Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Full of melty cheese and packed with flavor, these Baked Mozzarella Sticks are healthier than the fried kind and perfect to satisfy the munchies!
Ever have one of those days where you just want to devour everything and anything that you can possibly find in your kitchen? That’s usually me when I get home from work in the afternoons. I will pretty much grab anything that will tide me over until dinner.
Sometimes I crave salty foods like chips and pretzels, while other times I reach for some peanut butter or chocolate. These definitely aren’t the healthiest foods to snack on, but it does the trick of satisfying my hunger panes.
So when I got home from running errands last weekend, I felt my stomach starting to growl. But instead of reaching for the salty stuff, I decided to whip up one of my favorite snacks, but turn it into a healthier version.
And if you’re like me, anything filled with cheese is a winner in my book. In fact, I could eat cheese on just about anything, I love it that much. I pile it on tacos, baked potatoes, pizza, salads, and everything else in between. After all, that’s what it was meant for, right?
If you’re a fan of mozzarella sticks, then these Baked Mozzarella Sticks were made for you! They’re so easy to whip up and taste even better than the fried kind. The outside bakes up crispy and has a whole lot of flavor, while the inside is just oozing with melty cheese. Dip these babies in some marinara sauce, and you have yourself a crispy and delicious appetizer or snack.
So the next time you have a taste for the munchies, why not whip up these easy and delicious Baked Mozzarella Sticks? Brimming with flavor and melty cheese, this is the ultimate, healthier snack!
What’s Needed for Baked Mozzarella Sticks?
These homemade mozzarella sticks come together with minimal ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make these baked cheese sticks:
- Mozzarella cheese sticks
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Italian flavored breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
- Pepper
- Marinara sauce
How to Make Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Because these Baked Mozzarella Sticks take just minutes to prepare, they’re perfect for an after work or school snack or to cure those late night munchies. Since they’re baked, you don’t have to feel quite as guilty about sneaking a third (or fifth) stick. Sounds pretty good, right?
- Cut the cheese sticks in half.
- Dredge the cheese sticks first in flour, then beaten eggs, then a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder and pepper.
- Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes.
- Bake until lightly golden on outside, then serve with marinara sauce.
Can I Freeze Homemade Mozzarella Sticks?
Yes! Once you’ve breaded the mozzarella cheese sticks, freeze them on a baking tray. Once hardened, seal inside a freezer bag. You can bake the healthy mozzarella sticks straight from frozen.
Tips for the Best Mozzarella Sticks
- You can also use regular breadcrumbs in this recipe. You may want to stir in a little Italian seasoning to add extra flavor, but it’s optional.
- You can use any kind of mozzarella cheese sticks you’d like for this recipe.
- You MUST freeze the homemade mozzarella sticks before baking them. If you don’t, the cheese will ooze out of the breading.
Looking for more snack recipes? I’ve got you covered!
- Caramel Apple Baked Brie
- Stuffed Pizza Rolls
- Chocolate Cherry Granola Cups
- Cookies and Cream Popcorn
- Chicken Caprese Quesadillas
Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup Italian flavored breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Dash of pepper
- Marinara sauce for dipping, , if desired
Equipment
Instructions
- Cut cheese sticks in half. Set aside. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper or silpat baking mat. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, add the flour. In a small bowl, lightly whisk the eggs.
- In another medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and pepper. Lightly stir.
- Dredge each cheese stick in the flour mixture, then dunk into egg mixture, and finally coat all sides with breadcrumb mixture. Repeat with each cheese stick.
- Place onto lined baking tray and freeze for 30 minutes to 1 hour (to ensure that cheese doesn't melt too much when baking).
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden on outside. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
I used to go out on Saturday night and order fried mozzarella sticks. Oh, to be young again…it’s been a while since I’ve had any! But I love them so much, and the prospect of baking them is super appealing. It’s easier and healthier! I’m going to try this, Gayle!
I love the fried kind, too! Those are deadly at restaurants! 🙂 Thanks for the kind words, Mir!
I am confused, I thought comments were for rating. Not one comment shown here has made the mozzarella sticks. How would I know if they were tasty?
You just have to try for yourself, Emily! Hope you enjoy and thanks for stopping by!
I have tried to make these SO many times, but they never come out right. I am going to have to use your recipe and see if I can get them looking as perfect as yours.
Thanks, Dannii! Good luck with trying this recipe, I’m sure it’ll turn out great!
Gayle – I had the same thing happen to me a few days ago. I wanted to eat everything in sight. It didn’t help that I was at Starbucks where everything in the pastry case was shouting my name. Usually I make a point to go to the gym after work to avoid snacking too much! These baked mozzarella sticks look fabulous. I could totally see myself enjoying a bunch of those with my boyfriend. 🙂
Starbucks goodies are so hard to pass up, Erin! Thanks so much for the kind words!
Oh man. Fried mozzarella sticks are my WEAKNESS and now I totally don’t have to feel any guilt thanks to these baked beauties! Totally swooning over here, Gayle.—these are SO happening asap here!
Yes! The fried kind are way too hard to pass up! Luckily this baked version tastes even better! 🙂 Thanks, Sarah!
Mozzarella sticks are one of my favorite things in the entire world and I haven’t made them in wayyy too long. Your photos are gorgeous!!
Thanks so much for the kind words, Sues!
These mozzarella sticks sound like the perfect way to cure those hunger panes! They absolutely incredible! So crispy and delicious! Love that they are baked too!
Thanks, Kelly! I love that they’re baked too…makes it just a little easier to sneak a third helping! 🙂
Gayle, mozzarella sticks are like one of my fave things to eat and now, I have no idea why I’ve never made these at home!!!! love that they are baked because with all that cheese, you need to lighten it up somewhere. . these look amazing!!!! love!
Thank you, Alice! You’ll never miss that these are fried either, they taste amazing!
Gayle it’s been agea since I had mozzarella sticks! I love love that these are baked even though they are so super crunchy looking!!Pinned!
Thanks for the cheese stick love and pin, Ami! These mozzarella sticks are definitely crunchy and full of flavor!
Oooh, these look just delicious! Love that they are baked!
Thanks, Kelly!
These are great, Gayle! I haven’t had mozzarella sticks in forever. I would completely devour these. They look so crisp and melty. Oh, and I love that they’re baked!!
Thanks, Jen! I love the melty cheese, too. And I think I did devour the entire batch, except for a few that my husband snatched away! 🙂
My family would love these, Gayle! The boys are crazy for mozzarella sticks, and I love that these are a healthier version. Pinned! 🙂
Thanks so much for the kind words and pin, Blair! These are definitely kid (and husband) approved! 🙂
Hah, “one of those days” is pretty much every day for me… it’s terrible! Love how easy these are, I’ll definitely be keeping this recipe on hand for the next time I have “one of those days” 🙂
I know what you mean, Sam! Snack cravings can sometimes be the worst! Thanks for the kind words!
Love these baked mozzarella sticks! Yum!
Thanks, Jess!
Love that these are baked and look so crispy! One of my favorite appetizers, for sure!! Thanks, for sharing, Gayle!
Thanks for the kind words, Annie!
These look awesome and love that they’re baked + that you used Italian breadcrumbs 🙂
Thanks, Medha! Italian breadcrumbs are my favorite!
We are obsessed with mozzarella sticks. My sister is vegetarian, so this is a go to appetizer that we can all enjoy. Love this baked version! So much healthier than fried.
You just can’t go wrong with baked cheese! 🙂 Thanks for the kind words, Natalie!
I love love love cheese sticks with marinara! I’m definitely going to try your baked version! YUM!
Thanks, Rachelle! I hope you love these if you try them!
These look SO good! I can’t believe I’ve never made my own mozza sticks — definitely need to change that! Pinned!
You would love these, Ashley! Thanks for the pin!
I love that you made these healthier! baked is such a great alternative to fried! and I can totally relate to the devour everything and anything lol my body is used to staying up late and getting up late so when I wake up earlier than my normal those are the days when I can totally eat everything in sight! 😉 these looks awesome Gayle !
Thanks for the kind words, Michele! These are perfect to cure those munchies!
they look so crunchy and yummy! Great recipe Gayle!
Thanks, Manali!
These looks very delicious, Gayle! Loved that you baked’em!
Thanks, Savita!
I love that these are baked, Gayle! I would have never guessed. I have a soft spot for mozzarella sticks :). I need to try these!
Thanks, Annie! I think you would love these!
Oh my gosh!! These look so fun! I used to love these when I was little!! SO yummy! …and you made them SO much healthier!! Great job as usual!!
Thanks, Cailee!
These mozzarella sticks look crispy and delicious! I’ve never had success, when I’ve tried to make them at home. Pinning to try your recipe Gayle!
Thanks, Mira! I hope you love these if you try them!
I think I’m having one of those devour everything in sight moments right now! These look soooo delicious, Gayle! Wish I had a plate in front of me 😉
Thanks, Denise! You can devour just a few more of these since they’re baked, which is a winner in my book! 🙂
These photographs and styling are stunning and I love that these are baked Gayle!! Pinning!
Thanks so much for the kind words and pin, Mariah!
Looks mouthwatering! Great anytime appetizer. 🙂
Thanks, Valya!
Gayle, these look so beautifully crispy and golden brown! It’s so nice that they’re baked too, and I’m in love with that little basket! Pinned.
Thanks for the kind words and pin, Marcie!
Gale these look amazing!! I love how delicious they are looking and your photography is amazing! So trying these asap! Pinning!!
Thanks so much for the kind words and pin, friend!
These look so crispy and delicious. I am not sure there is anything better in the world than hot cheese!
I have pinned these to my appetisers board and I will be making them really soon 🙂
p.s I am odd and I like my mozzarella sticks without sauce (I know I am the only person in the world to say that ever!!!!) but my children will use a spoon (Never their fingers!!! No Never 😉 ) to finish the sauce!!!
Thanks so much for the kind words and pin, Claire! I hope you love these if you try them! And I do like my mozzarella sticks without sauce too, but if it’s available, I dunk them in! 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping bu!
these look so good, but I’m out of Italian breadcrumbs. can I use plain?
Hi Kristina! Yes, plain breadcrumbs would be just as delicious, too. If you want, you could add some Italian seasoning to the plain breadcrumbs to make them more flavorful, but even without that, it would turn out good. Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoy this recipe!