Print

Crispy Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe Easy Homemade Snack with Marinara Sauce

crispy baked mozzarella sticks - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy recipe for crispy baked mozzarella sticks with a homemade tangy marinara sauce, perfect for snacking or parties without the mess of frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 fresh full-fat mozzarella cheese sticks
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)
  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (150 g)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (50 g)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil spray or melted butter for coating
  • For the marinara sauce:
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz / 400 g)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Take the mozzarella sticks out of the fridge and let them sit for about 5 minutes to prevent breakage during coating.
  2. Set up three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture (combine Italian-style breadcrumbs, panko, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper).
  3. Roll each mozzarella stick in flour, tapping off excess. Dip into the egg wash, letting the extra drip off. Press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
  4. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb step once more for a double coating. Place each coated stick on a parchment-lined plate.
  5. Arrange the coated sticks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent cheese from melting out during baking.
  6. While freezing, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  7. Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Stir and simmer on low heat, partially covered, for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
  8. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray the chilled sticks with olive oil spray or brush with melted butter.
  9. Bake on the wire rack for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid cheese leaking out.
  10. Let the sticks cool for a minute or two on the rack before serving with warm marinara sauce.

Notes

Double coating the mozzarella sticks with egg and breadcrumbs is key for a crispy crust. Freezing the coated sticks before baking prevents cheese from leaking. Use a wire rack for even crisping or flip halfway if baking directly on parchment. Reheat leftovers in oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, baked mozzarella sticks, crispy mozzarella sticks, homemade snack, marinara sauce, easy snack, party food, baked cheese sticks

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/crispy-baked-mozzarella-sticks-recipe-easy-homemade-snack-with-marinara-sauce/