Baked Mozzarella Sticks are a lighter and equally delicious alternative to the deep-fried classic. These golden, crispy breaded cheese sticks are baked until perfectly crunchy on the outside and irresistibly gooey on the inside. Served with warm homemade marinara sauce, they make the perfect snack, party appetizer, or late-night indulgence.

Originating from Italian-American cuisine, mozzarella sticks have been a popular comfort food for decades — but this baked version lets you enjoy the same cheesy satisfaction with less oil and fewer calories!

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it turns a traditionally indulgent snack into a lighter, oven-baked delight without sacrificing any of the flavor or crunch. The cheese stays perfectly melted, the coating is crisp and golden, and the marinara adds the perfect tangy-sweet balance.

It’s easy to make, fun to prepare with kids, and always a crowd-pleaser — whether for a game night, movie marathon, or quick appetizer.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Healthier alternative to deep-fried mozzarella sticks.
Crispy outside, gooey inside — the ultimate texture contrast.
Perfect party snack — everyone loves melted cheese!
Make-ahead friendly — can be frozen and baked later.
Kid-friendly & fun to make.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour freezing time)
Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)
Servings: 6 (makes about 12 mozzarella sticks)
Calories: ~180 kcal per serving (2 sticks + sauce)

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Appetizer / Snack

Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese), halved crosswise
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons milk
1½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs (Italian-style preferred)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Olive oil spray (for baking)

For the Marinara Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

Coat mozzarella sticks in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
Freeze until firm.
Bake until golden and crisp.
Serve hot with marinara sauce.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese

Unwrap the string cheese sticks and cut each in half to create 24 mini sticks.
Place them in the freezer for at least 30–60 minutes — this prevents melting too quickly during baking.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In one shallow dish, add flour.
In a second dish, whisk together eggs and milk.
In a third dish, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, and pepper.

Step 3: Coat the Cheese

Dredge each frozen cheese stick in flour, shaking off the excess.
Dip into the egg mixture, then roll in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
For extra crunch, repeat the egg + breadcrumb coating once more.
Arrange the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Freeze Again

Freeze the coated mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour before baking (important step — prevents cheese leakage).

Step 5: Bake the Mozzarella Sticks

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with olive oil.
Arrange the frozen sticks in a single layer.
Spray the tops with a little olive oil for crispness.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and crispy.

(Watch closely near the end — overbaking can cause cheese to ooze out.)

Step 6: Make the Marinara Sauce

In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the hot baked mozzarella sticks immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

How to Serve

Arrange mozzarella sticks on a platter with a bowl of marinara sauce in the center.
Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan.
Serve as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or movie-night treat.

Additional Recipe Tips

Always freeze before baking — this is key to keeping the cheese inside.
Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy texture.
Don’t overbake — once the coating turns golden, remove immediately.
Add a pinch of chili flakes or paprika for a spicy twist.
For an extra cheesy crust, mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs.

Recipe Variations

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks:
- Cook in a preheated air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes until golden.
Spicy Mozzarella Sticks:
- Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
Gluten-Free Version:
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Herbed Mozzarella Sticks:
- Add finely chopped fresh parsley or thyme to the breadcrumbs.
Cheese Varieties:
- Try pepper jack, provolone, or cheddar sticks for fun flavor twists.

Freezing and Storage

To Freeze:

Arrange breaded mozzarella sticks on a tray and freeze until solid.
Transfer to an airtight freezer bag — they’ll last up to 2 months.
Bake directly from frozen (add 2–3 extra minutes to bake time).

To Store:

Refrigerate baked sticks in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes to crisp them again.

Special Equipment Needed

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Tongs or fork
Saucepan (for marinara)
Freezer space

FAQ

Q1: Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of string cheese?
A: It’s not recommended — fresh mozzarella contains too much moisture and will melt too quickly. Use low-moisture string cheese for best results.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Bread them and freeze before baking. Bake directly from frozen when needed.

Q3: How can I keep them from bursting open while baking?
A: Make sure they are fully frozen before baking and avoid overbaking.

Q4: Can I fry them instead?
A: Yes — fry in hot oil (350°F / 175°C) for 2–3 minutes until golden. But baking keeps them lighter and less greasy.

Q5: What can I serve instead of marinara?
A: Try ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo for a twist.

Conclusion

Baked Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce are everything you want in a snack — crispy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. They offer all the indulgence of the classic version but in a lighter, oven-baked form.

Perfect for parties, family movie nights, or anytime cravings strike, this recipe proves that comfort food can be both delicious and guilt-free. Serve them hot, dip generously, and enjoy the irresistible stretch of melted mozzarella goodness!