Name: Baked Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
Prep time: PT-493955H24M26S
Cook time: PT-493955H24M26S
Total time: PT-493955H24M26S
Ingredients: 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons water; 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing); 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional); 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional); Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: These cheese sticks serve as the main component of the recipe. The quality of mozzarella you use makes a big difference in the meltiness of the cheese, so opt for high-quality mozzarella sticks.; Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for this recipe as they create a light, crispy coating that contrasts wonderfully with the melty cheese inside.; Parmesan Cheese: Adding Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture enhances the flavor with a salty, umami punch that pairs perfectly with mozzarella.; Eggs and Flour: These are used to create a coating that helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese sticks and ensures a crispy, golden finish when baked.; Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing with mozzarella cheese sticks, marinara provides a tangy, slightly sweet contrast to the richness of the cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cheese Sticks:

12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons water
2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing)

For the Dipping Sauce:

1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: These cheese sticks serve as the main component of the recipe. The quality of mozzarella you use makes a big difference in the meltiness of the cheese, so opt for high-quality mozzarella sticks.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for this recipe as they create a light, crispy coating that contrasts wonderfully with the melty cheese inside.
Parmesan Cheese: Adding Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture enhances the flavor with a salty, umami punch that pairs perfectly with mozzarella.
Eggs and Flour: These are used to create a coating that helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese sticks and ensures a crispy, golden finish when baked.
Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing with mozzarella cheese sticks, marinara provides a tangy, slightly sweet contrast to the richness of the cheese.

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Instructions

Prep the Cheese Sticks

Prepare the Cheese Sticks: Begin by unwrapping the mozzarella cheese sticks. If you are using larger pieces of mozzarella, slice them into sticks that are about 4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
Chill the Cheese Sticks: Place the cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for at least 15-20 minutes. Chilling the cheese helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during baking and ensures the sticks retain their shape.

Prepare the Coatings

Set Up the Dredging Station: Prepare three shallow bowls for the breading process:
- First bowl: Place the all-purpose flour in this bowl. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Second bowl: In this bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until smooth.
- Third bowl: Combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (optional), garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in the third bowl. Stir to combine.

Coat the Cheese Sticks

Coat in Flour: Take each chilled cheese stick and dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Dip in Egg Wash: Next, dip the floured cheese stick into the egg wash, covering it completely.
Coat with Breadcrumbs: After the egg wash, coat the cheese stick thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the cheese stick gently to ensure they adhere properly. For extra crispiness, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb process once more.

Bake the Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
Place the Cheese Sticks on the Baking Sheet: Arrange the coated cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced evenly and not touching each other.
Bake: Spray the cheese sticks lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil to promote crisping. Bake the cheese sticks in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can flip them halfway through the baking time for even crispiness.

Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional)

Prepare the Marinara Sauce: While the cheese sticks are baking, make the dipping sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Stir in olive oil, and if desired, add dried basil and oregano for extra flavor. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to heat through.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve: Once the cheese sticks are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve the mozzarella cheese sticks immediately with the marinara dipping sauce on the side.

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6-8
Calories: 150-200
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g