bottom of the mozzarella sticks quickly.

4. Spraying the baking sheet AND the top of the mozzarella sticks gives them just enough oil to get the “fried” texture you are looking for without all the fat.

This method works when baking all kinds of traditionally fried foods like chicken, onion rings and fries. Try it.

So, let’s get started with this recipe. First, unwrap all of your cheese sticks. Then, set up your breading station. You’ll want to have one bowl for your Wondra flour that is seasoned with salt and pepper. Your second bowl will be the eggs beaten with salt, pepper and a splash of water. Your third bowl should be for your panko and Italian breadcrumbs. I season that coating further by adding onion and garlic powders and dried oregano. You are now ready to bread your cheese sticks.

Roll your cheese in the flour mixture then dip into the egg mixture. Let the excess drip off. Roll the cheese sticks in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture and place them on a platter. Continue until all the cheese sticks are breaded and on the platter or plate. Put the plate in the freeze for four hours to set and firm up. This will keep them from bursting in the hot oven.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with tin foil to assist with clean up. Put the empty baking sheet in the oven for 10 minutes to preheat. After 10 minutes, spray with cooking spray and place all your cheese sticks on the baking sheet. Spray the cheese with cooking spray. This will help them get golden brown in the oven. Pop into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.

While the cheese sticks are baking, I heat up my marinara dipping sauce. I simply pour the heated sauce into a small bowl and serve it on the side of the baked mozzarella sticks. So easy, so simple and so delicious.

I make my own Marinara Sauce but as always, feel free to use a premium jar of store-bought quality sauce…kids love ketchup! (Hint, hint) This recipe is incredibly easy to double, or triple. They go fast and are a favorite on any sports day menu.